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Osian Gwynn Ellis

(1928-2021), Harpist and composer

Sitter in 1 portrait
Welsh harpist, Ellis began his association with Britten and the Aldeburgh Festival in 1959. During the 1960s Britten wrote harp parts for him in several major works, notably A Midsummer Night's Dream (1960), War Requiem (1962), The Church Parables (1964-8), and in 1969 composed the Harp Suite in C at his request. After 1973 Ellis became a regular accompanist on tour with Pears, and Britten wrote them several pieces for tenor and harp, including Canticle V, The Death of Saint Narcissus(1974) and Eight Folk Song Arrangements (1976).

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Osian Gwynn Ellis; Peter Pears

by Nigel Luckhurst
bromide print, 17 June 1976
NPG x15265

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Place

Flintshire

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Osian Gwynn Ellis

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