Recognition of a caring active Patron
Posted on 25 July 2017
David Jackson (Artistic Director of the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition) reflects on Dame Kiri’s role as Patron of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.
What does being a “Patron” actually mean? Often it means little more than a famous name on the letterhead, and the occasional appearance at events or fundraisers. But if you’re lucky, it means having a patron like Dame Kiri – someone who really cares about what we do, and gets actively involved. As the Artistic Director of Cardiff Singer, I’m in the happy position of being able to talk regularly to Kiri about the competition. She is passionate about the development and nurturing of young singers, and an event like Cardiff Singer is a perfect opportunity for her to put her ideas and inspiration into practise. We are often in touch on the phone, by text and in person, and every time she is full of ideas and enthusiasm for the project. We talk about how to support the singers, how to cast the net wider so we can find singers from all the over the world, how to develop the prizes, how to develop the audience – nothing is left un-examined or taken for granted. If Cardiff Singer is highly regarded in the world of music, not just as a competition but as a celebration of classical singing, it’s due in no small part to Dame Kiri’s energy and enthusiasm. She understands completely what we’re trying to do, and while we can’t adopt all of her ideas – there’s simply not enough hours in the day or resources to deliver it all – we discuss them all, and try to deliver the best of them. And we have great fun along the way, because as everyone who knows her will attest, Kiri is a great fun, down to earth person, as well as being operatic royalty! We’re very lucky to have her – many thanks Kiri, or as we say in Wales – diolch yn fawr!