Articles tagged with: Ian Partridge

Left to Right: Chad Vindin (Accomp Prize), Soraya Mafi (joint 3rd), Anna Sideris (joint 3rd), Raphaela Papadakis (Winner), Frazer B. Scott (2nd & Audience Prize)

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

Have a look at our photo album from the event on Facebook.

Following preliminary auditions held over the weekend of 18-20 October, eight finalists have been shortlisted out of applications from around the world to compete for the £2,500 first prize on Friday 8 November at 1pm.

Each finalist is required to sing a programme including works by Handel and Peter Wishart, in addition to a piece of their own choice, for a panel of distinguished judges – Malcolm Martineau, Dame Felicity Lott and Ian Partridge.

Organised annually by Jackdaws Music Education Trust, a Somerset based charity, the awards celebrated their 20th competition in 2012, whilst Jackdaws celebrate their own 20th anniversary this year, 2013. Unique in its recognition of potential as much as achievement, many previous winners of this award have progressed to highly successful singing careers. The panel is chaired by Jackdaws’ Artistic Director, Saffron van Zwanenberg, who said-

“It was genuinely a very high standard this year and in particular some of the Peter Wishart songs were sung the best I have heard them to date. I think we have some rare and exciting voices in the final and am very pleased that for the first time they will get to sing 4 pieces instead of 3, giving them even more of an opportunity to show what they can do.”

In addition to the First Prize of £2,500 there is a Second Prize of £1,000 and 3^rd Prize of £500 (which is supported by local Somerset group Frome Voices). Jackdaws is very grateful to Penelope Davies for her support of the Awards for a third and final year. The best accompanist on the day will also be recognised with a prize of £1000, supported by Geoffrey and Margaret Batten, in memory of Peter Wishart. Finally, also decided on the day will be the Audience prize, voted for by the audience via ballot whilst the judges deliberate the overall winner. We are also very grateful to additional support this year from The Mercers Company.

The Finalists for the Maureen Lehane Vocal Awards 2013 are:

Ed Ballard

Annabella Ellis

Soraya Mafi

Raphaela Papadakis

Frazer Scott

Anna Sideris

Chloe Treharne

Jennifer Witton

Biographies for each finalist will be released at a later date.

The final is open to the public, and we warmly invite you to join us for what will surely be a wonderful afternoon of music making of the highest quality. This is the only way that you will be able to cast your vote in the Audience prize worth £250. Tickets are available from the Wigmore Hall.