Accompanist -

Mr Brian James

Brian was born and still lives in the village of Cwmaman in the Cynon valley. He is an accomplished pianist and actor. Brian studied privately with the London College of Music winning several prizes and regularly plays the organ at the local parish Church of St. Joseph,s in Cwmaman. He was a founder member of Cwmaman Operatic Society in 1968 where he was their accompanist before taking over as their Musical Director. In 1989 he became Musical director of Mid Rhondda Operatic Society until 1999 when he returned to Cwmaman opera for a production of �Meet me in St. Louis� which was part of the events for the newly refurbished theatre which was re- opened by a visit of Prince Charles.

As an actor his many roles have ranged from farce to Shakespeare and he has in recent years taken leading roles with Cwmpas Theatre in their Shakespearian productions held in the summer in the grounds of Tredegar House, Newport. He also has turned his hand to directing plays.

In his �spare time� he likes to go walking in the Welsh mountains and regularly arranges an excursion to get to the Swiss Alps in the spring.