THOMAS, GEORGE ISAAC (‘Arfryn ’; 1895-1941), musician and composer;
b. at Spencer House, Llanboidy, Carms., 29 Nov. 1895, the son of Rhys Morgan and Margaret (née Jones) Thomas. He was educated at the University College, Cardiff (1920-22), and the Royal College of Music (1923-26). He became an A.R.C.M. as an accompanist in Sept. 1924, and A.R.C.O in July 1926. He passed the theory examination in 1927, but lost his health before completing the F.R.C.O course. He conducted the Ammanford and District orchestra from 1914 to 1922. He acted as the accompanist at the national eisteddfod at Ammanford in 1922, and as a harpist in Lady Brittain's (‘Telynores y Golomen Wen’) harp choir in the eisteddfod concert. During his stay in London he was organist of Charing Cross chapel (CM), and accompanied and conducted the London-Welsh Male Voice Choir. After returning to Wales he was organist of Bethany chapel, Ammanford. He conducted singing festivals, lectured and composed solos and hymn tunes. He d. 31 Dec. 1941 and was buried in the cemetery of the old chapel, Betws, on 3 Jan. 1942.
Bibliography:
- Information from this brother J. Emlyn Thomas.
Author:
Evan David Jones, F.S.A., (1903-87), Aberystwyth
