Tenor Kim Sungho, who studied in the Department of Vocal Music in the School of Music, seized the top prize at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, the world’s prestigious singing contest.

In the final round at St. David’s Hall, Wales, UK, on 17 June, Kim took the prize with the performance of “Let Beauty Awake” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Mit Myrten und Rosen” by Schumann, “Do not sing, my beauty” by Rachmaninoff, “Morgen!” by R. Strauss and “Dongsimcho” by Kim Seong-tae. Kim Sungho acquired the Song Prize trophy, 10,000 pounds of prize money, and an opportunity to perform at the Wigmore Hall, in London.

The history of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, live-broadcasted by the BBC, started in 1983 to celebrate the opening of St. David Hall in Cardiff, Wales. Taking place biennially, it selects the winner in aria and art song, respectively. Distinguished from other singing competitions, the BBC Cardiff allows two professional singers per nation only to participate in the event.

Admitted to the School of Music in 2009, Kim Sungho studied with emeritus professor Song Kwang-seon at the K-Arts. After graduation, he pursued his graduate studies in Opera at the Hanns Eisler Hochschule fur Music in Berlin. Up to date in his career path, Kim won top prizes at the 2018 International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition (Germany) and at the 2021 Verbier Festival (Switzerland), the latter for the first time for a participant from Korea. He is now a permanent member of the Dortmund Opera, Germany.