Osian Ellis

Osian Gwynn Ellis ) was a Welsh harpist, composer and teacher. He was principal harpist of the London Symphony Orchestra, a founding member of the Melos Ensemble and a professor of harp at the Royal Academy of Music. Many composers wrote music for him. From 1959 onwards, Ellis had a close professional partnership with Benjamin Britten that lasted to the latter's death. He was often first to perform and record Britten's works.

Career Osian Gwynn Ellis was born in Ffynnongroew, Flintshire, He was a founding member of the Melos Ensemble The record, released on the L'Oiseau-Lyre label, OL 50217, included works by three other French composers — Debussy: Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp; Albert Roussel: Serenade for Flute, Violin, Viola, Cello and Harp; and Guy Ropartz: Prelude, Marine and Chansons for Flute, Violin, Viola, Cello and Harp. He also took part in the ensemble's recording of Peter Maxwell Davies's cantata Leopardi Fragments.

A portrait of Ellis with Peter Pears by photographer Nigel Luckhurst is held in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, London.

Influence on other musicians Concertos were written for him by Alun Hoddinott (for the Cheltenham Festival in 1957), William Mathias (for the Llandaff Festival of 1970), Jørgen Jersild (1972), William Alwyn (1979) and Robin Holloway (1985).

His writings include The Story of the Harp in Wales (1991) (a revision of an earlier publication in Welsh), which traces the harp's development and discusses some famous harpists. Franck: Sonata for Violin and Piano; Debussy: Sonatas; Ravel: Introduction and Allegro, 1988, London/Decca Masterworks for the Harp, 1993, Boston Skyline Diversions, 1994, Sain Mathias: Clarinet Concerto; Harp Concerto; Piano Concerto, 1995, Lyrita Harp Concertos, 1997, London 17th & 18th-Century Harp Music, 2008, L'Oiseau-Lyre 19th & 20th-Century Harp Music, 2008, L'Oiseau-Lyre Debussy & Ravel: String Quartets; Cello Sonata; Introduction & Allegro, 2016, Alto Songs with Harp, Eloquence Handel: Jephtha; Rodrigo; Concertos for Lute & Harp; Concerto Grosso, HWV 318, Decca/Eloquence