RWCMD launches Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize 

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) has announced the launch of a new song prize in partnership with college vice president Sir Bryn Terfel. The new prize, forms part of RWCMD’s 75^th birthday celebrations, aims to promote Welsh song alongside global traditions.

The first Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize for young singers will take place at the College’s Dora Stoutzker Hall in November 2025. The biennial prize will be worth £15,000, making it one of the most valuable prizes globally. Competitors will be required to sing at least one song in Welsh – Sir Bryn’s mother tongue – and one in their native language.

Terfel said: ‘Throughout my career, as well as being a proud exponent of the great German Lieder, French Chansons and English Song, I have always championed the folksongs and art songs of this musical nation. But Welsh song is still something of an unknown outside Wales so I’m excited to share these wonderful gems with emerging singers and to use Cronfa Syr Bryn Terfel, my new Foundation and partnership with the Royal Welsh College, to support them in their development of artists. I hope students will find a love of these songs, and of singing in Welsh that they will take with them in their future careers.’  

The prize will be open to singers nominated by UK conservatoires during the pivotal transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, although the college has plans to extend it to international conservatoires in future years. Finalists will come to the College for a fully funded three-day residency, with a programme of group classes and masterclasses focusing on song, text and performance from staff and associates, including time with Sir Bryn.  

RWCMD principal Helena Gaunt said: ‘As the national conservatoire of Wales we are determined to make sure that young people - from Wales and the UK and also internationally – understand everything that this country and the College has to offer them. Amplifying, championing and sharing the Welsh language and Welsh culture is a vital part of this and is a place where Bryn’s passions and ours exactly meet.’