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Iris Williams O.B.E.
Vocal artiste Iris' musical journey has taken her from a children's home in South Wales to an international career of great distinction. A scholarship to the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she is now a Fellow, helped launch a career that has included performances and TV appearances in over 19 countries.
Iris' first major success, He Was Beautiful, earned her a gold disc and resulted in an invitation by HM The Queen to perform at her annual Royal Variety Performance. There followed 14 Royal Performances as well as numerous accolades and awards. In May of '99 Iris was featured in the televised Gala Concert for the First National Assembly of Wales; performed before the Royal Family, Tony Blair, and 60 heads of state.
In December of the same year, Iris was a headliner in the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama filmed by the BBC, followed by a BBC TV series entitled, Iris Williams: Songbook. Two television Specials starring Iris were aired in the UK in 2002; Iris Williams Echoes the Life of Mabel Mercer for the BBC, and Portread for S4C Wales.a portrait of Iris' life done in the Welsh language. Iris continues to be guest artiste with many Choirs and Symphony Orchestras.
Her musical selection of the classic American standards has made her a popular favourite in United States as well as the UK. Iris has had numerous critically acclaimed engagements at the famed Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel in New York, and the Cinergrill in Hollywood. She has worked with Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, and Tony Bennett. For the past ten years Iris has performed at the golf charity concerts for both President and Mrs. Gerald R. Ford, and for Katherine Crosby at the Bing Crosby Annual Golf Classic.
On the New Year's Honours List 2004, H.M. the Queen awarded Iris Williams an O.B.E. for her contributions in the field of music and for her service to charitable institutions around the world.
Iris is in always demand at private society functions both in the U.K. and U.S.A. where her performances are always the highlight of the evening.
What the New York critics are saying about IRIS WILLIAMS...
Ms. Williams has one of the most striking voices in all of cabaret, a lush dark contralto with a buzz of a vibrato that is an aural tonic. Even the slangiest numbers are translated into semi-art songs. In her most eloquent moments, she stirs up echoes of vocal legends like Marian Anderson and Kathleen Ferrier. In the strongest numbers the sheer beauty of her voice took over and lit a steady emotional fire.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Iris Williams is back, with impeccable taste and elegant phrasing, in a voice that suggests a cross between Marian Anderson and Nina Simone. Astonishing depths of passion that runs the gamut from playful to arty to dreamy. Make no mistake, she’s a classy lady with a stylish approach to singing classic theater songs. In her company there is much pleasure to be shared by all.
Rex Reed, New York Observer
A voice that seems to be made out of the rich soil of her Wales homeland. Her mezzo is warm and she has a vibrato that suggests caverns of feelings.
David Finkle, Backstage
In this world when luxury is quickly losing its luster and class has become just another five letter word with questionable meaning, Iris Williams recreates the magic and elegance of the cabaret era. Williams’ voice is a cultured mezzo, intoned with a subtlety and sensitivity that makes one feel that you are hearing the lyric for the first time. I’ve seen few performances in the past few years that equal Iris Williams.
Jay Walman, WEVD Radio
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