The International Academy of Voice at Cardiff University - 1 June 2010

1 June 2010

A University spokesperson said: "It is with regret that the International Academy of Voice at Cardiff University will be closed at the end of the calendar year.

Since its creation in 2007 the Academy has operated at a significant loss. In order to meet this deficit in the past, the University has heavily subsidised the Academy.

Unfortunately, in the current economic climate and particularly because of the funding challenges facing Higher Education, the University is unable to continue to provide the high level of financial support needed to sustain the venture.

The University has actively pursued a number of avenues to try and secure the future of the Academy by identifying a sustainable financial model, however it has not been possible to source sufficient external funds to meet the costs of the Academy.

As a result of these circumstances, the Academy will be closed. This decision has not been taken lightly and it is with great regret that the University has reached this conclusion.

Since its creation in 2007 the Academy has helped some of the most exciting new talent in world opera to develop and refine their skills in preparation for a career on the stage. 53 individuals from around the world have benefited from the Academy's unique programme of training.

World-class teaching has given students an unrivalled opportunity to learn from the greatest and most experienced figures in opera, including international tenor Dennis O'Neill, renowned directors and producers and a host of luminaries from the stage including Soprano Dame Kiri Te Kananwa.

Frequent public concerts and performances ensured that audiences both locally and internationally were able to see future opera stars in the making and share in their career development. The performances also gave Academy students valuable stage experience and introduced many of them to the demands of performing full-scale productions.

Academy students have gone on to achieve international success and numerous awards and can be found performing in opera houses around the world."