The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama will honor a new class of Honorary Fellows at graduation ceremonies on July 9 and 10, 2026.

Welsh National Opera co-CEOs and General Directors Sarah Crabtree and Adele Thomas will receive fellowships jointly, reflecting their collaborative leadership model at the company. Thomas has received Olivier Award nominations for Best New Opera Production and has helmed productions at the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, and Shakespeare’s Globe. Meanwhile, Crabtree is the former Creative Producer at the Royal Opera.

Sicilian soprano Nuccia Focile, whose fellowship was originally awarded in absentia in 2020, will also be present at this year’s ceremonies to receive her honor in person.

Toks Dada, an RWCMD graduate now serving as Head of Classical Music at London’s Southbank Centre, will be recognized for his work in audience development, while horn player Ben Goldscheider, an RWCMD Artist in Association who has premiered more than 50 new works for the instrument and performed as soloist with ensembles including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, will also receive a fellowship.

The College will additionally honor set and costume designer Hayley Grindle, disability arts advocate Sara Beer, and Welsh bassist Pino Palladino at the ceremonies.

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