Musical Career
Although born in Wales of Welsh and Latvian parentage, Albert grew up in Rhodesia. His father was a leading figure in African Education, a connection which exposed him to African music alongside the classical music studies he was undertaking. He was active on the folk music scene and performed as a member of THE PLEBS.
He went on to study music at The Royal Academy of Music and was a piano student of the legendary teacher, Nadia Boulanger, for two years. This association ended with Boulanger’s passing. He also received tuition from Harold Craxton, Angus Morrison and Jacques Fevrier.
In due course, Albert became a professor of piano at The Junior School of The Royal Academy of Music (London) for 15 years. He also taught piano to degree students at Kings’ College (London), Goldsmiths’ College and Kingston University. It would appear that he particularly enjoyed his 12 years of teaching at The Working Men’s College in London. Here he became the Dean of Studies, the first musician to achieve this distinction at the College. Since 1994 he has taught music at The Aberystwyth Arts Centre, University of Wales
It is as a composer than Albert is probably most recognised. He is regarded as one of Britain’s most original and visionary composers, preferring to maintain his independence whilst he exerts his influence in the field of contemporary music.
His works have been performed at many of Britain’s finest venues, including The South Bank and the Wigmore Hall. Musicians who have performed his music include Simon Climie, David Russell, Ronnie Hughes, The London Chorale, The New Symphony Orchestra and The Paradise Dance Orchestra.
In 1985 Albert was invited to write The Grand Finale for The Halley’s Comet Royal Gala Concert, which took place at the Wembley Conference Centre in the presence of the Princess Royal.
Albert runs his own “State Of The Art” digital recording/electronic music facility in Wales. Here he continues to compose and record his musical creations.
https://soundcloud.com/rhodie-mellows/perfect-love-alan-owen
Recordings
His solo recordings include:
Keyboards and Strings – Apollo Sound (AS1026)
Following The Light – Apollo Sound/Chord/Famous (FAMDAT010)
Themes – BTW (BTW108)
High Life – Sound Stage (Amphonic)
Techno Town – Sound Stage (Amphonic)
Office Hours – Sound Stage (Amphonic)
Globe Trotter – Sound Stage (Amphonic)
High Places – New Experience (NEO5)
The Source Of Light – New Experience (NE010)
Voyager – Vigiesse (Rome)(CD1050)
Contributions from Albert Alan Owen on also featured on the following recordings:
Eiropas Latviesu Dziesmu Svetki – Sutton Sound
Relax – Sound Stage (Amphonic)
Jingle Pursuit – Sound Stage (Amphonic)
Manhatten Collection – Chord (CDCol2)
Owen and Debussy – Famous (CDFAM011)
Famous Classical Sampler – Famous (CDFAM010)
New Experience Sampler – New Experience (NE07)
Special Hearts – Charity Album (SH01)
The Source Of Light – New Experience (NE05)
See also Albert Alan Owen’s website at: