Competitions Abroad

This year I have been fortunate to travel abroad a couple of times to compete. It can seem a touch strange to put an art form like singing into competition form, sending videos online in order to qualify, but I think they are best viewed as a risk-free chance to perform and to explore a new place.

In late February was in Karlsruhe, Germany, singing in the inaugural Farinelli Competition. Launched in honour of the legendary Farinelli, it was hosted at the Badisches Staatstheater. I sang a couple of Handel arias, ‘A dispetto d’un volto ingrato’ from Tamerlano and ‘Voi che udite il mio lamento’, but sadly did not progress to the final stages.

Early this month was in Clermont-Ferrand for the Clermont-Ferrand 28th International Opera Singing Competition. I made it through to the semi-final here, whilst enjoying a beautiful couple of days of French sunshine. I learned John Blow’s Poor Celadon just for this competition, a beautiful short song which I will certainly be performing again.