Penblwydd Hapus! Former Welsh National Opera singer celebrates 99th birthday with a surprise concert

A 99-year-old resident and former opera singer at a care home in Cardiff has celebrated his birthday in style.

Julian Moyle, who lives at Care UK’s Llys Cyncoed on Cyncoed Road, marked the milestone with some very special guests – and plenty of singing and dancing.

To celebrate his 99^th year, friends and former professional opera singers from the Welsh National Opera visited Llys Cyncoed to stage a surprise concert in his honour.

Matthew Tilley, Professional Opera Singer, performed a rendition of Non più andrai. Wendy Franklin, Stage Manager at Welsh National Opera during Julian’s time, also joined the celebration, along with Jo Furber, a valued friend and supporter of the company.

Commenting on his party, Julian said: “I was absolutely blown away! I was so touched that my lovely friends, made over many decades of singing and performing together, thought to do this to honour my 99^th birthday. I wonder what they will do for my 100^th.”

Julian grew up in Melbourne, Victoria, and discovered he could sing at the young age of 13.

He moved to the UK in the 1950s to pursue a career as an opera singer. His job took him around the world, performing in opera houses internationally, including the Sydney Opera House and Teatro alla Scala. 

Carley Hunt, Home Manager at Llys Cyncoed, said: “Julian is a much-loved resident, and it was great to be a part of such a special occasion. We’re committed to helping residents live fulfilling lives, which is why we love to celebrate big milestones – and Julian’s 99^th birthday is a huge milestone indeed!

“It was also great to see Julian connect with his past career. He has so much passion for singing and has dedicated many years of his life to the profession. 

“Here at Llys Cyncoed, we understand how important it is for residents to live fulfilling lives and connecting Julian to his past is just one example of how we do this. We also know how beneficial nostalgic experiences can be. For many, they can provide a sense of purpose and improve wellbeing.

“It was great to listen to Julian’s old friends from the Welsh National Opera sing for him and, of course, celebrate over some tasty cake.”

Llys Cyncoed is a state-of-the-art care home, designed to deliver the very best standard of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services, including residential, dementia and short-term respite care.