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Welcome to the website of the Association of English Singers and Speakers.

Our members comprise performers, teachers and those with an interest in our core aim, which is:

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‘to encourage the communication of English words, in singing and speech, with clarity, understanding and imagination’.

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Chairman, Sarah Leonard 
It is with great sadness that the AESS announces the death of Sarah Leonard MBE
1953- 2024

Sarah Leonard was made an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2024​

Citation: 

Sarah Jane Leonard MBE

Chair, The Association of English Singers and Speakers.

For services to music

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On Tuesday, November 26, the funeral of Sarah Leonard took place in St George’s Church, Beckenham. For nine years Sarah had been Chair of the AESS, a role which she filled with great energy and distinction, and the Association has lost its best ambassador and friend.

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The AESS is dedicated to promoting the interpretation of the English language, both sung and spoken, to the highest standards.
 
We organise five unique annual competitions for young classical singers, accompanists, composers and actors to encourage clear and imaginative English in performance. We also organise concerts and Masterclasses.
 
We have a diverse membership of both professional and amateur musicians and actors, who support and encourage the performance of British song and speech.


We welcome both competitors and new members from a wide variety of backgrounds and hope you will want to join us.

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Competitions

“It was such fun planning my programme for the competition. I loved exploring both English song and poetry to put together a programme called Revolting Women.  It involved a lot of trips to the library!”

Tilly Dawes – finalist in the 2022 Dorothy Richardson Song Prize.

Events

UNSUNG HEROES

Discover neglected and forgotten English song repertoire. A chance for our members and their pupils to perform together.

PRIZE WINNERS CONCERT

Hear all our 1st prize winners in one concert. A unique chance to hear the emerging talent of tomorrow.

AGM 

After the formal AGM members enjoy a social evening with great food, company, entertainment and guest speaker.

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