Harry Christophers Awarded Fellowship

Harry Christophers, Maxim Vengerov and Quincy Jones were among those awarded Fellowships of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama at the 60th anniversary Graduation Ceremony at St. David’s Hall on 3rd July 2009.

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama is Classic FM's partner in music education and one of the most prestigious conservatoires in the world. Those honoured with Fellowships are individuals who have played a significant role in the development of music, drama or of the College itself.

Harry Christophers, founder and director of Classic FM's Artist of the Year, The Sixteen, was among the new Fellows. Over the last 30 years Harry Christophers has led the ensemble from being a collection of enthusiastic graduates to becoming one of the finest vocal ensembles in the world. Joining him was Maxim Vengerov the internationally recognised violinist. As one of the world's leading performers Maxim has appeared as a soloist with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic and the USSR State Symphony Orchestra, whilst being the first classical musician to hold the position of Honorary Envoy for Music with UNICEF. Maxim has been awarded a Fellowship for his influence on the culture at the RWCMD, including the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition. Producer Quincy Jones received his Fellowship in celebration of the ongoing development of Jazz programmes at the college.

Also receiving Fellowships were Meena Richards the former Chair of the College who managed the affiliation with the University of Glamorgan, David Seligman who has developed arts in Wales through dedicating both time and money to projects which benefitted the community, and Edward Thomas whose award was recognition of his work on the popular television programmes Doctor Who and Torchwood.