Soprano Laura Mitchell wins the
John Kerr Award for English Song
Soprano Laura Mitchell took the top prize of £2000 (plus a recital opportunity) in the finals of the John Kerr Award for English Song, held at Finchcocks historical instrument museum in Kent, on 5 October. The second prize, of £1000, went to French soprano Angelique Pourreyon, with the David Ebbage Accompanist’s Prize going to her accompanist, Megumi Tanno, from Japan.
The seven finalists - six sopranos and one counter tenor – collectively had a suitable profile for this international competition, with competitors coming from Canada and Australia, as well as France.
Laura Mitchell was accompanied in her award-winning recital by Julian Perkins, on several of the historical keyboard instruments that make up the Finchcocks collection. Her 25 minute programme comprised songs by Thomas Arne, Purcell, Haydn, Thomas Dunhill, Armstrong Gibbs and an a cappella rendition of the anonymous Willow Song. Laura, who is a graduate of the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio, is no stranger to competition success, having won the Song Prize in the 2007 Kathleen Ferrier Awards,
The tenor Ian Partridge, who chaired the adjudication panel, said:
“This is a wonderful competition. I have spent 50 years trying to publicise English Song , and now we have heard in the space of one day the great depth of our heritage. It‘s been a very good day, with a good selection of songs from all candidates, including quite a few even the panel didn’t know, which is always enjoyable.”
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BACKGROUND
The John Kerr Award for English Song was established in memory of the remarkable tenor John Kerr, after his premature death in 2004, by his many admirers including his partner Maureen Lyle, the lutenist Anthony Rooley, and Richard and Katrina Burnett of Finchcocks. In its content it reflects Kerr’s love of English song – of which he was a wonderful interpreter - and in its location it reflects the way in which his life was for many years involved with Finchcocks, for whom he gave many recitals and made three recordings. The John Kerr Award Trust is a registered charity no. 1121245. The competition takes place every two years, with the first competition having been held in 2006.
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Notes to Editors
- The adjudication panel comprised the soprano Julie Kennard, the tenor Ian Partridge (Chair), and Dr Geoffrey Govier, Fortepianist and Professor of Fortepiano at the Royal College of Music.
- John Kerr first began singing professionally with the Glyndebourne Opera Company, where he sang in the chorus and undertook roles with the touring company. In 1973 he was offered a contract with the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and worked with them for the rest of his life. He had an immense knowledge and understanding of the repertoire, but perhaps his greatest love was English song. When he became involved with Finchcocks he began researching and singing songs to be accompanied by the historical instruments to be found there. He made three recordings for Finchcocks, reflecting a wide historical period from lute songs by Thomas Campion to late Victorian ballads. He sang regularly at Finchcocks Open Days, where his particular ability to engage and amuse won him many friends. He was always ready to encourage others, and after his sudden death in 2004, the establishment of a competition for the promotion of the English Song Repertoire seemed the most fitting way to remember him.
- Finchcocks is a fine Georgian manor, set in the countryside near Goudhurst, Kent. It houses the large and renowned collection of historical keyboard instruments put together by its owner Richard Burnett, leading exponent of the period piano. Finchcocks is now a musical centre and museum of international repute, and many events take place there. For more information visit www.finchcocks.co.uk
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For more details about the competition, please visit the website at www.johnkerraward.org.uk or contact Maureen Lyle, Clifton Coach House, Camden Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5AA; telephone 01892 530049; maureenlyle@talktalk.net