Professor Harrhy is a Swansea-based, internationally acclaimed Welsh soprano who has graced the stages of the world’s leading Opera houses. From her Covent Garden debut in 1974 in The Ring cycle under Sir Colin Davis, directed by Götz Friedrich, she has appeared in roles including Pamina in The Magic Flute and Madama Butterfly. Alongside her work as a voice teacher at the Royal College of Music, she gives masterclasses and one-to-one tuition in Berlin, Prague, Singapore, Helsinki, Stockholm, Vienna, Bloomington and Dublin.
Former student of Professor Harrhy and internationally acclaimed soprano, Elin Manahan Thomas, who received an Honorary Award from Swansea University in 2013 presented the award. She said: “It is an honour to present Eiddwen Harrhy to the University to receive her Honorary Doctorate, an award that recognises her distinguished contribution to singing not only in her native Wales, but throughout the world.”
On receiving her award, Professor Harrhy said: “It is very humbling to receive the University's recognition for my work in music, both in Wales and around the world. I never thought that I would end up having the career I've had, or that I would be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by my home University. It is truly special.”