David Karapetian Wins Inaugural Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize
By David Salazar(Credit: Kirsten McTernan)
Tenor David Karapetian has been named the winner of the inaugural Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
Held biennially in partnership with the College, the Prize celebrates emerging voices and promotes song in multiple languages, including Caneuon Cymraeg (Welsh Song). The 2025 final followed a three-day residency featuring masterclasses, language coaching, and mentoring.
Finalists, representing nine major UK music schools, each performed three songs—one in their own language, one Welsh song, and one of their choice. All performed Meirion Williams’ “Pan ddaw’r nos” as the set piece. Karapetian, representing the Royal Academy of Music, performed Komitas’ “Կռունկ” (The Crane), an Armenian song reflecting his cultural heritage.
“Being part of the residency and competition truly made me feel like a real singer and performer. It opened my eyes to what it will take to move further in my career, from the incredible time spent working with the collaborative pianists to the inspiring masterclasses,” said Karapetian per an official press release. “Winning the first Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize makes me incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my passion for singing. Working with Sir Bryn was a dream come true; experiencing his wisdom and generosity as a performer was truly surreal, and I’m just so happy to have been part of something so special. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sir Bryn and everyone involved in creating this prize and making it possible.”
Sir Bryn Terfel, the competition’s Head Judge and RWCMD Vice President, led an international jury that included Ute Fesquet of Deutsche Grammophon, John Fisher of the Metropolitan Opera and WNO, mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager, and conductor Carlo Rizzi.
“I feel so incredibly proud of the inaugural Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize and so honoured to have lived every moment of the four days. My thanks to the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama for our partnership, and to everyone who was involved in creating such a wonderful experience,” added Terfel. “Our finalists worked so diligently on their chosen repertoire and prepared my chosen song ‘Pan ddaw’r nos’ to such a high standard. I also have to add that the students have been a credit to their conservatoires. My heartfelt congratulations and chapeau to our talented winner, David Karapetian.”
The Song Prize trophy was designed by Rorie Brophy of the College’s Design for Performance department, crafted from sustainable Welsh materials including fallen wood from Bute Park and Welsh slate.
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