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Trystan Llŷr Griffiths

Tenor

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Artist Manager: Sioned Jones sioned.jones@harlequin-agency.co.uk


With his soaring top notes and easy charm, Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths is in great demand as a concert Artist. He is also quickly making his mark on the International Opera Stage, having worked with Opéra National de Lorraine, Zürich Opera, Scottish Opera, Opera North and Welsh National Opera.

Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff and National Opera Studio, London, before joining the International Opera Studio in Zürich for the 2016/17 season.

Last season, Trystan made his role debut as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte for Opera National du Rhin in Strasbourg and also for Welsh National Opera. This season he performed the role of Culhwch in the premiere of Gareth Glyn’s new Welsh language opera Peth Bach ‘di Cawr (A Giant’s a Small Matter) based on the Mabinogi legend, Culhwch and Olwen. He also recently performed the role of Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for WNO, having made his debut in the role for Garsington Opera in 2019. Other highlights include Oronte in Alcina for Opéra National de Lorraine, Kudryas in Katya Kabanova with Scottish Opera and for Opéra National de Lorraine, Jaquino in concert performances of Fidelio for Garsington Opera, 2nd Priest and 1st Armed Man in Die Zauberflöte at Festival d’Aix en Provence and Dutch National Opera, Ferrando in Scottish Opera's touring production of Cosi fan tutte and his company debut for WNO as Beppe in I Pagliacci. Future plans include his role debuts as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi and Young Lover in Il Tabarro in WNO’s Il Trittico.

His various roles whilst in Zürich include Beppe in I Pagliacci, Lehrer in Lady Macbeth von Mzensk, Servo d'Amelia in Un Ballo in Maschera, 1st Brabantischer Edler in Lohengrin for Zürich Opera. He also performed the roles of Gonzalve in L'heure espagnole and La théière in L'enfant et les sortilèges with the International Opera Studio at Theater Winterthur, Zürich. He has also performed the role of Carlos in a recording of Donizetti’s Le Duc d’Albe with the Hallé Orchestra conducted by Sir Mark Elder for Opera Rara.

Trystan recently performed in a concert of music by Leonard Bernstein with the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest conducted by Alexander Shelley at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Other highlights include Mozart Requiem with the Orchestre Prométhée at Festival de Lacoste, Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall, London, Classic FM Live concert 2018 at the Royal Albert Hall, London and a concert with Sir Bryn Terfel and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for Raymond Gubbay at the Royal Festival Hall, London ‘The Glory of Christmas’ concerts for Raymond Gubbay Limited at the Royal Festival Hall in London and National Concert Hall in Dublin. He performed at the 2017 Huawei Winter Concert with Katherine Jenkins and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at London’s Royal Festival Hall and made his BBC Proms debut in 2016 performing Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music conducted by Sakari Oramo.

Trystan has won numerous awards, including the Second Prize in the prestigious Paris Opera Competition at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. In 2012, Trystan was named the ‘Voice of Wales’ by Decca Records after a search of over 600 singers in a series televised by S4C. He is also one of the first recipients of a Study Award from the Bryn Terfel Foundation. Other prizes and awards include the 2014 Ian Stoutzker Prize; 2014 Bruce Millar Gulliver Singing Prize, 2013 RWCMD HRH Prince of Wales Scholarship, The 2013 Dunraven Welsh Young Singer of the Year Prize, The 2012 MOCSA Young Welsh Singer of the Year Award, The 2012 Sybil Tutton Award and the 2011 W. Towyn Roberts Scholarship at the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

He has performed in recital at the Opéra National de Lorraine, St Martin-in-the-Fields in London and at the Cardiff and Cowbridge Music Festivals.

His self-titled debut album was released on the SAIN label in 2015. Trystan also featured as the tenor soloist in a recording of O Holy Night with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Classic FM’s ‘Nations Favourite Carols Album’, 2017.


