Aspiring young singers keen to perform and receive some professional feedback are being encouraged to enter a new class at this year’s Green Island Vocal Competitions in May.
Entries in the more traditional classes in the competitions have been falling in recent years, down to 43 in 2019, raising some concern about the continuing viability of the event.
The annual competitions, now in their 73rd year (last year’s were cancelled because of the Covid-19 lockdown), are designed to foster the development of young singers. They have featured some well-known artists, including Jonathan Lemalu, Bridget Telfer, Claire Barton and Toni Shanks.
Competition convener Peter Thomson said it was hoped the new vocal entertainment class open to singers up to the age of 21 might attract some "new blood".
The new entertainment class would allow participants to sing whatever they liked, and they could use their own instruments or a backing track if they wished.
The entrance fee for the class had been kept at $5 a person. Those singing in this class would not be competing, but it would be a chance for them to perform in front of a welcoming and supportive audience on a real stage at the Coronation Hall in Mosgiel and receive an appraisal by the competitions’ adjudicator, Michelle Walker.
Mr Thomson said this feedback and seeing others performing might also lead to some young singers wanting to further develop their skills through singing lessons.
Entries are now open for the competitions and close on April 7. The competitions will be held May 14-16.
More information is available at greenislandcomps.org.nz.
- By Elspeth McLean
