RPS Chilcott Scholarship
Between 2003 and 2018, the RPS Chilcott Scholarship offered funding to a British opera singer for advanced training and professional development as they embarked on their career. It was presented in memory of soprano Susan Chilcott, one of the outstanding singers of her generation, who died from cancer in 2003 aged 40.
The Chilcott Scholarship was a charity in itself, administered by the RPS. In its fifteen years, the Scholarship offered financial support to over 50 young singers totalling over £160,000, enabling them to progress their professional development. Those supported included many singers who are now making names for themselves on the opera and concert stage including Clare Booth, Natalya Romaniw, Jennifer Johnston, Kathryn Rudge, Soraya Mafi, Ashley Riches and Duncan Rock. Gemma Summerfield was the final recipient in 2018 Chilcott Award. Click here to see the list of all recipients.
Jonathan Dimbleby, Susan Chilcott Scholarship President, commented on the final award: 'Our original hope in launching the RPS Chilcott Scholarship was to honour Sue’s memory by helping young singers of exceptional talent to achieve their full potential in this most perilous profession. I believe we have succeeded. Of course, it is a bitter-sweet moment that this has to be our final award but it has been an inspiration and a delight to have been involved. My admiration for those who competed and my gratitude to all those who have made it possible is unbounded.'