Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Appoints Shirley Bassey as New President

Singer Dame Shirley Bassey will assume the role for the next three next years  

In tandem with its 75th-anniversary celebrations, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) in Cardiff, Wales, has announced the appointment of Dame Shirley Bassey CH DBE as its new President for the next three years. 

Dame Shirley will succeed King Charles, who was President of the College when he held his previous title of the Prince of Wales. Earlier this year, he was confirmed as a continuing Patron of the school. 

In an honorary role, the President of the College supports the school’s position as the national conservatory of Wales and aims to inspire the next generation of international artists looking to study at RWCMD and build successful professional careers. 

Dame Shirley is an RWCMD Fellow, and has been close to the College for more than 20 years since her contributions created a singing scholarship in her name. In 2016, RWCMD students staged a concert in her honor in recognition of the school’s naming of the Dame Shirley Bassey Studio. 

With a career spanning 70 years, Bassey made her debut Royal Albert Hall performance in 1971 and won Favourite British Artist at the first Brit Awards in 1977. Other career highlights include singing the theme for the 1964 Bond film, “Goldfinger,” and singing the theme tunes for the films Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker. 

Her 2020 album, “I Owe It All to You,” saw her become the first female artist to chart in the top 40 across seven decades. Recently, she was also made a Companion of Honour by King Charles III in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

“I am thrilled and honoured to have been invited to become the next President of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama,” Dame Shirley said in the press release. “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,” she added. “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.”

“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,” noted RWCMD’s Principal, Helena Gaunt. 

“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.”

(PC: Mat Holyoak)