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Celebrating The Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize in the Land of Song
Talented singers from across the UK came to the College to take part in The Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize. A residency of masterclasses and workshops led to the big prize final, celebrating the power of storytelling and culture through song.
Championing creativity and supporting emerging performers
Final year Vocal student Charlotte Crane joined eight other finalists, representing all the major UK music schools, spending time with our College community, learning and sharing with experts and our students, as part of the very first Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize.
Held in front of an international jury of opera and vocal specialists – chaired by Sir Bryn himself – the competition not only judged vocal talent, but artistry, communication and storytelling.
‘Working with Bryn was incredible. He helped me transform the Welsh song I’d been working on. He helped me think differently, refine things and really connect with meaning.
Although he’s a huge name, he’s so grounded, made us feel completely welcome – and was really a part of the College while he was here.’Charlotte CraneRWCMD Vocalist and Sir Bryn Terfel Song prize finalist
Support, training and passion: A transformational residency
As well as celebrating their talent and passion, the residency helped to build the students’ confidence, and support them taking their next steps into the professional world.
They spent three days taking part in masterclasses with Soprano Rebecca Evans CBE, and Richard Hetherington, Head of Music at the Royal Opera House, and a Q&A with celebrated performers including April Koyejo-Audiger and Welsh Tenor Ryan Vaughan Davies. as well as mentoring and language lessons.
'The whole residency has been amazing – working with professionals who are just as passionate about singing as you are, really helped me to prepare to the best of my ability,' said Charlotte.
Representing cultural heritage through music
One of the key elements of the competition was celebrating cultural heritage. Finalists were asked to sing a song in their own language and from their own culture, and describe why this chosen song is special to them, as well as a set Welsh song, Pan ddaw'r nos by Meirion Williams.
Winner David chose the Armenian song, Կռունկ, (The Crane) by Komitas which had a very personal meaning for him:
‘It was incredibly special to sing in my own language. Armenian song is a part of my culture that isn’t often heard in the wider performance world, so having the chance to share it with new audiences was deeply meaningful.
I felt truly proud to represent a part of my heritage through music, and knowing that people connected with the words and melodies passed down through generations made the experience even more rewarding.
Coming from a small country with such a rich history, it means a lot to help keep our culture and language alive through song.’David KarapetianWinner of the inaugural Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize
After winning the prize, he also talked about the rush he felt when performing:
'I was surrounded by the other incredible singers, and so we all had a big winning chance.
My training has always emphasised that you have to have the audience in the palm of your hand. And that night, with the rush of adrenaline that came with performing in that beautiful space, I was able to give everything to do that.'
A collaborative and supportive College community
Although they were competing with each other for the prestigious prize, the finalists bonded over their love of the work, and brought out the best in each other and their music colleges.
’We all got on so well, and even though it was such a huge prize we all supported each other, and will keep in touch as our careers grow’, said Charlotte.
‘My teachers here at RWCMD have instilled me with such passion for what I do. They really understand that you’re studying here because you love it.
Our Head of Vocal Studies, Fiona McAndrew, is so focused on our potential and growth, I’ve become much more confident, both as a singer and a person.’Charlotte CraneRWCMD Vocalist
Hard work, dedication and excellence
The Prize is open to undergraduate singers in their final two years and returns in 2027 – with plans to bring in international music schools.
‘Hard work, dedication and excellence will still be the students’ end goal, but one of them winning this meaningful award will help them develop their dreams and aspirations even further in a time of terrible uncertainty in the arts.
I’m thrilled to think that I am, at last, able to give something back.’SIr Bryn Terfel
For David, winning the prize is a real stepping stone for his career:
'The funds will help me study, travel, learn and keep growing – listening to all the wisdom and knowledge from teachers around the world.
I hope that one day I’ll be standing on a major opera stage – that’s the dream.'
