"Hunting the Fox; Morfydd Owen and the folk song collecting of Lady Ruth Herbert Lewis."

An introduction to the colourful characters who provided Morfydd Owen with Welsh and Russian folk songs, often through recordings made on the wax cylinders of an Edison Gem phonograph.
Among the most notable contributors was Jane Williams, a 90-year-old resident of Holywell Workhouse, whose performances were highly valued, although she reportedly preferred to receive snuff and tea before agreeing to sing.
The talk highlights a selection of Welsh folk songs collected by Lady Ruth Herbert Lewis. Morfydd Owen arranged two such collections for Herbert Lewis, an early pioneer in the use of phonograph recording for folk-song collection and a founding member of the Welsh Folk-Song Society.
Dr Rhian Davies
Rhian Davies is a historian and curator who specializes in restoring neglected music to the repertoire. Her advocacy for Morfydd Owen has led to a radical reappraisal of the composer’s significance and inspired performances and broadcasts all over the world.
Rhian’s pioneering research has been recognized by Gorsedd Cymru, an Honorary Fellowship from Bangor University, and the John Edwards Memorial Award from the Welsh Music Guild for services to the nation’s music.