Friday 8th November saw the eight finalists sing for their chance at the £2,500 first prize at the Maureen Lehane Vocal Awards in the Wigmore Hall. Each participant sang a programme of four pieces, consisting of arias by two set composers, G.F. Handel and Peter Wishart, and two own choice pieces.
These two set composers have always been a part of these awards since the inaugural competition in 1993; Maureen was known for her beautiful performances of Handel on stage, and Peter Wishart was her husband from 1966 until his early death in 1984.
The awards form part of Jackdaws’ Young Artists Programme along with the annual OperaPLUS.
The winners were decided by the distinguished panel of Judges – Dame Felicity Lott, Malcolm Martineau, Ian Partridge CBE and chaired by Jackdaws’ Artistic Director Saffron van Zwanenberg.
Maureen Lehane Vocal Awards 2013 Winners
1st Place – Raphaela Papadakis (Soprano)
2nd Place – Frazer B. Scott (Bass-Baritone)
3rd Place – jointly awarded to Soraya Mafi (Soprano) and Anna Sideris (Soprano)
Accompanist Prize – Chad Vindin
Audience Prize – Frazer B. Scott