David Jenkins (composer)

[1] Born at Trecastle near Brecon, Jenkins was apprenticed to a tailor at a young age, due to the death of his father.

He next turned his attention to the study of composition, harmony and counterpoint and was awarded a prize for the best anthem from the Tonic-Solfa college.

He was awarded the top prize in composing for his cantata Arch y Cyfamod at Carnarvon in 1876; the next year, Jenkins received a Bachelor of Music degree from Cambridge University.

[2] Jenkins spent four months touring the United States in 1885; during that time he served as a conductor and as a judge at the various singing festivals.

[1] He continued his activities conducting choirs and serving as a judge at various Eisteddfodau; Jenkins also became a co-editor of the music journal Y Cerddor, sharing the duties with Emlyn Evans.