10 Jun 2009
Finalists Named For Song Prize
Cardiff: 9 June 2009 — The five artists were today (WED) named to take part in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize final at St David’s Hall, Cardiff on Friday (June 12).
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Commentary
They are:
Javier Arrey, aged 27, baritone, from Chile
Tomislav Lučić, aged 31, bass, from Croatia
Jan Martinik, aged 26, bass, Czech Republic
Yuriy Mynenko, aged 30, counter-tenor, Ukraine
Natalya Romaniw, aged 22, soprano, Wales
Chairman of the panel of international judges John Fisher made the announcement after the panel of judges had heard the 20 singers who had taken part in four recitals over the last four days.
Mr Fisher, chief executive and artistic director of Welsh National Opera, said the judges had heard wonderful singing this week. He said it was “exhilarating and stimulating to hear young singers in such a demanding art form.”
Judging the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Song Prize were Adam Gatehouse, Editor Live Music BBC Radio 3, John Fisher, Kurt Moll, Ann Murray and accompanist and lieder specialist Helmut Deutsch. The Song Prize jury is chaired by John Fisher. The official accompanists were Phillip Thomas, Simon Lepper and Llŷr Williams.
Each of the 25 singers who are competing for the title BBC Cardiff Singer of the World were eligible to enter the separate Song Prize with its £5,000 prize, a trophy and the offer of a recital as part of the Rosenblatt Recital Series at St John’s Smith Square. The winner may also join BBC Radio 3’s New Generation Artists Scheme.
On Thursday evening Mr Fisher will also announce the names of the artists who have been selected for the finalists of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World with its £15,000 prize, which is provided by the City and County of Cardiff. The final takes place at St David’s Hall on Sunday, June 14.
Both competitions are organised by BBC Wales.
The 25 singers are representing nations as far afield as Chile and Russia, Australia and Italy were selected from more than 600 singers from around the world who took part in auditions in 44 locations in more than 30 countries for the biennial competition.
Yuriy Mynenko (Ukraine), Javier Arrey (Chile), Jan Martiník (Czech Republic), Tomislav Lučić (Croatia) and Natalya Romaniw (Wales)
This year all singers are also be eligible to benefit from a new bursary to help towards the development of their musical careers. A follower of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, Annie Sankey, has left the competition a bequest and a new bursary in her name to support singers who take part in the competition has been established. Menna Richards, Director BBC Cymru Wales said, “The bursaries will help support the studies of competitors, including helping with travel and the purchase of musical scores”.
Both competitions are receiving extensive coverage by the BBC across the networks including BBC Cymru Wales, Radio 3, BBC Two and BBC Four and online.