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Bach Magnificat
Charpentier Messe de Minuit pour Noël
Dale, Rebecca Materna Requiem
Gounod Messe solennelle en L'honneur de Sainte-Cecile
Handel Messiah
Haydn Nicolai Mass
Haydn Creation
Haydn Nicolai Mass
Mendelssohn Elijah
Mozart Missa Brevis
Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle
Saint-Saëns Oratorio de Noël, Op.12
Stainer Crucifixion
Vaughan Williams Oratorio de Noël, Op.12
Bach
Magnificat
Charpentier
Messe de Minuit pour Noël
Dale, Rebecca
Materna Requiem
Gounod
Messe solennelle en L'honneur de Sainte-Cecile
Handel
Messiah
Haydn
Nicolai Mass
Haydn
Creation
Haydn
Nicolai Mass
Mendelssohn
Elijah
Mozart
Missa Brevis
Rossini
Petite Messe Solennelle
Saint-Saëns
Oratorio de Noël, Op.12
Stainer
Crucifixion
Vaughan Williams
Oratorio de Noël, Op.12
Bizet CarmenRemendado
Britten The Rape of LucretiaMale Chorus
Donizetti L’Elisir d’AmoreNemorino (u)
Dove FlightBill
Handel AlcinaOronte (u)
Leoncavallo I PagliacciBeppe
Mozart Die Zauberflöte Tamino, First Priest, Second Armed Man
Mozart Cosi fan tutteFerrando
Mozart Don GiovanniDon Ottavio
Ravel L'enfant et les sortilègesWedgwood Teapot
Ravel L'heure espagnoleGonzalve
Shostakovich Lady Macbeth von MzenskLehrer
Valtinoni Der Zauberer von Oz Die Vogelscheuche (Scarecrow) (u)
Verdi Un ballo in Maschera Un Servo di Amelia
Wagner Erster Brabantischer Edler Lohengrin
Bizet
Carmen
Remendado
Britten
The Rape of Lucretia
Male Chorus
Donizetti
L’Elisir d’Amore
Nemorino (u)
Dove
Flight
Bill
Handel
Alcina
Oronte (u)
Leoncavallo
I Pagliacci
Beppe
Mozart
Die Zauberflöte
Tamino, First Priest, Second Armed Man
Mozart
Cosi fan tutte
Ferrando
Mozart
Don Giovanni
Don Ottavio
Ravel
L'enfant et les sortilèges
Wedgwood Teapot
Ravel
L'heure espagnole
Gonzalve
Shostakovich
Lady Macbeth von Mzensk
Lehrer
Valtinoni
Der Zauberer von Oz
Die Vogelscheuche (Scarecrow) (u)
Verdi
Un ballo in Maschera
Un Servo di Amelia
Wagner
Erster Brabantischer Edler
Lohengrin

