Korean baritone Gihoon Kim has been crowned BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021. 

Born in Gokseong, Gihoon Kim studied singing at Yonsei University in Seoul with Professor Kim Kwan-dong. In the 2016/17 season he received a scholarship at the Junge Oper Hannover, where he sang roles including Demetrius (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Marullo (Rigoletto) and Melot (Tristan und Isolde).

He impressed the judging panel - chaired by the general director of Welsh National Opera Aidan Lang, plus US soprano Roberta Alexander and Welsh bass-baritone Neal Davies - with performances of Largo al factotum from Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia; Wie Todesahnung... O du mein holder Abendstern from Wagner’s Tannhäuser; and Nemico della patria from Giordano’s Andrea Chénier.

He said: 'Performing as part of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2021, after such a challenging year, has been an absolute thrill. I’ve loved every minute of it, both singing and watching the other competitors.

'Winning such a prestigious title is an incredible honour, especially considering the exceptional skills and artistry of all the other contestants. It has been an inspiring journey – and one that I will definitely remember for the rest of my career.'

The final took place in the Cardiff, without an audience in attendance in compliance with current Covid regulations.

The four other finalists were mezzo-soprano Claire Barnett-Jones from England; soprano Christina Gansch from Austria; mezzo-soprano Natalia Kutateladze from Georgia; and soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha from South Africa. 

The Dame Joan Sutherland Audience Prize – voted for by the television audiences at home - was presented to mezzo-soprano Claire Barnett-Jones from England. 

David Jackson, artistic director of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, said: 'This year’s edition was one of the most extraordinary in BBC Cardiff Singer of the World’s history. It was heart-warming to witness the dedication, resilience, and focus of all the 16 competitors as they prepared for their performances in unprecedented circumstances, and then gave their all on stage.

'We thank them for sharing their inspiring artistry with audiences all over the world, and we wish Gihoon Kim the best of luck for his future career!'

bbc.co.uk/cardiffsinger/ 

This story first appeared at classical-music.uk