Competitions › Kathleen Ferrier Awards
Kathleen Ferrier Awards
Next edition
No future edition is announced on the official pages we could check.
Overview
Annual UK singing competition founded in 1956 in memory of contralto Kathleen Ferrier, open to singers of any nationality who live and train in the UK or Ireland. Preliminary auditions are followed by a semi-final and a public final at Wigmore Hall.
- Organiser
- Kathleen Ferrier Awards
- Instruments
- Voice, Piano (accompanist)
- Category
- Lied & collaborative piano, Opera & general voice
- Age limits
- 28 or under on the date of the final (2026 edition)
Rules & repertoire
Registration & fee
Online application with application form (applications for 2026 closed 25 January 2026). Eligible: main residence in the UK or Republic of Ireland and recognised UK/ROI postgraduate or equivalent training.
Rounds & time limits
- Preliminary auditions, 26 Feb-1 Mar 2026, Henry Wood Hall, London
- Semi-final, 21 April 2026, Wigmore Hall
- Final, 24 April 2026, Wigmore Hall
Repertoire
Rules and repertoire document published each year; a specimen programme is required.
Jury & prizes
Jury
- Christine Chibnall (Chair)
- David Parry
- Linda Richardson
- Peter Savidge
- Anna Tilbrook
Prizes
- First prize GBP 12,500
- Second prize GBP 6,000
- Ferrier Loveday Song Prize GBP 5,000
- Help Musicians Accompanists Prize GBP 5,000
Past editions
- 2026 — Wigmore Hall, London source
First Prize: Hector Bloggs, baritone; Second Prize: Liam Forrest, tenor; Ferrier Loveday Song Prize: Eyra Norman, soprano; Help Musicians Accompanist's Prize: Will Harmer, piano
Summarised from official sources, last checked 10 Nov 2026. Main source