Photo credit: Craig Fuller

A £3 million pound endowment has been left to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Welsh National Opera.

Major art supporters Philippa and David Seligman left the gift to offer lasting support to young artists and professional musicians alike. The legacy will also go to future projects.

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama offers all-inclusive operatic training; the gift will serve primarily in the form of scholarships. Money will also be used to enhance productions and allow for engagement with industry professionals worldwide.

The Seligman’s gift ensures the Welsh National Opera’s award-winning training program will allow its members the best training possible and promises a showcase performance every year. The legacy also allows for a continuation of talent development between both organizations and alumni.

Welsh National Youth Opera alum Carys Davies and current Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama student, said in a press release, “singing with WNO Youth Opera was an invaluable experience and has influenced my training at the Royal Welsh College. My work with WNO has also given me an incredible insight into professional life after studying here at the Welsh conservatoire and has been an experience I will never forget.”