A surprise award from a world-famous opera singer left a royal composer "bowled over" during a live concert.
Paul Mealor, originally from Connah’s Quay, was honoured by Sir Bryn Terfel at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph Cathedral with the Wales Care Awards’ Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award for Promoting the Arts in Social Care.
The award, presented at the beginning of the second half ahead of a special question and answer session between Sir Bryn and Bishop Gregory Cameron, took Professor Mealor completely by surprise.
Prof Mealor said: "I never expected anything like what happened next.
"I suddenly found myself being called up to the stage.
"It took me completely off guard and I feel so very humbled and moved that the Wales Care Awards judges chose to honour me in this way."
The award was presented by Sir Bryn Terfel.
Mr Kreft said: "We could think of no more appropriate occasion to present this award, to which Sir Bryn Terfel has given his name, than the night on which Sir Bryn was making his debut appearance at this much-loved festival of which Prof Mealor is such an outstanding artistic director."
The event was described as an outstanding evening of music and celebration, with the surprise presentation adding to the atmosphere.
Prof Mealor, who has achieved international acclaim as one of the world’s most performed and recorded living composers, said he was deeply touched by the efforts to keep the award a secret.
A long-time friend of Sir Bryn Terfel, Prof Mealor has worked with the opera star on high-profile occasions, including the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
He composed the Coronation Kyrie, sung in Welsh by Sir Bryn, the Choir of Westminster Abbey and His Majesty’s Chapel Royal during the ceremony.
Prof Mealor also wrote Ubi Caritas, performed at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, which later topped classical charts in several countries.
This year marks his third as artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival, where he has strengthened partnerships with organisations like Pendine Park.
Pendine Park, through its Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT), is the headline sponsor of this year’s festival and supports the Pendine Young Musician of the Year competition.
Prof Mealor has championed the role of music and the arts in care, describing Pendine Park as a pioneer in using creative engagement to enrich the lives of vulnerable people.
He continues to advocate for dedicated funding to support music education and therapy in care and wider society.
Sir Bryn Terfel said: "I am so proud to have been here to present this award to Paul.
"He is a true friend and a gentleman who, in addition to his world-class composition work, has worked quietly behind the scenes to make music accessible to people of all ages and in all life situations.
"He is especially mindful of those living within a care environment for whom music can be a vital key opening up a world of old memories and new imaginings.
"This award is richly deserved."
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