Rhydian Roberts
This baritone came into the public's consciousness in 2007, when he starred in X Factor.
The Welsh star, formerly a personal trainer, received classical training at Birmingham Conservatoire, and was about to start a course in musical theatre at the Royal Academy of Music when his life changed forever.
Biography
In the face of scorn from his music college peers, Rhydian auditioned for X Factor, and his trademark white hair and flamboyant dress sense made him an audience favourite immediately.
Three years later, Rhydian is happy with his status as a classical crossover singer, and continues to bring his music to a wider audience through his debut album, released in November 2009.
Music
Rhydian’s second studio album O Fortuna pays homage to his Welsh heritage, with works by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins and joint performances with opera superstar Bryn Terfel, harpist Catrin Finch and a male voice choir. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa also joins Rhydian on the album, for ‘Benedictus’ from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man.
O Fortuna also features musical theatre and pop favourites, and Rhydian acknowledges as idols pop singers like Christina Aguilera and Tina Turner. But another of his idols is opera singer Simon Keenlyside, and Rhydian’s own classical training is evident in all of the music he sings.
Listen to Rhydian talking to Mark Forrest on the Classic FM Magazine Show.
