Tickets
About this event:
- Category:
- Classical Music | Competition / Prize
- Event type:
- Booking required
- Admission:
- £10–£20 (£5 concessions) +bkg fee
- Location:
- Barbican Hall
Event Information
The final of Guildhall School's most prestigious music prize returns with a concert at Barbican Hall, offering the chance to enjoy songs and arias performed by four outstanding Guildhall vocalists: Miku Yasukawa, Michael Lafferty-Smith, Alexandra Achillea Pouta and Lorna McLean.
Guildhall School’s premier music prize was founded in 1915 and since the 1950s it has been open to singers and instrumentalists in alternate years. Previous winners of the Gold Medal include Jacqueline du Pré (1960), Tasmin Little (1986) and Sir Bryn Terfel (1989).
This year it’s the turn of the singers, who will perform with piano and with Guildhall Symphony Orchestra conducted by Richard Farnes. The evening closes with the adjudication by the panel and announcement of the winner.
The Guildhall Symphony Orchestra will open the second half with an overture from The Wreckers by Ethel Smyth.
This year's esteemed jury comprises Armin Zanner, Guildhall School's Vice-Principal & Director of Music, soprano Roberta Alexander, baritone Sir Simon Keenlyside, Askonas Holt director Sue Spence, and Michelle Williams, Head of Casting at English National Opera and London Coliseum.
2023 Finalists:
Miku Yasukawa soprano
songs and arias by Strauss, Debussy, Ravel, Mozart, Verdi and Hayasaka
Michael Lafferty-Smith baritone
songs and arias by Schubert, Rowarth, Barber, Ravel, Poulenc and Korngold
Alexandra Achillea Pouta mezzo soprano
songs and arias by Messiaen, Santoliquido, Varèse, Ligeti, Ravel, Bellini and Szymanowski
Lorna McLean soprano
songs and arias by Cilea, Griffes, Poulenc, Strauss, Puccini, Mozart and Wagner
Performers & Jury
Miku Yasukawa soprano
Michael Lafferty-Smith baritone
Alexandra Achillea Pouta mezzo soprano
Lorna McLean soprano
Guildhall Symphony Orchestra
Richard Farnes conductor
Florent Mourier piano
William Bracken piano
Aleksandra Myslek piano
Armin Zanner Vice-Principal & Director of Music, Guildhall School
Roberta Alexander Soprano
Sir Simon Keenlyside Baritone
Sue Spence Director, Askonas Holt
Michelle Williams Head of Casting, English National Opera and London Coliseum
Venue information
Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’.
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Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS -
- Bars/cafes
- Restrooms
- Hearing facility
- Assistance dogs permitted
- Spaces for wheelchair users