Baritone Raoul Setffani has been awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the culmination of a two-year study programme that focused on his artistic development. 'The study path of the Dutch Music Prize gave me the confidence and opportunities to grow as a person and musician,' said Raoul. 'After this festive evening in Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, I am very much looking forward to continuing this growth in the next phase of my career.'

Prior to the presentation of the award by State Secretary Gunay Uslu (Culture and Media), Raoul gave a concert with the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble conducted by conductor Ed Spanjaard. The programme included the cantata Ich habe genug by Johann Sebastian Bach and orchestral songs by Hans Pfitzner and Alma Mahler-Werfel, showcasing the versatility of Raoul's voice.

Raoul, who is also winner of the 2018 Dutch Classical Talent Award and the 2018 GrachtenfestivalPrijs, graduated from the master's degree in classical voice at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2020.

The Dutch Music Prize is the highest award bestowed by the Performing Arts Fund NL on a classical musician. Previous winners include pianists Thomas Beijer and Hannes Minnaar, recorder player Lucie Horsch, violinist Maria Milstein, percussionist Dominique Vleeshouwers and harpist Lavinia Meijer, all CvA alumni.