2019 Awards: winners announced
On Sunday evening we presented this year's Young Artist Awards on the Garsington stage at the final opera performance of the 2019 Season.
The Leonard Ingrams Awards and the Helen Clarke, Simon Sandbach and Christine Collins Awards, are prestigious prizes given to emerging young artists who have performed in the Garsington Opera Chorus, in small roles and as understudies.
The Leonard Ingrams Awards are made in memory of Garsington Opera's founder to ensure the continuity of his vision and support, encourage and nurture the best young artists involved in the creative process of bringing opera to the stage.
The Helen Clarke and Simon Sandbach Awards were created in memory of members of the Garsington Opera team and are made in recognition of the singers' extraordinary talent, musical skill and contribution to Garsington Opera's productions.
Congratulations to all the winners, who were part of the 2019 Alvarez Young Artists' Programme.
Helen Clarke Award
Seán Boylan
Don Giovanni, cover Don Giovanni (including one performance) and chorus Don Giovanni
Receiving the Helen Clarke Award is a great honour which provides me with timely practical support for which I am deeply grateful. An undeniable love of opera, support of young talent and an infectious community spirit make Garsington a truly unique experience.
Simon Sandbach Award
Kieran Rayner
Prince of Mantua, cover Fantasio (including OperaFirst performance) and chorus The Bartered Bride and Fantasio
I have loved working with Garsington - fantastic music, a beautiful setting and incredibly talented and generous staff, crew, creatives and fellow cast. It is a real pleasure to be a part of the Garsington family.
Christine Collins Award
Josephine Goddard
Mařenka, cover The Bartered Bride and chorus The Bartered Bride and Fantasio
I am indebted to Garsington for all the opportunities they have given me this year and I will be putting this award towards making some new recordings and having some singing lessons.
Leonard Ingrams Awards
Bianca Andrew
Fantasio, cover Fantasio (including OperaFirst performance) and Flamel, principal cast Fantasio
As an opera singer still at the beginning of her career, there are always the inevitable expenses that arise for auditions, coaching, lessons and travel. This award will go a long way in allowing me to prepare my work to the highest level in the seasons ahead.
Oliver Johnston
Jeník, cover The Bartered Bride (including two performances)
Understudying Jeník was an amazing experience, giving me the change to explore some Czech repertoire for the first time in a safe and supportive environment. Garsington invests so much in their young artists and covers and thanks to this investment and amazing support I felt well prepared to step onto the stage when the time came.
