SONG COMPETITION RETURNS WITH TOP-CLASS SINGING SENSATIONS
Prepare for a captivating musical showcase as the renowned Charles Wood International Song Competition returns to Armagh on Saturday 9th March 2024. Set within the magnificent St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, this eagerly anticipated event brings together a stellar line-up of young vocalists from across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. Adding to its prestige, the Festival has also announced Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Vice-Chair of NI Opera, as patron of the Song Competition. Now in its 6th year, the Junior Class (ages 18-21) and Senior Class (ages 22-28) promise a display of top talent. The virtual preliminary round saw a remarkable array of entries, leaving only nine finalists across the two categories to compete in the live finals.
At 2:30pm, the Junior final will offer performances by Gigi Casey, Rosie Cameron and Sophie Whelan. Hailing from music colleges in the UK and Ireland, these exceptionally gifted young singers will be accompanied by pianist Gail Evans. Later at 7:00pm, the Senior finals will feature Clemens Seewald, David Kennedy, Ellen Pearson, India Lord, Peter Thomas O’Reilly and Sonny Fielding. Representing esteemed institutions like the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, these performers will be accompanied by pianist Ruth McGinley, promising an evening of extraordinary musicality.
Sir Thomas Allen, an established star of the great opera houses of the world, will be this year’s guest judge. He will be joined by expert vocal coach Paul Farrington and Northern Irish mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin, forming a distinguished panel tasked with the challenging decision of selecting the winners.
The competition boasts substantial cash prizes, with £1,000 awarded to the winner of the Senior Class. Beyond monetary rewards, this platform offers invaluable performance opportunities and the inaugural Dame Felicity Lott Song Prize, recognising the most engaging performance of a Charles Wood song.
Enjoy the rise of future singing stars and immerse yourself in the drama and excitement of the Charles Wood Song Competition. Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, admission to both finals is £5, with tickets available through the Charles Wood Festival website or at the door. For further details, visit www.charleswoodsummerschool.org/song-comp.
