...to encourage the communication of English words, in singing and speech, with clarity, understanding and imagination...
The Dorothy Richardson English Song Prize 2025
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.
Prelims 16 Nov 2025 – Taggs Yard, Barnes
Finals: 23 Nov 2025 – Tonbridge School. Kent
Application Deadline: 9 Nov 2025
Competition Coordinator: Brian Parsons
INTRODUCTION
Who was Dorothy Richardson, soprano (1927 - 2018)
A Northumbrian by birth, Dorothy Richardson moved to London after winning many music festivals in the north of England. There she won a major London County Scholarship which allowed her to study singing for four years at the Royal Academy of Music with the famous singer and teacher, Olive Groves.
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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.
(NB. ’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 23 Nov 2025.
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
DOROTHY RICHARDSON ENGLISH SONG PRIZE 2025
The competition is in two stages.
Entry Deadline: Entries must be made on the entry forms below and must be received no later than Saturday, 9 Nov 2025.
Stage One:
Preliminary session: 16 Nov 2025.
Location: Taggs Yard, Barnes, SW13 0JZ, London
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:
Final: Sunday, 23 Nov 2025.
Venue: The Recital Room
Location: Tonbridge School, TN9 1JP, Kent [Tonbridge School High Street, Tonbridge Kent TN9 1JP] Time: from 2.00pm (To be confirmed)
Entry:
A nominal, non-refundable, entry fee of £20.00 is charged to cover administrative expenses. 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
Summary of 2024 Competition
The 2024 Competition final was held on Sunday, November 24th from 2.00pm in the Recital Hall of Tonbridge School, Kent.
The preliminary round took place on Sunday, November 17th at Taggs Yard, Barnes during the day.
1st Prize: Archie Inns
2nd Prize: Cuán Durkin
3rd Prize: Josephine Shaw
Joint accompanist winners :
Thomas Luke
Alfred Fardell
Our thanks to the judges:
For the final:
Richard Suart, Julia Dewhurst, Marilyn Cutts, Stephen Gutman, Lynda Morgan
For the preliminary round:
Patricia Williams,
Adrian Thompson
Una McMahon
Our thanks to Michael and Judith Hildesley for loaning their facilities at Taggs Yard. And thanks also to the staff of Tonbridge School
Previous Prize Winners
The 2023 Programme