14/1/2008

World-famous opera giant Stuart Burrows will receive the Honorary Freedom of the Borough from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council next week.

The Cilfynydd-born lyric tenor was overjoyed when he was informed that he will be the recipient of the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a group or individual by a local authority.

At 5pm on Wednesday January 23rd Mr Burrows will attend the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Chamber at The Pavilions in Clydach Vale to receive the award. He will be accompanied by family and friends for the ceremony, which also includes entertainment provided by a children’s choir from his own hometown.

Council Mayor Jane Ward explained: “The decision to confer the Freedom of the Borough on Stuart Burrows was greeted with unanimous support from the Council as he has served his country well in the operatic world and has achieved so much for various charities.

Stuart Burrows was born in William Street, Cilfynydd, and through a career that has made him known around the world he has worked tirelessly for so many charities in South Wales and beyond, and is without doubt one of the great products of Rhondda Cynon Taf. His contribution to the world of music was also acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen when he was honoured with an OBE in 2007.

He has performed in many of the great venues across the globe such as La Scala in Milan and Carnegie Hall in New York City. His 12 consecutive appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, New York, is a record for any British singer.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Russell Roberts said: “Stuart Burrows is a very worthy recipient of this unique honour. This is due to his hugely successful music career, which speaks for itself.

“But it also acknowledges his role as an inspiration to young singers around the world, his considerable contribution to charity work, and the proud way in which he has represented the area where he was born and grew up.