The Science of Singing with Dame Gwyneth Jones

The Science of Singing with Dame Gwyneth Jones explored the science behind music and singing at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
Monday 13-Sunday 19 June

Throughout the week you could visit our 'Science and Singing' exhibit in St David's Hall, where you were able to try auto-tuning your voice, test your musical perception and discover remedies used by professional and celebrity singers over the past 75 years. This film summarises the event.

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Running time: 4 min 22 s

Read the transcript [PDF 104KB]

On Saturday 18 June, world-renowned soprano Dame Gwyneth Jones and vocal scientist Tom Harris gave a live workshop with a choir, where they taught young singers the best techniques to warm up and look after their voices. This was followed by the Big Sing - an uplifting public vocal performance by the choir, celebrating the Trust's 75th anniversary with a repertoire of popular songs from famous singers aged 75.

In the afternoon, Dame Gwyneth - who celebrates her 75th birthday in November - gave a masterclass at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to two students. Here, she was joined by leading laryngologist Professor Martin Birchall, who gave a short talk on the biomechanics of singing and vocal health.

Dame Gwyneth epitomises the health benefits that singing can bring. At 28 she replaced Leontyne Price in a New Giulini/Visconti production of ‘Il Trovatore’ at The Royal Opera Covent Garden, resulting in immediate international acclaim and the beginning of a long and successful career. Her dramatic soprano voice and stage presence are widely admired.

“I am delighted to be working with the Wellcome Trust to celebrate their 75th anniversary. The Trust has played a vital role in some of the most groundbreaking medical and scientific developments of the past 75 years. As a singer, I place great value on the Trust’s research into vocal health and understanding the musical brain, as well its support for innovative art and science projects.”
Dame Gwyneth Jones

'Science and Singing' exhibit
Monday 13-Sunday 19 June, 10.00-19.00
St David’s Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AH

The Big Sing with Dame Gwyneth Jones and vocal scientist Tom Harris
Saturday 18 June, 12.00-12.30
The front steps of St David’s Hall, The Hayes, Cardiff, CF10 1AH

A Vocal Masterclass with Dame Gwyneth Jones and Professor Martin Birchall
Saturday 18 June, 14.30-15.30
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Castle Grounds, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3ER