A new scholarship from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to help students in financial need has been named after Welsh Opera Sir Geraint Evans in this, his centenary year.
Enabled by a £150,000 fund, one student per year from the College’s David Seligman Opera School will receive financial support.
South Korean baritone Edward Kim is the first scholar. He performed at a special commemorative event celebrating the life and work of Sir Geraint Evans, Not A Bad Voice, and, said, “I’m deeply honoured to be the first recipient of the Sir Geraint Evans scholarship. This support is really important to me as it gives me the opportunity to hone my skills and receive the training I require as a young opera singer.
"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.’
Evans’s career spanned more than 40 years rising to become one of the world’s greatest bass baritones; he was well known for helping young talent and was President of the College when he died in 1992. Sir Geraint Evans Scholarship Fund is open to donations from the public.
The College also provides bursaries of up to £1,200 to all its new UK undergraduate students with an annual household income of less than £30,000.