2024 Song Competition Launched

Sir Thomas Allen

Applications are now open for the 2024 Charles Wood International Song Competition.

This year we are delighted to announce that the internationally renowned baritone Sir Thomas Allen will be joining the Song Competition Jury Panel.

Sir Thomas is an established star of the great opera houses of the world. He has sung over fifty roles at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut with the company. An acclaimed recitalist, he is equally renowned on the concert platform and has appeared with the world’s great orchestras and conductors.

Sir Thomas will be joined on the judging panel by celebrity vocal coach Paul Farrington, Northern Irish mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin, and Dame Fionnuala Jay O'Boyle, Vice Chair of Northern Ireland Opera.

The Song Competition is open to singers aged between 18 and 28, and the deadline for entries for the preliminary virtual round is Friday 2nd February 2024 at 12noon.

The jury will select five junior competitors and five senior competitors to compete in the live finals, which will be held on Saturday 9th March 2024 in Armagh.

Accommodation and travel subsidies will be available for all finalists, and prizes include substantial monetary awards and prestigious performance opportunities.

Full details are now available here.