Dame Shirley Bassey is the new President of the RWCMD
At the end of its celebratory 75th birthday year, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has announced Dame Shirley Bassey CH DBE FRWCMD as its new President for the next three years.
She succeeds HM King Charles who, when Prince of Wales, was President of the College, and was confirmed as continuing as its Patron earlier this year.
The President of the College is an honorary role which supports the College’s position as the national conservatoire of Wales and inspires the next generation of artists from across the world to study here and find their path into the professional industries.
Dame Shirley is an RWCMD Fellow and has been close to the College for more than two decades, since her generous support created a valuable singing scholarship in her name. In 2016 College students performed a concert in her presence, paying tribute to her and her music, and naming the Dame Shirley Bassey Studio in recognition of the special relationship.
Most recently, she came to celebrate the College’s birthday in May, attending a Gala in London, visiting the new Old Library campus, meeting with the Musical Theatre students, and watching their ‘Sweet Charity’ premiere.
On her appointment, Dame Shirley Bassey commented: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been invited to become the next President of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Over the 22 years that I have been involved with this very exciting place of training, I have seen first-hand how much it has to offer and how exceptional the students who choose to study in my home city of Cardiff are. As RWCMD President, it will give me the greatest pleasure to continue to champion the vital importance of the College to Wales and to the arts everywhere in the world.”
Helena Gaunt, RWCMD Principal, responded: “Dame Shirley has been a great friend to the College over many years. She has directly supported our students through a vital scholarship, attended events and, through her talents and hard work, always exemplified extraordinary professionalism, artistry and generosity to inspire our students. Now, as we bring our 75th birthday to a close, it is exciting to welcome her to the College in the official capacity of President and to celebrate the special relationship that we have. She has touched so many lives all over the globe that she offers us exceptional inspiration as we continue in our mission to empower the emerging artists who train here to develop creative and sustainable careers at the highest levels, and to make an impact on the world around them.”
For more news, features, articles and reviews, subscribe to BBW Digital, available to read online (annual subscription: £30), or subscribe to BBW's printed magazine delivered by post: £40 (UK); £68 (Europe); £81 (Rest of the World). Alternatively, receive both the Digital and printed editions combined: £55 (UK); £83 (Europe); £96 (rest of the world) - saving 50% on the Digital edition. Click here to subscribe!