Opera

Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
The Guardian
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths’s tenor made for a robust Tamino.
Tamino in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte for Opéra National du Rhin, Strasbourg
Concerto.net
More confidence for the Tamino of the Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, a nice timbre and physique that even allows him not to look ridiculous in "summer clothes", once the three Ladies, taking advantage of his fainting spell to steal most of his his warrior finery, left him only his underpants and his socks. (Davantage d’assurance pour le Tamino du ténor gallois Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, joli timbre et physique qui lui permet même de ne pas paraître ridicule en "tenue estival", une fois que les trois Dames, profitant de son évanouissement pour lui subtiliser la plupart de ses atours guerriers, ne lui ont laissé que son caleçon et ses chaussettes)
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
Opera Today
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths is an ardent and strong willed Tamino
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
Buzz Magazine
On the singing front, there are fine features. Prince Tamino is played by the straight-laced and handsome Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, here given at least three costumes for most of his adventure. Griffiths made his name in Wales and continues to impress (his stint in the company’s Don Giovanni is well remembered a year ago); his tenor has gusto and is lovely to hear.
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
Art Scene in Wales
The best thing was the Tamino of the excellent tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
The Telegraph
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths’s Tamino is ardent.
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
The Arts Desk
. Of the main cast, only the Tamino, Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, and the Queen of the Night, Julia Sitkovetsky are up to the standard we normally take for granted with this company.
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
The Stage
....high-quality singing from Trystan Llŷr Griffiths’ elegant Tamino,
Tamino in The Magic Flute by Mozart for Welsh National Opera
The Times
Trystan Llyr Griffiths's likeable Tamino...
Tamino in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte for Opéra National du Rhin, Strasbourg
www.olyrix.com
"In Tamino, the Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths shines clear highs and soft mids. ....the precision of the phrasing, and the lightness of the vibrato as well as its sincere and careful play, immediately seduce" (En Tamino, le ténor Gallois Trystan Llyr Griffiths fait briller de clairs aigus et des médiums souples...la précision des phrasés et la légèreté du vibrato ainsi que son jeu sincère et soigné, séduisent d'emblée.)
Tamino in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte for Opéra National du Rhin, Strasbourg
www.altamusica.net
"Vocally, Trystan’ Llyr Griffiths’ Tamino offers presence and breadth, perfectly in tune with Hélène Charpentier’s Pamina" (Vocalement, le Tamino de Trystan Llyr Griffiths offer présence et ampleur, parfaitement en phase Alec la Pamina d'Hélène Charpentie)
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Welsh National Opera
The Guardian
Her Don Ottavio, Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, made the most of his big arias, apparently more fearless than the character he portrayed
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Welsh National Opera
The Arts Desk
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths is that rarity, an almost convincing Ottavio, honour without action, but with musical spirit at least...entirely excellent in “Il mio tesoro,”
Don Ottavio in a concert performance of Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera at the TCE, Paris
Le Blog de JEAN PIERRE ROUSSEAU La Musique, la Vie, les Idées en liberté
We save the best for last, the young Welsh tenor Trystan Llyr Griffiths. He has everything going for him! And as Mozart had the good sense to entrust two of his finest tenor arias to Don Ottavio in his Don Giovanni - Dalla sua pace and Il mio tesoro intanto - Trystan Llyr Griffiths led me more than once to the edge tears ... Ah this recovery on the top of the breath of the theme of Dalla sua pace! Instant of eternity.
Don Ottavio in a concert performance of Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera at the TCE, Paris
Forum Opera
Starting with the Welsh tenor Trystan Llr Griffiths, much applauded at the curtain call. His breathing is admirable (notably in the vocals of "Il mio tesoro", and the superb pianis of the cover of "Dalla sua Pace") and he portrays a very convincing and very vindictive Ottavio.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Opera
Trystan Llyr Griffiths negotiated skilfully many of the difficult turns in Ottavio's arias.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Art Scene
No such problem with Trystan Llŷr Griffiths’ gloriously sung Ottavio. The rising young Pembrokeshire tenor delighted with his two exquisite arias, in which he demonstrated great sensitivity and control, pairing technical flair and emotional elegance
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Oxford Times
To the emotional heft of the work is added the notable contribution of Anna’s swain Don Ottavio (tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths) who brought tears to my eyes in the affecting aria ‘Dalla sua pace’ .
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera 2019
Arts Journal
The evening’s vocal honours, though, belonged to the tenor, Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, making his Garsington debut as Ottavio. He sang his character’s first aria with passion and sweetness, managing a thrilling ppp that hushed the audience but was heard everywhere in the house.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera 2019
Musical Opinion
Trystan Llyr Griffiths is one of the most convincing Don Ottavio’s I can recall. His singing is magnificent and he is a genuinely convincing foil perfectly capable of standing up to Giovanni .
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera, June 2019
Henley Standard
Her fiancé Ottavio (Trystan Llyr Griffiths) sang rapturously in both his big numbers “Dalla sua pace” and “Il mio tesoro”.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
The Sunday Times
Trystan Llyr Griffiths's handsome Don Ottavio makes more than most of the character.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Daily Mail
The up-and-coming Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths is also an appealing Don Ottavio.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
The Spectator
Trystan Llyr Griffiths floated his tenor sweet and high as Ottavio
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Opera Today
Trystan Llŷr Griffith’s Ottavio was a strong presence in the ensembles and deservedly got to sing both of his arias, in which he demonstrated sensitive variation and gradation of colour, warmth and strength: he earned his rich applause.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Classical Source
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths sings both of Ottavio’s arias with Mozartean elegance and is almost forceful as Anna’s fiancé.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
