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Celebrating creative leaders, championing inclusion, and inspiring the next generation: RWCMD's 2025 Honorary Fellows
RWCMD is proud to announce its 2025 Honorary Fellows—seven pioneering cultural leaders, artists and educators who define the College’s belief in the power of the arts to change lives, bring people together, and transform society.
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is proud to announce its 2025 Honorary Fellows—seven pioneering cultural leaders, artists and educators who define the College’s belief in the power of the arts to change lives, bring people together, and transform society. They each have a meaningful connection to the College, supporting its training and mentoring of the next generation of artists and leaders.
The Fellows will be honoured at the College’s graduations ceremonies in the Dora Stoutzker Hall on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th July 2025.
This year the College welcomes as Honorary Fellows:
- Liam Evans-Ford - Executive Director and CEO of Theatr Clwyd,
- Barry Farrimond-Chuong MBE – CEO and co-founder of Open Up Music, a charity transforming access to music for young disabled people,
- Max Humphries - Design for Performance graduate and award-winning puppet designer,
- Mari Pritchard – National Coordinator for National Music Service Wales
- Rhian Samuel – One of Wales’ most important living composers,
- Huw Stephens – BBC Wales and BBC Radio 6 presenter and champion of new Welsh talent,
- Anjana Vasan – Olivier Award-winning actor and RWCMD graduate.
‘Our 2025 Honorary Fellows inspire us not only through their achievements but through their belief in the power of the arts to connect, empower and change lives.
‘As Wales' national conservatoire, we are proud to be part of a creative ecosystem that nurtures talent, drives innovation and helps shape a better future within Wales and beyond. These individuals reflect the very best of that mission, and we are honoured to welcome them into the College community.’Helena GauntPrincipal
Theses Fellows join RWCMD’s prestigious list of Fellows, awarded each year to honour artists who have achieved distinction in the creative and performing arts industries, building inspiring relationships with the College and its work.
RWCMD 2025 Honorary Fellows
- Liam Evans-Ford – Executive Director and CEO of Theatr Clwyd, one of the UK’s most socially engaged and artistically ambitious producing theatres. A champion of Welsh talent and a key industry ally to the College, Liam supports student development through placements, employment and mentorship.
- Barry Farrimond-Chuong MBE – CEO and co-founder of Open Up Music, a charity transforming access to music for young disabled people. He is an active advocate of RWCMD’s work in inclusive education, citing its partnership with BBC NOW and National Open Youth Orchestra as a national model of aspirational and accessible training.
- Max Humphries – RWCMD Design graduate and internationally celebrated puppet designer, Max has created work for Cirque du Soleil, the National Theatre, and the Royal Opera House. His innovative storytelling and mechanical artistry have helped to redefine puppetry for contemporary audiences, and he continues to be a mentor and employer of College graduates.
- Mari Pritchard – National Coordinator for National Music Service Wales, choral director, and a vital connector across the Welsh arts landscape. Her work enables young people to access creative opportunities regardless of background, and she is a key partner in building a joined-up, all-Wales creative network that includes partnerships with RWCMD.
- Rhian Samuel – One of Wales’ most important living composers, Rhian has written over 140 published works and has a close relationship with the College, supporting students and championing new music. Her commitment to Welsh culture and advocacy for women in composition has left a lasting legacy.
- Huw Stephens – BBC presenter and cultural curator, Huw is a passionate supporter of Welsh music and emerging artists. Winner of four BAFTA Cymru Awards, through his broadcasting, live events and advocacy, he continues to spotlight Welsh talent and contribute to a thriving national music scene.
- Anjana Vasan – Olivier Award-winning actor and RWCMD graduate, Anjana is known for her outstanding work on stage and screen, including ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ for which she won her Olivier among other awards, and recently reprised in New York, Channel 4’s multi-award-winning, ‘We Are Lady Parts’, and ‘Black Mirror’. She is an influential voice in the industry and a role model to aspiring artists, particularly those from global majority backgrounds.
