Idris Lewis

Idris Lewis (21 November 1889 – 15 April 1952) was a Welsh conductor and composer. He worked on the film scores of a number of productions during the 1930s, when he was employed by British International Pictures. He was the Director of Music for the Welsh Region of the BBC.

Biography Idris Lewis was born in Birchgrove near Swansea on 21 November 1889, the son of a coal miner. He was interested in music as a child, and when he was sixteen he won a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London.

In 1911 and 1912, after completing his studies at the Royal College, Lewis toured India and the Far East, giving piano recitals.

In 1927 he joined the film company British International Pictures, where he was the musical director from 1931 to 1937. While there he arranged the music for several films.

In addition to his film compositions, Lewis composed songs and arranged works for male voice choir. His song cycle Alun Mabon is a setting of a pastoral poem in Welsh by John Ceiriog Hughes (1832–1887), which has become well known and has been recorded by singers including Bryn Terfel.

Idris Evans died at his home in Cardiff on 15 April 1952.

Selected filmography Why Sailors Leave Home (1930) Love Lies (1931) Brother Alfred (1932) Let Me Explain, Dear (1932) Strip! Strip! Hooray!!! (1932) Mr. Bill the Conqueror (1932) Letting in the Sunshine (1933) Radio Parade (1933) The Blarney Stone (1933) Money Talks (1933) Blossom Time (1934) Heart's Desire (1935) It's a Bet (1935)