Wigmore Hall has announced the 25 young singer and pianist duos from around the world who have been shortlisted for this prestigious competition, which takes place at Wigmore Hall in September with the generous support of the Kohn Foundation. Details were announced on 27 April during a recital by Milan Siljanov, who won top prize in the 2015 Competition.
Established in 1997, the biennial International Song Competition has grown to become one of the most significant platforms worldwide for recognising young talent in song recital, as part of Wigmore Hall’s longstanding commitment to celebrating the art form. This year’s shortlist features a diverse list of emerging performers aged 33 and under from the UK, Germany, USA, Australia, Belgium, China, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, and Switzerland - all on the verge of embarking on significant international careers.
Over a five-day period, the shortlisted duos will compete in front of a distinguished panel of jurors and Wigmore Hall audiences. They will also receive coaching and feedback from some of the foremost international song performers and experts. Between the rounds, talks, workshops and masterclasses by leading musical figures are also open to the public. The week culminates in a prize-giving ceremony, in which the overall winner receives £10,000. A Pianist’s Prize of £5,000 is also awarded, as well as the Jean Meikle Prize for the best Duo, and the Richard Tauber Prize for best interpretation of Schubert Lieder.
Past winners include British baritone Marcus Farnsworth, who now enjoys a busy international career, tenor Robin Tritschler (2nd prize winner in 2007) who is now a Signum recording artist, and 2009 Pianist’s Prize-winner James Baillieu, in great demand around the world.
Director of Wigmore Hall and chair of the jury John Gilhooly OBE says of the Competition:
‘There is a palpable excitement within the global singing community about the Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song Competition, which offers an unrivalled platform for contestants to introduce their musical personalities and individual vocal qualities to an audience that appreciates and understands the countless imaginative insights that the repertoire requires. Song and Lieder are central to Wigmore Hall. As such, the International Song Competition forms an integral part of our work to recognise and encourage the next generation of great performers.’
Sir Ralph Kohn FRS
This year’s Competition celebrates the outstanding contribution of the late Sir Ralph Kohn FRS as one of its co-original founders. It is also a fitting tribute to this great man and his huge contribution to medical science, philanthropy and music.
More information about the 2017 Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song Competition can be found on the Wigmore Hall website . A full list of events can be found here .