Rhys Thomas (1867-1932) was born in Ystradgynlais, Wales. He studied with Joseph Parry in Swansea, studied singing at Cardiff University, trained in Curwen’s Tonic Sol-fa, studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music in London, and in Berlin. He relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, joining family members living there. He was choirmaster and soloist at Knox Church, taught at the Winnipeg College of Music, and was founding president of the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers’ Association. He was an active adjudicator throughout Canada and served as an adjudicator at the 1908 National Eisteddfod of Wales. Late in life, he retired to England and died in London. His compositions include anthems, hymns, and part-songs.