Fellows 2007

Thursday 26 July 2007
Fellows 2007

Mr Peter Karrie
The actor and star of the ‘Phantom of the Opera', Mr Peter Karrie, was presented by the University's Registrar and Secretary, Dr Catrin Hughes, on Tuesday 10 July.

Presented by Dr Catrin Hughes, Registrar and Secretary
"Mae’n bleser gennyf gyflwyno yr actor a chanwr Peter Karrie i’w urddo yn Gymrawd er Anrhydedd Prifysgol Cymru, Aberystwyth. Mae Peter yn lys genad i’w wlad, a’i phobol.  Mae wedi mabwysiadu Aberystwyth fel ail gartref ac ‘rydym yn falch iawn ohono, fel mae yntau wrth dderbyn yr anrhydedd hon.  Engraifft amserol i ni gyd o allu Cymru i groesawu teulu o dramor, a’u hanwylo.

It is my pleasure to present the actor and singer, Peter Karrie, as Honorary Fellow of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.

Born in South Wales, some classic occupations suggest themselves for boys, Miner, Boxer, Teacher.  In North Wales it would be Quarryman, Farmer, Preacher.  And they would all be expected to sing!

Mr Karrie’s father came here from Greece, so we should not be surprised by his urbane and cultural personality, nor with his devotion to family values.  A timely reminder to us all of our country’s ability to welcome people and the benefits their talents can bring us.  I hope those graduating today can appreciate the real meaning of a Welsh Welcome.  We demand loyalty from you in return.

As a 17 year old Peter was sent by Newport Rugby Football Club, here to Aberystwyth, on a residential course run by two legends of Welsh Rugby in the 1960’s, Ray Williams and Clive Rowlands.  Peter says that his stay at the Old College “changed his whole perspective on life forevermore”. I am sure that these words will ring true for you graduating from Aber. 

What is not clear to me is why running in mud, and singing in the shower, led to such a conversion.  I work in the Old College, and look forward to such an epiphany.

Peter says it was his choice to kick a career in rugby into touch.  My late father, a Llanelli Scarlets die hard supporter, always said Clive Rowlands wasn’t much of a coach.  For whatever reason, Peter is not a product of Max Boyce’s fabled factory which produces a steady stream of International Rugby players.  Instead, Wales, “The Land of Song” discovered another singer to celebrate.  Despite his change of career, I’m glad to say that his “love affair” with Aberystwyth continues.  World famous artists do not usually return time and again to perform in West Wales.  Peter has.

He counts the Aberystwyth Arts Centre as one of his favourite Theatres.  He performs here in Summer Productions, taking a caravan by the sea for the season.  I am sure his feelings for the Theatre are a reflection of the warm welcome he receives, and the affection in which he is held by his loyal supporters.

Peter’s first singing success was as lead vocalist in the band “Peter and the Wolves”. They opened concerts for the Rolling Stones and another famous Welsh son, Tom Jones.  He made ends meet busking in London until he got his break and went on to star in many of the greatest successes in contemporary musical theatre.  He has performed on the West End stage for 30 years.  “He is the best Valjean ever” in “Les Miserables”.  He has gained international recognition for other West End credits, such as the American, Freddy Trumper in “Chess”, Angelo in “Fire Angel”, James Dean in “Dean”. Judas in Webber and Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”.

The achievements I have already described would satisfy most.  A list of performances to be proud of.  A C.V. to show how well you have done.

The performing arts are exciting and can attract superlatives, I’m sure you know what I mean!  So anxious are some productions to publicise any praise themselves that they pick and choose edited highlights from critiques. 
 
Commercial success however, means that all performers have to really earn their corn, day in, day out, week in, week out.  Consistency of performance is everything.  Dependability crucial, exceptional performers, rare.  Praise from hard nosed commentators is hard to come by, and critical acclaim as rare as it is precious.  Like Welsh Gold!  It can make a production.  Establish a career.  A huge amount of backing money is involved.  Gambles are taken, but not with casting.  Never, with a leading role.

Successful Professional Boxers are not satisfied with their careers until they have had a “Defining Fight”, Joe Calzaghe’s was against Jeff Lacy in 2006 for the IBF and WBO Super Middleweight World Title.

Peter’s was “The Phantom” in Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record breaking sensation.  You may know that there are several Phantoms about, but our Peter has performed his role over two and a half thousand times and twice voted, “The World’s Most Popular Phantom”.  His performances are described by Theatre Critics as “definitive”, his presence as “magical and thrilling”. Such is his impact, that he is described as the most “highly acclaimed performer of all time in this role – truly an international tribute to his breathtaking performances.”  Consistent performances that require a range of emotions and clear diction.  Speaking and singing clearly is very Welsh.  Rhaid i ti glywed pob gair mae e’n ei weud cyn beirniadu ei ganu.    

