Watching Cardiff Singer of the World brought back happy memories of the three editions I was involved in nearly 30 years ago. It was strange and sad to see St David’s Hall with no audience. Part of the thrill was lost, but despite this it was magnificent.
The competition was a success from the beginning - it was founded in 1983 to mark the opening of St David’s hall. In the early years broadcasting companies around the world nominated entrants. Later this was changed when a BBC opera expert travelled the world to select competitors.
BBC Wales presenter and head of public relations Iwan Thomas and I produced the lavish concert programme.
It was always a hectic week with the tension and excitement mounting day by day.The final was a magnificent climax.
The most memorable for me was the ‘Battle of the baritones', the evening Bryn Terfel lost out on the main award to Russian Dmitri Hvorostovsky, who died aged 55 four years ago. When Hvorostovsky came to Cardiff to take part he had no concert clothes, and had to be fitted out by the BBC wardrobe department. He was so overcome after being awarded the glass bowl that he cried backstage. Like Bryn Terfel, he become an international star.
The first winner, Karita Mattila from Finland, also became world famous, and is still singing at major opera houses.
Rosemary used to join me for the final evening - and the reception that followed.
No comments:
Post a Comment