The Wigmore Hall/Independent Opera International Song Competition (ISC) has announced its shortlist for 2019. In total 27 singer-piano duos have been selected to take part, representing eighteen different nationalities.
Established in 1997, ISC seeks out the best interpreters of song and lied from all over the world. Past winners include baritone Marcus Farnsworth, tenor Robin Tritschler and pianist James Baillieu.
This year the jury is led by Wigmore Hall director John Gilhooly.
“The ISC forms an integral part of our work to recognise and encourage the next generation of great performers,” remarked Gilhooly. “It offers an unrivalled platform for these singer and pianist duos to introduce their musical personalities and qualities to an audience that appreciates the countless imaginative insights that the repertoire requires.”
The top prize for singers is GBP10,000 (€11,600), while the highest pianist prize is GBP5,000. Other prizes include the Meikle Prize for the best Duo, Richard Tauber Prize for best interpretation of Schubert Lieder, Vaughan Williams Prize for the best interpretation of songs in English by a British composer and the Britten-Pears Young Artist Programme Prize.
Competitors will also benefit from workshops, talks and masterclasses from industry leaders including Judith Weir, John Mark Ainsley, Iain Burnside and Graham Johnson.
The competition runs from 6-11 September.