In early 2005 he was cast in the role of the fire-and-brimstone preacher The Reverend Peter Price in the new Welsh musical “Amazing Grace”, written by his friend Mal Pope.  Mal said he wrote the musical with “Peter very much in mind as having him there will really help to bring the characters to life”.  His performances are already described as “sensational” and “show-stopping” and “nothing short of perfect.”  The show is a runaway success.  His influence on the cast must be immeasurable.  He instinctively supports young talent, and has a legion of artists indebted to him for his encouragement and help.
I referred earlier to Peter’s performances here in our Arts Centre. 

Here he has completed a run as Daddy Warbucks in “Annie” and in the summer of 2005 was cast as Fagin in the new Cameron Mackintosh production of “Oliver”.  Last summer he performed the role of Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”.  This year, Peter created yet another role in the brand new musical “Tommy Farr” playing Tommy’s trainer, Joby Churchill.  The story of a Valleys Boxer, who through force of character and ability, rises to the top of his profession, and becomes a World renowned performer.  A name that is revered today by knowledgeable Boxing Critics everywhere.  Once again, Peter’s performances are attracting “magnificent” and “show-stopping” descriptions.  My late mother used to take us up on the train from Swansea to London to see the West End musicals and she loved to meet the Welsh stars of their day at the Stage Door.  Peter, you don’t know how lucky you were not to have made it at that time!

There is more.  In addition to your stage performances, you have recorded Television and Radio series’ and have recently released 3 solo CD’s “Theatrically Yours”, “Peter Karrie Unmasked” and the “Impossible Dream”. Sir Tim Rice credits the “magnificently-voiced Peter Karrie” as a “powerful and sensitive interpreter of musical scores”.  Not bad.

Peter’s touring shows, “Peter Karrie Unmasked”, “Peter Karrie and Friends” and “Peter Karrie’s West End Stars” play to standing ovations around the World.

Stage presence, performing a role, acting out a playwright’s fantasy and displaying feelings is one thing.  Connecting with an audience, involving them in your character’s trials and tribulations is another.  The internet searches I have carried out and the secret telephone conversations with your friends say your supporters think you are “fantastic”, “has a wonderful sense of humour” and praise your interaction with your audience.  They find you available and generous with your time and patient with their requests.  How else would you expect a Son of South Wales to conduct himself?  You are in the prime of life, still performing at your best, and what a legacy you are establishing, a Palmeres that will testify to a consistency of performance, with brilliant highlights, against which all others will be measured.

Peter Karrie is a devoted family man, he has 6 children.  I know that you are now thinking of very close members of your family who would have loved to be here to see you accept this acknowledgement of this University’s appreciation of your achievements and association with Aber.  I see your wife Jane and son Adam have come to support you and I’m pleased to welcome them to join in this celebration of granting you this Honorary Fellowship of the University of Wales Aberystwyth.

Mr Llywydd, cyflwynaf ein cyfaill Peter Karrie i’w urddo yn Gymrawd er Anrhydedd Prifysgol Cymru, Aberystwyth."

Mr Wil Aaron
Mr Wil Aaron, producer and journalist, and founder of the film company Ffilmiau’r Nant was presented by Mr Huw Jones, former Chief Executive of S4C, on Tuesday 10 July.

"Mae'r gwr sy'n cael ei wneud yn Gymrawd heddiw yn un o blant Aberystwyth. Mae'r enw Aaron wedi dod a bri i'r Brifysgol hon yn y gorffennol ond Wil Aaron, yr arloeswr teledu Cymraeg, sy'n cael ei anrhydeddu heddiw. 

Roedd Wil yn un o gywion ifanc rhaglen ddyddiol y BBC “Heddiw” yn y 60au cyn troi am Lundain. Fanno cafodd brofiadau arbennig wrth weithio ar y rhaglen gylchgrawn “24 Hours”.

Wil Aaron is a television pioneer, but also a son of Aberystwyth
As a fledgling TV director Wil spent a formative early period on the BBC's 24 Hours programme, including a stint in Vietnam as the war there spread, working alongside colleagues who went on to become leading names in British journalism.

Ond troi nôl i Gymru a wnaeth Wil ar ddechrau’r 70au, gan benderfynu mai yn Eryri yr oedd am fwrw gwreiddiau, gan weithio, o’i gartref i ddechrau, fel cyfarwyddwr a chynhyrchydd llawrydd. Sefydlodd gwmni newydd, Ffilmiau’r Nant, gan gynhyrchu a chyfarwyddo drwy’r cwmni hwnnw, nifer sylweddol o ffilmiau ar gyfer y Bwrdd Ffilmiau Cymraeg oedd newydd gael ei sefydlu. Bu'n teithio’r wlad gyda sinema deithiol y Bwrdd i sicrhau bod cynulleidfaoedd Cymraeg yn cael gweld ffilmiau Cymraeg yn rheolaidd, yn eu cynefin. Yn oes bresennol y teledu Cymraeg nosweithiol, gall fod yn anodd cofio mor arloesol a phwysig oedd y gwaith hwn yn ystod blynyddoedd llwm y 70au.

