International Chair in Opera, Maestro Xu Zhong returns to RWCMD
Read more
The Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize 2023
Congratulations to Edward Kim on not only winning this year’s Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize, but also winning the heart of his true love.
Congratulations to Edward Kim on not only winning this year’s Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize, but also winning the heart of his true love.
Edward was so delighted with the results that he took the opportunity to propose to his girlfriend, Weiying Sim. Llongyfarchiadau all round!
The £10,000 Stoutzer prize is awarded annually to the College’s most outstanding instrumentalist or singer, and 2023's prize highlighted the exceptional vocalists studying at the College.
Edward competed alongside fellow finalists Hedy Chan, Joanna Cooke, and Rael Rent, who are all in their final year of MA Opera Performance at the College’s David Seligman Opera School.
Accompanied by vocal coach and graduate Nicola Rose, each singer presented a 30-minute recital of music of their own choosing for the audience, which included this year’s esteemed panel of judges, Leah Marian Jones, Neal Davies and Rebecca Evans CBE.
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of preparing for the Stoutzker prize. Each round presented different challenges and things to consider, but I have learnt so much about myself as a performer throughout the last couple of months.
I would like to thank all my teachers, coaches and accompanists for helping me on this journey. Winning the prize will ease the transition from being a student to a freelancer both financially and professionally.
I was preparing to propose to my girlfriend and the moment the results were announced I was sure this was the most important moment of my life. I'm so happy to share this special moment with the panel, the audience and colleagues.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.’Edward KimWinner of the Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize 2023
Here’s the moment when Edward proposed to Weiying. It’s been an amazing year for both of them, with Edward becoming the College’s first Sir Geraint Evans centenary scholar, and Weiying winning the Janet Price Opera Prize.
Prizes like the Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize provide students with opportunities to fund their education and often allow them to continue studying with us at the College for postgraduate degrees.
Students performed in the Dora Stoutzker Hall generously donated by Sir Ian in memory of his mother.
Previous winners of the Sir Ian Stoutzker Prize include soprano Elena Zamudio, tenor Rhodri Jones and flautist Isabelle Harris.
