Evan Thomas Davies, (1878-1969), Emeritus Director of Music at the University College of North Wales (now known as the University of Wales, Bangor), fellow of the Royal College of Organists, composer and conductor was born at Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, South Wales. Educated privately, he toured the United States as a pianist and organist, was organist and choirmaster at Christchurch Cyfarthfa, Merthyr Tydfil, 1900-3 and at Pontmorlais Church, 1903-17. He was the first full time Director of Music at the University College of North Wales, 1920-43 and became Director Emeritus in 1943. He was Vice President of the Welsh Folk-Song Society and a member of the Incorporated Society of Musicians since 1900. He acted as adjudicator at many National Eisteddfodau and international music competitions and was conductor at several National Eisteddfod concerts. For a time, he was also chief examiner in music for the Central Welsh Board, examiner for school and higher certificates and examiner for Glamorgan county music scholarships.
Publications include 18 pianoforte works; chamber music founded on Welsh Folk melody; songs; choral works and about 100 vocal and instrumental arrangements of folk tunes. He edited Welsh versions of Bach's St Matthew Passion, two cantatas and 20 chorales and various works commissioned by the BBC. He also acted as editor and made contributions to Welsh church hymnals and was author of articles, reviews and commentaries in Welsh music and cultural journals and periodicals.
