Kathleen Ferrier Awards
Overview
The Kathleen Ferrier Memorial Fund was founded in 1953 in memory of this much-loved singer. It was started with the proceeds of the book "Kathleen Ferrier - A Memoir" written by some of her friends and colleagues and published by Hamish Hamilton, and its purpose was to make an annual award to a young British singer, sufficient to cover the cost of a year's study and general support.
The first competition was held in 1956 since when the award has provided a number of young singers with the opportunity of making a start in what is a most difficult and demanding career. There have been many outstanding winners of the "Ferrier" and several who have gained international recognition and acclaim.
The competition has changed over the years and now offers prize money rather than scholarships. The Kathleen Ferrier Awards are regarded as some of the most prestigious available to young British, Commonwealth and Irish singers.
In 1992, to mark the 80th Anniversary year of Kathleen Ferrier's birth, the offer of a London recital as part of the first prize in the competition was introduced.
As well as a first prize of £12,500 and a second prize of £6,000, there is the Ferrier Loveday Song Prize of £5,000 and the Help Musicians UK Accompanists Prize of £5,000.
The competition is open to singers of any nationality who have completed at least one year of study in the UK or Eire; they must be aged 28 or under at the time of the final audition. Pianists competition for the accompanist’s award must also be 28 or under.
For a list of previous Winners visit the website here