Joseph Parry

Joseph Parry (21 May 1841 – 17 February 1903) was a Welsh composer and musician. Born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, he is best known as the composer of Myfanwy and Aberystwyth (a hymn tune) used in Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika the National anthem of South Africa. The cottage at 4 Chapel Row, Merthyr Tydfil, where Parry was born, is now open to the public as a museum.

Life

Parry was born in Merthyr Tydfil in 1841. Parry's family emigrated to the United States in 1854, when he was 13, and he became an ironworker in Danville, Pennsylvania. There was a large Welsh community there and he became involved in strengthening Welsh culture locally, attending the Congregational Chapel and the Sunday school and competing in the eisteddfod . When, in 1865, he was admitted to the Gorsedd at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, he took the bardic name, "Pencerdd America".

He became a Freemason in 1867, while in Pennsylvania. His 1875 song, Ysgytwad y Llaw (The Handshake) appears to acknowledge his connection with the movement. He returned to Great Britain and studied music in London under William Sterndale Bennett and at the University of Cambridge. In 1873 he became Professor of Music at the University of Wales.

Joseph Parry (politician)

Joseph Walcott Parry was born in Cotton Ground, educated in Charlestown Secondary School and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Economics at the University of the West Indies.

Mr. Parry served as President of Nevis Cricket association for over ten years, as Nevis representative on the Leeward Islands Cricket Association for six years and represented Leeward Islands Cricket Association on the West Indies Cricket Board of Control.

Personal achievements

Joseph Parry spent most of his civil career as a teacher at the Charlestown Secondary School.

On December the 31st 2009, Nevispages reported Joseph Walcott Parry as the "Man of the Year 2009". Criteria were based in the person or persons who most affected the news and lives if the Nevisians.

In the private sector, Parry is a founding member and chairman of the Bank of Nevis Mutual Fund.

Political achievements

Joseph Parry was Premier of Nevis from 11 July 2006 to 23 January 2013. He is the leader of the Nevis Reformation Party (NRP).