...to encourage the communication of English words, in singing and speech, with clarity, understanding and imagination...
The Dorothy Richardson English Song Prize 2024
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 2024 Competition final will be held on Sunday, November 24th from 2.00pm in the Recital Hall of Tonbridge School, Kent.
The preliminary round will take place on Sunday, November 17th at Taggs Yard, Barnes during the day.
Announcement of the winners of the Dorothy Richardson English Song Prize 2023
1st prize
Thomas McGowan baritone (GSM)
2nd Prize
Harun Tekin tenor (GSM)
3rd Prize
Iona Kaye mezzo-soprano (RNCM)
Accompanists prize
Edward Lloyd (RNCM)
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 24th 2024.
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 17th. 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 24th 2024.
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, 9th November 2024. 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
The 2023 Programme