Wil's ambition was always to return to Wales, and this he did at the beginning of the 70's , as a freelance director and producer. His films for the Welsh Film Board were important events at a time when the total amount of Welsh language production in TV or film was very small compared with that of today.

Pan sefydlwyd S4C yn 1981, penderfynwyd y byddai yna le bychan yn yr arlwy i raglenni gan gynhyrchwyr annibynnol. Mater o egwyddor oedd hyn i’r sianel gan iddi drwy hynny obeithio agor drysau i syniadau newydd a dulliau newydd o gynhyrchu. Roedd hyn yn ei gwneud yn bosibl am y tro cyntaf i sefydlu cwmniau ac unedau cynhyrchu o fewn y cymunedau Cymraeg eu hiaith. Pan ofynwyd “Pwy yw’r cynhyrchwyr annibynnol bondigrybwyll hyn?”, yr ateb a roddid bob tro oedd – “Pobl fel Wil Aaron”. Ar y pryd wrth gwrs,  doedd na fawr neb arall oedd “fel Wil Aaron”. Ond aeth Wil ati o’r cychwyn, nid yn unig i gynnig ei syniadau ei hun – yn arbennig felly y gyfres “Almanac” a gyflwynai straeon difyr o hanes Cymru - ond hefyd i osod seiliau cadarn ar gyfer y dyfodol trwy gynnig hyfforddiant a gwaith parhaol i bobl ifainc addawol roedd o'n tybio allai fod â chyfraniad i’w wneud yn y dyfodol.

When the struggle to set up a Welsh language TV channel was finally won in 1981, S4C as it became known decided as a point of principle that there should be opportunities on the new channel for programmes made by independent producers. In fact there were only two or three independents in Wales, by far the best known of whom was Wil Aaron. So when the people from the big corporations asked incredulouly “But who are these independents?” the answer “People like Will Aaron of course” was very useful.

 Creodd dîm egniol a daeth enw Ffilmiau’r Nant yn gyfystyr â rhaglenni oedd yn boblogaidd ac yn raenus yr un pryd. Profwyd fod gan gynhyrchwyr annibynnol gyfraniad gwerthfawr i’w wneud i lwyddiant y Sianel newydd a chyn bo hir roedd yna lu o gwmniau newydd yn cael eu sefydlu mewn sawl ardal yng Nghymru, yn dilyn esiampl yr arloeswr. Pan grewyd rhaglen gylchgrawn ddwywaith-yr-wythnos newydd, o’r enw “Hel Straeon”, Wil Aaron oedd y penteulu amlwg ac am dros 12 mlynedd bu’r cylchgrawn poblogaidd hwn yn feithrinfa i lu o ymchwilwyr, cyfarwyddwyr a chynhyrchwyr newydd.

At Nant Films, and on the Hel Straeon magazine programme, Wil set out not just to make well-crafted, popular and also educational programmes, but also quite deliberately and unselfishly to create a corps of programme -makers  and technicians for the future - in which he succeeded wonderfully, setting an example in doing so which inspired many others to follow in his footsteps, thereby creating a new, independent TV industry in Wales.

Yn1981 hefyd roedd yn un o sylfaenwyr cwmni adnoddau Barcud, gan fentro ei gartref ei hun wrth fuddsoddi. Bu'n un o gyfarwyddwyr y cwmni am 24 mlynedd ac yn Gadeirydd yn ystod y cyfnod pan unodd Barcud gyda chwmni Derwen o Gaerdydd i greu'r cwmni adnoddau teledu mwyaf ym Mhrydain y tu allan i Lundain.

And Wil hasn't restricted himself to working in Welsh. He has  a passion for every aspect of Wales, its history and its landscape and it is his nose for stories, his thorough research  and his eye for locations which is the wholly essential basis of the success of the well-loved ITV Wales series “Fishlock's Wild Tracks”, a programme which is this year filming its tenth series. 

Ar ben popeth – mae’n dal i fynd! Ar drywydd rhyw stori am hanes y Cymry yn Utah, neu gymeriadau annisgwyl ar gyfer “Wild Tracks”, neu hanes cynnar cylchgronau Cymraeg dadleuol a’r tebygrwydd yw y bydd yn dal i gynnig perlau i’r genedl ryfeddu atynt pan fydd yn ei 90au (oed y mae nifer sylweddol o’i deulu wedi ei gyrraedd).

Many of Wil's family, including the famous Prof Aaron of this parish, his father,  have lived well into their 90's. I fully expect that Wil himself will still be unearthing and re-telling quirky stories, to the delight of audiences large and small, for many years to come.

Anrhydeddus Lywydd, mae'n bleser cyflwyno Mr Wil Aaron i'w urddo, er anrhydedd, yn Gymrawd Prifysgol Cymru, Aberystwyth."

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