It's tough at the top (From Penarth Times)

It's tough at the top

A PENARTH resident has some big decisions to make - as chairman of the jury for the Cardiff Singer of the World competition.

The 48-year-old, who has been living in Penarth since 1984, is also director of the Welsh National Opera.

Mr Freud, who has a home on Marine Parade, said: "I have lived in Penarth ever since I first arrived in South Wales.

"I fell in love with the place from the moment I first saw it.

And he has promised that opera-lovers are in for a treat when the prestigious singing competition gets under way in June

He said: "The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World is now one of the most important competitions in the world for young singers.

"The quality of the entrants really is top class - and this year is no exception.

"The event provides a unique opportunity for some of the world's finest young singers to make their mark.

"This year's competition is of particular importance to Cardiff as it will turn the eyes of the musical world to the city as it celebrates its centenary."

Mr Freud has been chairman of the seven-member jury which decides on the competition winner since 1995. And this year's judges include Dame Anne Evans and Dennis O'Neil.

Mr Freud said: "Judging art is highly subjective - this is why each member of the jury has an equal vote.

"The winner of the final is the performer with the best average score."

After beginning his career as a barrister, Mr Freud worked at Sadler's Wells Theatre as theatre manager. In 1984 he joined Welsh National Opera as company secretary, becoming director of opera planning in 1989.

In 1992 he moved to Holland as executive producer opera for Phillips Classics, a division of PolyGram International. In 1994 he was appointed general director of Welsh National Opera and since 2002, has been chairman of the board of Opera Europa, Europe's largest association of professional opera companies.

The final 25 singers in the Cardiff Singer of the World competition have now been selected. This year's Welsh contestant is Wrexham-born soprano Camilla Roberts.

The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World concerts start in St David's Hall, Cardiff, on Sunday, June 12.