Our 2011 interview with Nerys Jones, Welsh mezzo-soprano and harpist who appeared at the West Coast Eisteddfod in Los Angeles and will be directing the 78th Gymanfa Ganu at Bryn Seion Welsh Church, Beavercreek, Oregon on June 23rd 2013.

AmeriCymru: Many thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by AmeriCymru. When did you take up playing the harp? At what point did you become aware that it was the instrument for you?

Nerys: I started playing the harp at the age of 8 till about 14. Sadly, I gave up playing at that time, partly due to the fact that we did not have a harp in the home for me to continue practicing seriously. I always dreamt of owning my own harp. Two years ago I was fortunate enough to receive a Salvi Lever harp as a gift from my husband, but having not played for 30yrs, it was quite a challenge to figure it all out again!

AmeriCymru: You have played soprano roles with many of the worlds leading opera companies including the Welsh National Opera, Scottish Opera and the English National Opera. Do you have a favorite role?

Nerys: As a High Mezzo Soprano, and short in height, I was given the challenge of many 'pant roles' (young boys, that would have originally been sung by 'Castrati'). I have much affection for the character Cherubino from Le Nozze di Figaro, Mozart (The Marriage of Figaro) which is the role that I have sang the most, but the role that gave me the most enjoyment was Hansel from Hansel & Gretel.

AmeriCymru: You were born and educated in Mid Wales. Can you tell us a little more about your Welsh background? What is your fondest childhood memory?

Nerys: I was born in the heart of Wales (Montgomeryshire) and grew up on a farm just outside a village called Llanfair Caereinion. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister and I was a bit of a 'tom boy'. One of the fondest memory of my childhood was walking with my 'Taid' (grandfather, who lived to the age of 99) on a regular basis up to a hill on his farmland, and looking out over the wondrous beauty of the Vyrnwy Valley.

AmeriCymru: You studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. How did you enjoy your time in Scotland?

Nerys: My time in Scotland was one of great joy. I made friends for life, and Glasgow will always have a special place in my heart.

AmeriCymru: You migrated to the USA in 2006. Prior to that you had your own TV show on S4C, Yng Nghwmni Nerys Jones (In the company of Nerys Jones) . Care to tell us a little more about your experience working in television?

Nerys: I stumbled across the TV work in my teenage years, when I was an active member of 'Cwmni Theater Maldwyn' (Montgomeryshire Theatre Company), and through this I was given my first opportunity to perform on S4C. I sang twice in the 'Can i Gymru' (Song for Wales) competition and was asked on many occasion to guest star on various shows. This opened the door for me to host my own show, singing songs in Welsh by the likes of Cole Porter, Gershwin and of course Whitney Houston!

AmeriCymru: What will you be performing at the WCE? Care to give us a sneak preview?

Nerys: I am very excited to be taking part in the WCE. My program will consist of well known Welsh folk songs: Suo Gan, Dafydd y Garreg Wen and of course the fun nonsense song Oes Gafr Eto to name just a few.

AmeriCymru: What do you listen to for pleasure? Any recommendations?

Nerys: I love Country Rock, but one of my favourite singers of all time would have to be Whitney Houston (female) and Freddie Mercury (male).

AmeriCymru: Will Wales win the Rugby World Cup?

Nerys: Absolutely!!!!!!!

AmeriCymru: What's next for Nerys Jones?

Nerys: Continue to add more songs to my voice & harp program, and maybe even start having lessons again.....time permitting. In October I will have the privilege of conducting my first Gymanfa Ganu (Congregational Hymn singing) for the Seattle Welsh Society, and I will also be singing my first operatic role in Russian, Madam Larina from Eugen Onegin.

AmeriCymru: Any final message for the readers and members of AmeriCymru?

Nerys: At the age of 4, I took part in my first Eisteddfod, and it became an important part of my life for the following 14 years, and I am thrilled to be a part of this event in LA, to enjoy and share the amazing culture of Wales.....The Land of Song! Diolch o galon am y gwahoddiad i ddod a rhanu diwylliant rhyfeddol Cymru Fach!

Interview by Ceri Shaw Email