RWCMD launches new full scholarship

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) has announced the first recipient of its new Sir Geraint Evans Centenary Scholarship. Created in celebration of the centenary of the birth of Welsh bass-baritone Sir Geraint Evansm the scholarship favours baritones and Welsh candidates.

A fund totalling £150,000 will offer a full scholarship to one student per year across the next decade in the College’s David Seligman Opera School. The first Sir Geraint Evans Centenary Scholar is South Korean baritone, Edward Kim, who joined the David Seligman Opera School in 2021 and who performed at the event, alongside fellow RWCMD students.

Kim said: ‘Sir Geraint Evans was an amazing inspiration to all singers, especially to us male voices. He had a wonderful voice and stage presence, and most importantly, he knew his instrument well. I hope to be the same and to use this support and trust given to me to be a better singer and to spread the love of this amazing art form we call Opera.’

Sir Geraint was president of RWCMD at the time of his death in 1992. The scholarship was awarded at RWCMD’s Not A Bad Voice event, which celebrated his life alongside his sons Huw and Alun, RWCMD director of music, Tim Rhys-Evans, head of vocal studies, Mary King, Scottish baritone Donald Maxwell, and students of the College.  

Professor Helena Gaunt, RWCMD Principal, said: ‘Scholarships and bursaries are helping us to become a different kind of conservatoire, one that is more welcoming, relevant, diverse and accessible. Awards like the Sir Geraint Evans Scholarship will help us to nurture artistic talent, encourage diversity and provide opportunities to those who are exceptionally gifted, whatever their financial circumstances.’ 

You can find out more about RWCMD's available scholarships here.