Biography
Born in Swansea, Williams began his musical education at the Huddersfield School of Music (now part of the University) where he studied Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Harp, Viola, Conducting and Composition. He graduated with BMus Honours from the University of Wales (University College Cardiff) before proceeding to Goldsmiths' College, University of London, for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. At King's College Cambridge he gained PhD for his research into the early works of Arnold Schoenberg.
Williams spent eight years in London as a free-lance conductor, organist, harpsichordist, singer and composer. He held various church posts while also running a small opera company, singing as an ad-hoc singer with the BBC Singers and performing at major London concert venues (Royal Festival Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, Wigmore Hall).
He was, briefly, Head of the Chiswick Evening Music Centre and Lecturer at the West London Institute. In 1978 he took up the post of Lecturer in the Music Department at Aberdeen University and was later appointed Senior Lecturer and Head of Department. Following the closure of the Music Department in Aberdeen (now re-established) he was appointed Music Director and Organist to the University.
Williams continues to teach and work in Aberdeen where he has enjoyed a long association with the Haddo House Choral & Operatic Society and the North East of Scotland Music School. He was made MBE in the UK Honours list of 2009. Recognising his many years of service and astounding number of recitals at their institution, Williams was made an honorary Doctor of Music from the University of Aberdeen in July 2011.
Read more about this topic: Roger Williams (organist)
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