The Royal College of Music (RCM) in London has revealed that French soprano Clara Barbier Serrano is the first recipient of a new scholarship founded by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and Community Jameel. The scholarship means Serrano will join the world-renowned RCM Opera Studio this September to study an Artist Diploma (ArtDip) in Performance.

The Andrea Bocelli Foundation-Community Jameel Scholarship offers support to gifted singers from around the world who wish to study full time at the RCM. It was launched in November 2019 during a visit to the college by legendary musician Andrea Bocelli, along with representatives from the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and Community Jameel – a social enterprise that promotes positive societal change and economic sustainability – including founder Mohammed Jameel KBE and International President Fady Jameel.

Stefano Aversa, chairman of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, commented: “As the Andrea Bocelli Foundation continues on its mission to empower people and communities worldwide, we are proud to support Clara Barbier as the first recipient of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation-Community Jameel Scholarship. We look forward to watching this talented soprano further develop her skills and fully express her potential at one of the world’s greatest conservatories.”

The scholarship is awarded to talented musicians chosen both on merit assessed at audition and their need for support to overcome barriers and access to world-class training at the RCM.

Serrano has been studying violin and choral singing since the age of six. In 2016, she began her Bachelor studies at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater in Leipzig and has since given recitals in the Netherlands and Germany and developed a rich and diversified song repertoire, performing numerous solo soprano parts in concert.

“It is an honour to be the first Andrea Bocelli Foundation-Community Jameel scholar,” Serrano said. “It has been my dream to study at the RCM for many years but personal circumstances meant I was unable to afford the tuition fees. This scholarship will give me the opportunity to refine my craft with some of the most renowned vocal professors and operatic coaches in the world. I am so excited to begin my studies and I am grateful to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and Community Jameel for this wonderful opportunity.”

Fady Jameel added: “The Andrea Bocelli Foundation-Community Jameel Scholarship combines two pillars of Community Jameel’s activities – promoting creative arts and culture around the world through Art Jameel, and supporting students in their personal and educational development via our Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) at MIT.”

 

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French soprano Clara Barbier Serrano is the first recipient of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation-Community Jameel Scholarship (Sofia Pinto).