The open and honest autobiography of Owain Arwel Hughes, a leading conductor who has worked with some of the world's most prominent orchestras.

"For over forty years Owain Arwel Hughes has been at the forefront of British musical life. He has a fascinating tale to tell and he tells it with the same easy going charm and professionalism that has always characterised his music making". Julian Lloyd Webber "Having experienced Owain's perfectly paced conducting, it is little wonder that his book is of the same tempo. Readers are in for a virtuoso performance with this autobiography." Matthew Rhys "It was one of the greatest privileges of my rugby life to meet Owain in Edinburgh at a Scotland / Wales rugby match. It was wonderful to know that the great conductor and musician loved rugby with a passion. I always delight in the fact that gifted players from another walk of life should enjoy my passion for rugby especially those from the Arts, of writers and poets, of composers and performing artists of musical talent. Owain is the true embodiment of such a cross-over. " Gerald Davies, former Wales and British Lions rugby legend "Owain Arwel Hughes brings to his role as conductor, an enthusiasm and joy which is infectious. This book gives a fascinating insight into his life and music making and enables us to understand what inspires him as a musician, and to share the sheer pleasure that he finds in the world of music. I commend it warmly". Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales

Owain Arwel Hughes is a celebrated conductor with 40 years' experience conducting and recording with some of the world's leading orchestras. He is currently the Principal Guest Conductor of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

Foreword by HRH the Prince of Wales Acknowledgements List of illustrations Prologue 1 Origins 2 Schooldays 3 Chapel, Sport - and Music 4 Decision Time 5 Getting Started 6 In Search of Work 7 The BBC and the Halle 8 From Hong Kong to Llangollen 9 Outside Broadcasts 10 The Huddersfield Choral 11 The Welsh Proms 12 Scandinavia 13 The National Youth Orchestra and Further Travels 14 And Finally... Or, The Lightning Conductor