Who was Stuart Burrows? Career explored as opera singer dies at 92

Stuart Burrows, a Welsh operatic tenor, has passed away at the age of 93. Stuart Burrows was born in Cilfynydd on William Street. His passion for singing started as a child when he started singing soprano. As per BBC, Burrows first sang with the Welsh National Opera in 1963.

Remembering the singer, Kim Howells, the culture minister of the UK government, wrote,

"Stuart Burrows had an amazing voice, he was an internationally renowned singer and very remarkable individual who came from this south Wales valleys village which has produced so many extraordinary people from rugby players to politicians. We've lost a great here and I send my condolences to his family."

The singer also performed at the La Scala opera house in Milan, Carnegie Hall in New York, and London’s Royal Opera House. Additionally, Burrows had his music show on BBC Two, titled Stuart Burrows Sings.

Exploring the career of Stuart Burrows

Burrows began his career as a teacher in Bargoed, and over the course of time, he became famous for his unique voice. He was recognized for his covers of Beethoven, Mozart, and others, gaining global recognition.

After performing at the Welsh National Opera, Burrows gained worldwide recognition at the Athens Festival for his role in Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex in 1967. He performed Madama Butterfly in Vienna, Don Giovanni in Brussels and San Diego, and many other places, including Paris, Belgium, and at the Cardiff Festival.

Burrows was honored with awards like an OBE in 2007, an honorary doctorate from the University of Wales, fellowships from Trinity College Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, and a Eurotunnel plaque in 1992.

Most famous works of Stuart Burrows

As reported by Wales Online, Stuart was famous by the title King of Mozart. Some of his most famous works include Eugene Onegin, The Magic Flute, and La Sonnambula.

Burrows also started an international singing competition at Trinity University College, Wales, to support young singers and promote their talent. As per the University of Wales website,

"The Stuart Burrows International Voice Award attracts singers from across the globe and is seen as one of the UK’s most important events for young singers."

Talking about the competition, the vice-chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Professor Medwin Hughes, also said in a statement:

"The Stuart Burrows International Voice Award grows from strength to strength, and we are honoured that the world-renowned tenor lends his name to the competition."

Fans from around the world are remembering Burrows after his death. Many are paying tribute to him through messages and recalling how he supported and inspired many singers through his work.

In 2008, Burrows was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf.

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