2nd Charles Wood International Song Competition Launched
Applications for the 2nd Charles Wood International Song Competition 2020 are now open.
It will take place on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March 2020 in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, Northern Ireland.
The winner of the inaugural competition was soprano Ellen Mawhinney (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). Its Charles Wood Song Prize was awarded to baritone Malachy Frame (Royal Academy of Music, London).
Last year Northern Irish mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin and esteemed vocal coach Paul Farrington adjudicated competition. This year they will be joined by the founder of NI Opera’s Glenarm Festival of Voice and Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Fionnuala Jay O’Boyle.
The event has also been expanded to include a Senior and Junior Class.
The Senior Class welcomes applications from singers between the ages of 22 and 28. The First Prize is £1000, the runner up prize is £300 and the Charles Wood Song Prize is £100. The first prize winner will be invited to perform as part of the Festival’s programme in August 2020. Senior Competitors should be post Grade 8 in standard and must prepare a contrasting twenty-minute programme, consisting of one Charles Wood Song, one French song and two German Lieder by different composers.
The Junior Class welcomes applications from singers between the ages of 18 to 21. The First Prize is worth £300 and the runner up prize is £100. The winner will also be invited to perform as part of the 2020 Charles Wood Festival. Junior Competitors should have achieved at least Grade 8 and must prepare a varied fifteen-minute programme, consisting of one Charles Wood Song, and two other songs, either French or German.
To enter the competition each applicant is required to submit a performance recording not exceeding 10 minutes. It must include a performance of a German song and any other work(s) of choice. This recording should be emailed or sent via WeTransfer, with the competition application form and your pieces should be clearly listed. The entry fee is £50/€60, and payment details are included on the application form. The Festival’s email address is charleswoodfestival@gmail.com