CHARLES WOOD SONG COMPETITION

Rules and conditions (Senior Class)

For the preliminary round, singers should record a varied programme, not exceeding fifteen minutes, consisting of one French song and two German songs by different composers. Singers must only record three songs in total, even if this is less than fifteen minutes in length. Singers are asked to video their submission in one take, as if performing live with no editing allowed. Spoken introductions to each of the songs would be valued. Where it isn’t permissible under present restrictions to record live with an accompanist, backing track accompaniments will be accepted. It is recommended that mobile phones are not used to record submission videos. This recording should be submitted via the online application form or via WeTransfer to the Festival Manager at charleswoodfestival@gmail.com along with copies of the scores. Your pieces should be clearly listed. Breaches may cause disqualification.

Applications close on Monday 3rd February 2025 at 12noon.

Singers selected to perform in the live final will be notified after Friday 7th February 2025, and provided with four Charles Wood songs. One of these should be performed in the final, along with the three pieces from the preliminary round. Changes to the original programme are permissible provided they conform to the specified requirements and are submitted, along with copies of the scores, by Friday 14th February 2025. Competitors should also submit their choice of Charles Wood song by this date.

Rehearsals with the competition accompanist will take place on Friday 7th March 2025.

The Final will be held in St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral Armagh on Saturday 8th March 2025 at 7pm.

Singers entering the Senior Class should be aged 22-28 on the day of the Final.

Two nights accommodation will be provided in the Charlemont Arms Hotel, Armagh, and travel will be subsidised up to a maximum value of £150 upon submission of receipts. Please note that if a finalist withdraws or is unable to attend the live final for any reason, travel costs will not be refunded.

The competition is administered by the Board of the Charles Wood Festival and Summer School. The Board reserves the right to amend the rules as it deems necessary. Any instructions given by the Board must be strictly observed.

The decision of the Jury is final. No correspondence will be entered into. It is possible that prizes may not be awarded if an appropriate standard is not met.

The first prize winner is not eligible to compete in subsequent competitions. 

While entrants to the Senior Competition must be aged 22-28, past winners of the Junior Competition aged under 22, are permitted to enter.

Entries must be accompanied by the full entry fee and no accepted entry fee will be refunded. Payment can only be made by cheque or bank transfer. We regret that we do not have credit card facilities. Bank details will be provided by email following receipt of your application.