...to encourage the communication of English words, in singing and speech, with clarity, understanding and imagination...
The Dorothy Richardson English Song Prize 2023
Entrants are encouraged to explore the vast wealth of material from five hundred years of song writing, prose and poetry, of writers and composers world-wide who employ the English language.
INTRODUCTION
The final will be held at Tonbridge School in Kent from 2.00pm on the afternoon of Sunday, November 26th 2023 in the Recital Room.
The Preliminary Round will take place at Taggs Yard, Barnes on Sunday, November 19th from 11.00am until 5.00pm.
Entries must be submitted by Saturday November 11th
PROSPECTUS
Purpose:
The purpose of the DOROTHY RICHARDSON ENGLISH SONG PRIZE in accordance with the general aims of the AESS, is “to encourage the communication of English words, in singing and in speech, with clarity, understanding and imagination”.
Requirement:
Competitors are asked to present and sing a themed recital of classical ‘Art Songs’ and the spoken word, with original English texts. (N.B.’Art Songs’ does NOT include opera, oratorio, operetta or musical theatre). The integrated programme may include spoken links and must contain poetry and/ or prose. The programme should not exceed 20 minutes in total. Candidates should provide their own accompanist.
The entire programme must be delivered from memory in both rounds.
The judges will give equal emphasis to the spoken and sung elements of the programme.
Eligibility:
The competition is open to young singers aged 18 to 23 on or before November 26th 2023.
Age Limit:
Singers, together with pianists eligible for the accompanists’ prize, should be in the above age-range on or before the date of the final.
Prizes:
First Prize – £1,000 Second Prize – £600 Third Prize – £400 Accompanists’ Prize – £500
THE COMPETITION
The competition will be in two stages.
Stage One:
There will be a preliminary session at Taggs Yard, Barnes in London, on November 19th. The panel of judges will be drawn from members of the Association, who have not themselves submitted candidates. They will select a maximum of 6 competitors for the final.
Stage Two:
The final will be held at Tonbridge School in Kent from 2.00pm on the afternoon of Sunday, November 26th 2023.
Venue:
The Recital Room
Entry:
A nominal, non-refundable, entry fee of £20.00 is charged to cover administrative expenses. Entries must be made on the entry forms below and must be received no later than Saturday 11th November 2023. If a candidate’s singing teacher is a member of the AESS, they can have a 50% reduction of the entry fee.
All enquiries should be directed to the competition co-ordinator, Brian Parsons; bgparsons@aol.com
Previous Prize Winners