Violinist Rakhi Singh named honorary fellow of Royal Welsh College

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The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) has announced its 2023 honorary fellows. The titles celebrate people who serve their community through exceptional work in the arts.

Among the five fellows named is Rakhi Singh. As a violinist, composer and musical leader, she is recognised for her work with Manchester Collective, of which she is co-founder and musical director, in creating and bringing bold and innovative new works to audiences. 

Born to an English mother and Indian father in rural Wales, Singh’s upbringing was influenced by many different cultures and traditions. In addition to her work with Manchester Collective, she has collaborated with artists including Steve Reich, Hiromi, Phillip Glass, Oliver Coates, Clark and Björk, Olivia Chaney, and Abel Selaocoe and guest led ensembles including London Contemporary Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Hebrides Ensemble and Sinfonia Cymru.

Also receiving honours are Lisa Burger CBE, former executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre, Jonny Cotsen, writer, performance artist and creative access consultant, Philip Harper, arranger, composer, and musical director of the Cory Band and Ursula Jones OBE, co-founder of the English Chamber Orchestra and former manager of the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. 

’A huge welcome to our new fellows - each of them a visionary and innovator in their field,’ said RWCMD principal Helena Gaunt. ‘Coming from major institutions like the National Theatre and Cory Band, to breakthrough initiatives like Manchester Collective, they offer immediate inspiration for the College community. Their distinctive excellence and bold thinking are wonderful examples of just what we need as we continue the journey to transform professional training for the future and enable emerging artists to make a real difference as they step onto a global stage.’

The five new honorees join RWCMD’s list of fellows, awarded each year to honour artists who have achieved distinction in the creative and performing arts industries, building inspiring relationships with the College and its work.

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