The Chilcott Award has opened its application process for the tenth and last time, offering £10,000 for advanced training or career development to a singer who, in the eyes of the Award panel, shows outstanding international potential. Previous winners have included baritone Duncan Rock (2012), mezzo soprano Clare Presland (2014) and soprano Soraya Mafi (2016).

The biennial Chilcott Award is offered to an opera singer between the ages of 23 and 28 by The Susan Chilcott Scholarship, an independent charity administered by the Royal Philharmonic Society, which was set up in 2005 in memory of Susan Chilcott, one of the outstanding singers of her generation who died from cancer in 2003 aged 40. The Susan Chilcott Scholarship has helped over 50 young singers, and since 2012, the individual Chilcott Award has given significant hand up to major young artists.

Iain Burnside, Chair of the Susan Chilcott Scholarship comments:

Sue lit up the stage, She was an amazing singer and an extraordinary woman, beloved by many of her colleagues. This award is a wonderful way to honour her memory, She would have loved seeing the depth of vocal talent in Britain today. I am confident that from the pool of talent we will find an outstanding young artist to help on their journey.

Applications are now sought (closing dates: Thursday 12 April 2018 and selected applicants will be invited for audition and interview in London on Sunday 24 June 2018.

Photo: Richard Hubert Smith