The Times
Trystan Llyr Griffiths is a tuneful Ottavio
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
MusicOMH
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths fared much better as Ottavio, his very poignant tone ideal for the part, and like Sky Ingram he made the most of his unusual portrayal as not a drip but a force to be reckoned with. His two arias were delivered with accuracy and aplomb........................The music is sublime, and you’ll get to hear an Elvira, Zerlina and Ottavio who would be at home on any stage anywhere in the world.
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
The Stage
Elsewhere there’s a lyrical Don Ottavio from Trystan Llyr Griffiths,
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
bachtrack
Tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths deservedly got to sing both Don Ottavio’s great arias and delivered them with passionate élan
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
The Stage
....a lyrical Don Ottavio from Trystan Llyr Griffiths
Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni for Garsington Opera
Culture Whisper
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths sings a tender Don Ottavio with character.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
The Spectator
Hanna Hipp and Trystan Llyr Griffiths, an engaging pair
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
Seen and Heard International
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths sang Kudrjash with youthful charm and vigour.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
Edinburgh Festival
Vocal performances are all strong, and Hanna Hipp as Varvara shone, as did Vanya in the form of Trystan Llyr Griffiths.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
Glasgow Theatre Blog
Much more successful are lovers Varvara (Hanna Hipp) and Vanya (Trystan Llŷr Griffiths) who provide a lively foil to the darker goings on.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
The Scotsman
...ripe performances by Trystan Llŷr Griffiths and Hanna Hipp inject a juiciness and lust.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
The Scotsman
Vanya and Varvara, whose ripe performances by Trystan Llŷr Griffiths and Hanna Hipp inject a juiciness and lust.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
The Times
Hipp and Llyr Griffiths spark into life - they feel like people you might actually know.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
The List
The parallel lovers, Vanya and Vavara (Trystan Llyr Griffiths and Hanna Hipp), capture a youthful yearning and sensuality
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
Scots Gay Arts
.....that was done effortlessly by Vanya’s Trystan Llŷr Griffiths whose lyrical tenor and cheerful personality was a perfect foil to the feisty Varvara of Hanna Hipp.
Kudryash in Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera
bachtrack
The pair of young lovers almost stole the show with their strongly sung performances, Trystan Llŷr Griffiths’ Vanya fully relishing the challenges of the Czech words and Hanna Hipp’s courageous Varvara.
2nd Priest and 1st Armed Man in Die Zauberflöte at Festival d'Aix en Provence, July 2018
Bachtrack
The singing cast was surprisingly strong in depth. It's not often that one remarks on the contribution made by ... the Two Armed Men, but ... I particularly enjoyed the strength of Trystan Llŷr Griffiths' First Armed Man.
2nd Priest and 1st Armed Man in Die Zauberflöte at Festival d'Aix en Provence, July 2018
Olyrix
He is surrounded by an indispensable pair of officers, Geoffroy Buffière and Trystan Llŷr Griffiths with a special mention for the "tenority" of the latter.
Koudriach in Katya Kabanova at Opera National de Lorraine, February 2018
Forum Opera
The young Welsh tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, who we recently noticed on Opera Rara's recording of Le Duc D'albe, makes quite the convincing Koudriach, the young lover with warm and sweet tone whose song is conducted with poetry. He and Eleonore Pancrazi (Varvara) make a lovely couple.
Koudriach in Katya Kabanova at Opera National de Lorraine, February 2018
Olyrix
Koudriach, lover of Varvara, is played by tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths. He has a vigorous tone and a lovely vocal line.
Koudriach in Katya Kabanova at Opera National de Lorraine, February 2018
Diapason
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths (Koudriach) was irresistibly charming.
Koudriach in Katya Kabanova at Opera National de Lorraine, February 2018
webtheatre
Koudriach has the firm voice of the young tenor Trystan Llŷr Griffiths
Beppe in Pagliacci for Zurich Opera, September 2016
Seen and Heard International
Welsh newcomer Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, as Beppe, has an attractive light lyrical tenor.
Beppe in Pagliacci for Zurich Opera, September 2016
Oper Aktuell
Eine Entdeckung war auch der ausgesprochen sauber, kontrolliert und subtil geführte lyrische Tenor von Trystan Llŷr Griffiths als Beppe, der einzige besonnene Artist in Canios Komödiantentruppe, der vergeblich versucht, das fatale Drama zu verhindern.
Beppe in Pagliacci for Welsh National Opera, May 2016
Arts Scene in Wales
and as Beppe the young Trystan Llŷr Griffiths makes his mark as a likable young singer.
Beppe in Pagliacci for Welsh National Opera, May 2016
The Times
Trystan Llyr Griffiths was a tender-hearted Beppe.
Beppe in Pagliacci for Welsh National Opera, May 2016
The Arts Desk
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths a smart, noticeable Beppe.
Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte with Scottish Opera, September 2015
The Guardian
Trystan Llyr Griffiths (Ferrando) sings brightly and stylishly and roams the stage with all the right swagger.
Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte with Scottish Opera, September 2015
The Scotsman
Trystan Llyr Griffiths invests Ferrando's every gesture with meaning.

Recordings

Carlos in Le Duc D'albe with Opera Rara, conducted by Sir Mark Elder, February 2016
Planet Hugill
A disc worth hearing. The smaller roles are all strongly cast, with Trystan Llyr Griffiths as Carlos.

Competitions

Paris Opera Competition, January 2017
Bachtrack
Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, tenor from the Mozart Academy that year, was distinguished as Tamino ("Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön"). Currently perfecting himself at the International Opera Studio in Zürich, the beauty of his vocal line seemed to be the basis for the deployment of a clear but nevertheless projected timbre, ideal for singing Mozart ------------------------------------Trystan Llŷr Griffiths, ténor également issu de l’académie Mozart la même année, s’est quant à lui distingué en Tamino (« Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön »). Se perfectionnant actuellement à l’International Opera Studio de Zürich, la beauté de sa ligne vocale semblait lui servir d’assise au déploiement d’un timbre clair mais néanmoins projeté, idéal pour chanter Mozart

This Artist Biography was last updated on 14 November 2023. It is our policy to update biographies every six months. If this information is to be used after 14 May 2024 please contact us and we shall be delighted to supply you with the latest version by return.