Charles Wood Song Competition Winners

Armagh once again hosted a fantastic weekend of music-making as the Charles Wood International Song Competition returned for its second year.  The event culminated with the final of the Senior Class, which was held in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral on the evening of Saturday 14th March. Six young singers aged between 22 and 28 each performed a programme of four songs, accompanied by pianist Ruth McGinley. The jury, celebrity vocal coach Paul Farrington, Northern Irish mezzo soprano Carolyn Dobbin, and the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Fionnuala Jay O’Boyle, had the difficult task of selecting the winner.

First prize was awarded to Northern Irish baritone Brian McAlea for his exceptional performance of pieces by Schubert, Brahms and Duparc, as well as an impressive interpretation of ‘At Sea’ by Charles Wood. Receiving a trophy and prize money of £1,000, Brian will also have the opportunity of performing at the prestigious Charles Wood Festival, including the showcase Gala Concert on Friday 28th August 2020 at 8pm.

Second place went to soprano Billie Robson, whose programme included songs by two important female composers, Alma Schindler-Mahler and Lili Boulanger. Billie was also awarded the Charles Wood Song Prize for her beautiful performance of the composer’s setting, ‘At the mid hour of night.’

Irish soprano Aimee Kearney was presented with the First Prize trophy in the Junior Class, held earlier in the day in the Music Hall, Vicar’s Hill. During deliberations for the Senior Class, Aimee treated the audience to performances of ‘À Chloris’ by Raynaldo Hahn and ‘At the mid hour of night’ by Wood.

Open to singers aged between 18 and 21, the runner up prize in the Junior Class was awarded to Armagh based baritone Adam Reaney for his beautiful interpretations of ‘Erlkönig’ by Schubert, ‘Die Mainacht’ by Brahms and ‘At Sea’ by Wood. Finally, Chloe Underwood, a student from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, received the Charles Wood Song Prize for her rendition of ‘Shall I Forget’.