Sian James

An internationally-acclaimed Welsh traditional folk singer, harpist and composer

Born:

1962

Place of Birth:

Llanerfyl

School:

Llanfair Caereinion High School

"Music has always been an inextricable part of my life." Sian James

Biography:

One of Wales' best traditional singers, Sian James was born and brought up in the heart of Montgomeryshire in Powys.

She was surrounded by music from an early age - at the tender age of three, her mother put her on the stage to compete in local eisteddfodau. She took up the piano when she was six, the violin at eight and the harp when she was eleven.

Three years later, whilst still at school, she began her concert career - singing traditional songs as part of a harp trio as well as solo performances.

It was in her teens that Sian began composing songs and creating her own arrangements of traditional songs. After leaving Llanfair Caereinion High School, she went on to read music at Bangor University and developed her interest in composition further under the guidance of her tutor and accomplished composer, Professor William Mathias.

During her student years, Sian and a group of friends formed a folk rock band called Bwchadanas, which kept going for more than ten years.

In 1990, Sian produced her first solo album called 'Cysgodion Karma' - a collection of traditional and original songs. She has since released a further five albums - 'Distaw', 'Gweini Tymor', 'Di-gwsg', 'Birdman' and 'Pur'.

As well as performing across Wales and the rest of the UK, Sian has also toured extensively with concerts and appearances in America, Spain, Japan and France.

Sian is not only well-known as a singer and musician. She is also a familiar face on the Welsh-language television channel S4C. In 1998, she was given her own series on S4C, presenting and performing her own songs as well as appearing with guest musicians. She has also worked as an actor in several television dramas including 'Iechyd Da'.

She now records a lot of work at her home studio in the Llanerfyl area where she lives with her husband and three children.

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your comments

Edward Starr from University Park Maryland
We too heard Parti Cut Lloi and Sian at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. We were so mesmerised that we came back a second day. Nearly two months later and we're still talking about it. We're hooked!
Mon Aug 24 09:14:47 2009

Nancy Gameson, Frederick Maryland
My family are now fans after hearing all your music at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.We thought Parti Cut Lloi under Sian's direction was very moving! We hope you all made it home safely! Our daughter Ceri was really taken by you! We miss you already!
Mon Jul 6 17:10:02 2009

Harley Cahen from University Park, Maryland USA
I was lucky enough to see and hear Parti Cut Lloi performing yesterday at the 2009 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC. Delightul.
Fri Jun 26 15:53:57 2009

Gemma James
Hi sian i am your cousin i would love to meet u one day but for the time being can u send my your album pur because my bampy has them all but that one and he plays them all the time.
Thu Jan 3 09:39:13 2008

Carolyn Sheldon, Washington State
Parti Cut Lloi came out with a new CD shortly before Christmas. One of the best Choirs I have ever heard. They are Wales' own and definitely should be given more recognition! We heard them live last spring. Awesome!
Mon Jan 23 12:15:53 2006

Carolyn Sheldon, USA
My daughter and I were very privileged to see and hear Sian in Dolanog in May along with the outstanding men's singing group Parti Cut Lloi. Wonderful and filled with magic. A memory we will always cherish. Looking forward to a CD with Sian and Parti Cut Lloi together!
Thu Aug 4 06:30:06 2005

Gareth ap Sion from Penarth
Her music should melt the hardest of hearts. Certainly deserves recognition. Why is it that we in Wales have to struggle every single inch even to be recognised within Wales? Perhaps the language is an albatross.England and South Wales are flooded by Anglo-American culture - good and bad.
Mon Jan 3 13:51:25 2005

Myfanwy from Llanfair Caereinion
The sound of Sian is the sound of home for many of us: I lived in exile for years before coming home and the sound of Sian kept me going in dark times. Oh, yes, and she's objectively very good as well.
Sat Feb 14 00:18:43 2004

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