Oakham School’s eleventh annual English Song Competition took place on Sunday 3 February 2019, and despite the bitterly cold weather, it was once again a glorious and warm-hearted celebration of singing at Oakham. With nearly 60 participants from across all eight school year groups, the pupils competed in classes throughout the afternoon in front of distinguished visiting adjudicators; professional opera singers Nicholas Folwell and Susanna Tudor-Thomas. They encouraged the performers throughout the event, drawing on their own experience in auditions and competitions, and had the difficult job of selecting a winning and runner-up performances from each class, as well as highly commending many other singers.

At 6pm, the traditional end of event English Song Recital was as strong as ever, featuring 14 excellent performances by all the winners and runners-up, and leading to the award of the three overall prizes. Many congratulations to all those who took part, and thanks to the fabulous singing teachers and accompanists who prepared and supported the singers in this event.

We enjoyed an excellent competition, the results of which were as follows:

OVERALL WINNER – Beth (RH)

OVERALL RUNNER UP – Holly (Hm)

MOST PROMISING YOUNG SINGER – Evie (L)