A CELEBRATION OF YOUNG TALENT AT THE 2025 CHARLES WOOD INTERNATIONAL SONG COMPETITION

A full day of world-class singing awaits as the Charles Wood International Song Competition returns to Armagh on Saturday 8th March 2025. Now in its 7th year, the competition continues to cement its place as a leading platform for young classical singers across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Hosted in the stunning St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, the event offers audiences a chance to witness the stars of the future in an inspiring showcase of vocal artistry.  

Coming just a month after the Festival’s extensive Girls’ Choir recruitment tour across Northern and the Republic of Ireland, this competition further reinforces the Charles Wood Festival’s commitment to nurturing young musicians. To encourage even more young talent to engage with classical singing, the Festival is offering discounted and free tickets to interested students, making this an accessible and inspiring event for the next generation of vocalists.  

A major highlight of this year’s competition is the presence of internationally renowned soprano Danielle de Niese as guest judge. Widely celebrated as one of the most charismatic and dazzling opera singers of her generation, de Niese has graced the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne, and La Scala, earning acclaim for her dynamic stage presence and breathtaking vocal artistry. Her expertise and experience as both a singer and mentor make her an extraordinary addition to this year’s panel, where she will be joined by distinguished vocal coach Paul Farrington, celebrated Northern Irish mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin and the Competition’s Patron, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE. Their combined knowledge and insight promise to make this year’s competition an unforgettable experience for competitors and audiences alike.  

The competition is divided into two categories: the Junior Class (ages 18-21) and the Senior Class (ages 22-28), each featuring some of the brightest young talents in classical music. At 2:30pm, the Junior Final will feature performances from Minduli Vithanage, Katharina Bierweiler, Sam Britner, Lewis Menzies, and Cassia Moore. These gifted singers, representing top music conservatoires in the UK, Ireland and Germany, will perform alongside pianist Gail Evans. Following the Junior Final, a special open workshop will take place with Danielle de Niese, providing an invaluable opportunity for young singers to develop their skills through expert coaching, furthering the Festival’s mission to support and inspire young musicians.  

The Senior Final begins at 7:00pm, showcasing the exceptional talents of Ash Howard, Ellie Donald, Peter Thomas O’Reilly, Madeline Perring, and Jacq Herbots. Representing prestigious institutions such as the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Trinity Laben, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and MTU Cork, these accomplished singers will be accompanied by pianist Ruth McGinley, ensuring a captivating evening of music.  

Thanks to the generous support of Armagh Credit Union, the competition boasts substantial cash prizes, including a £1,000 award for the winner of the Senior Class. In addition to financial support, finalists will have the opportunity to win the Dame Felicity Lott Song Prize, awarded for the most engaging performance of a Charles Wood song. Beyond the prizes, the competition provides career-enhancing performance opportunities, making it a key stepping stone for young singers. We’re also indebted to the support and funding from Arts Council Northern Ireland Lottery Funding. 

Whether you're a seasoned classical music lover or new to the world of song, the Charles Wood International Song Competition is an event not to be missed. The competition continues to champion the next generation of musicians, offering an inspiring day of performances that showcase the very best young vocalists.  

Tickets are just £5, available online at www.charleswoodsummerschool.org/song-comp or at the door. This is the perfect chance for young musicians to experience world-class singing up close. Come and be part of an unforgettable day of music, mentorship, and discovery in one of Northern Ireland’s most breathtaking venues.