Shortlist Announced for 2017 Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song Competition

Established in 1997, the biennial International Song Competition has
grown to become one of the most significant platforms worldwide for
recognising young talent in song recital, as part of Wigmore Hall’s
longstanding commitment to celebrating the art form. This year’s
shortlist features a diverse list of emerging performers aged 33 and
under from the UK, Germany, USA, Australia, Belgium, China, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, and
Switzerland – all on the verge of embarking on significant
international careers.

Over a five-day period, the shortlisted duos will compete in front of a
distinguished panel of jurors and Wigmore Hall audiences. They will
also receive coaching and feedback from some of the foremost
international song performers and experts. Between the rounds, talks,
workshops and masterclasses by leading musical figures are also open to
the public. The week culminates in a prize-giving ceremony, in which
the overall winner receives £10,000. A Pianist’s Prize of £5,000 is
also awarded, as well as the Jean Meikle Prize for the best Duo, and
the Richard Tauber Prize for best interpretation of Schubert Lieder.

Past winners include British baritone Marcus Farnsworth, who now enjoys
a busy international career, tenor Robin Tritschler (2nd prize winner
in 2007) who is now a Signum recording artist, and 2009 Pianist’s
Prize-winner James Baillieu, in great demand around the world.

Director of Wigmore Hall and chair of the jury John Gilhooly OBE says
of the Competition:

‘There is a palpable excitement within the global singing community
about the Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation International Song
Competition, which offers an unrivalled platform for contestants to
introduce their musical personalities and individual vocal
qualities to an audience that appreciates and understands the
countless imaginative insights that the repertoire requires. Song
and Lieder are central to Wigmore Hall. As such, the International
Song Competition forms an integral part of our work to recognise
and encourage the next generation of great performers.’

Sir Ralph Kohn FRS

This year’s Competition celebrates the outstanding contribution of the
late Sir Ralph Kohn FRS as one of its co-original
founders. It is also a fitting tribute to this great man and his huge
contribution to medical science, philanthropy and music.

More information about the 2017 Wigmore Hall/Kohn Foundation
International Song Competition can be found on the

Wigmore Hall website

. A full list of events can be found

here

.