November 2023

Gaynor Keeble won scholarships to the University of Warwick and the Royal Academy of Music. She was awarded a Countess of Munster Award and has been a semi-finalist in both the Kathleen Ferrier and the Belvedere International Opera Competition.

Julia's extensive performing career spanning more than thirty years has encompassed opera, concert and recital repertoire from Early Music to first performances of contemporary works.

Andrea Calladine has a varied career as performer, teacher, conductor and adjudicator. She studied initially at the Birmingham School of Music (now the Birmingham Conservatoire) gaining honours in Diplomas and was awarded many major prizes.

Lesley Garrett was born in South Yorkshire and studied first with Vivien Pike and later, at the Royal Academy of Music, with Joy Mammen, with whom she continues to study. Her operatic career began at Opera North with Sophie, Werther and Susanna, The Marriage of Figaro. She returned to the Company in 2013 as Elle, La Voix Humaine.

Mark Wildman received his early formal musical education at The King’s School, Gloucester and as a chorister in Gloucester Cathedral where he studied and sang under Dr Herbert Sumsion. Later on, he studied at The Royal Academy of Music under the guidance of Henry Cummings, Rex Stephens, Tom Hammond and Norman Feasey and later on with Rupert Bruce Lockhart.

Preparation for the Singers' Platform

• It is requested that singers dress appropriately for the occasion
• An official accompanist will be available throughout the Festival but performers may bring their own accompanist if they wish
• Please adhere to all the required deadlines as detailed

Time limits: All performances must adhere to the time limits including verbal introductions. Any re-starts which are the fault of the singer are included in the performance time limit.

Class 1: RECITAL
A recital of up to 20 minutes creatively chosen from the following:

All entry forms, fees and music for the official accompanist/s  MUST be received by Saturday 9 November 2024 or the entry may not be accepted.  It will be necessary to have your parcel containing music weighed to avoid underpayment of postage. Please write your song choices very clearly and in the order of performance giving the title, work and composer. Once the entry forms have been received, the order in which the classes will take place will be determined and everyone informed.