Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song Competition 5 – 10 September 2009
Application forms will be available to download from this page in August 2008.
The 5th Competition took place in September 2007, when we were joined at the Hall by 30 young singers and pianists competing for the five prizes and a chance to sing on the Wigmore Hall stage.We are pleased to announce that the winners of the 2007 competition were:
- First Prize: Martha Guth (with Spencer Myer)
- Second Prize: Robin Tritschler (with Francois Salignat)
- Third Prize: Ben Johnson (with James Southall)
- Pianists Prize: Joseph Middleton
- Jean Meikle Prize for a Duo: Daniel Johanssen and Elena Larina
Our international jury, chaired by Wigmore Hall Director John Gilhooly, consisted of world-class singers Christine Brewer, Robert Holl and Ann Murray DBE, pianist Graham Johnson, writers and song experts Hilary Finch and Richard Stokes, and former Director, Edinburgh International Festival Sir Brian McMaster, and Dr Ralph Kohn FRS joined as a non-voting member of the Jury.
Dr. Ralph Kohn said: 'It is a great privilege and pleasure for the Kohn Foundation to be once again associated with Wigmore Hall in the organisation of the International Song Competition for music lovers from all over the world. During the week of the competition we heard wonderful young vocalists present repertoire by great composers in different languages and accompanied by very talented young pianists. I firmly believe that all the participating artists benefited greatly from the experience of performing before the sympathetic and discerning Wigmore Hall audience and we are sure that this will be a considerable help to furthering their career.'
In the 10 years since the initial Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song Competition, the event has grown in terms of its international status and its remit. It now attracts singers and pianists of the highest standing, keen to embark on significant recital careers. It also provides a valuable opportunity for Jury feedback and guidance, and the interchange of ideas between artists who would otherwise be working in isolation all over the world, as well as providing an important platform for public performance and the expansion of repertoire.
We are delighted to announce that Matthew Rose (bass), one of the finalists of the Song Competition, has been awarded the Wigmore Hall/Independent Opera Voice Fellowship. This new fellowship provides funds for the Wigmore Hall to invest £20,000 over two years in a singer selected by a panel from Wigmore Hall and Independent Opera. The recipient of the Fellowship must use the money to help support and nurture their long-term professional goals, and will receive career guidance from Wigmore Hall during the two-year period.
