John Kerr Award

31 July 2014 is the deadline for entry into this year's John Kerr Award for English Song. The award was established in memory of the tenor John Kerr who had a long involvement with the museum at Finchcocks, researching and performing English songs accompanied by historical instruments. To enter the competition candidates are required to put together a 20 minute recording from the English Song Repertoire in the period 1600 to 1900, including a song by Charles Dibdin. 

A short-list from the first round will be selected and eight candidates will be invited to perform at the final on 26th October 2014 at Finchcocks Museum, Goudhurst, Kent in front of an audience and the judges  - singers Ian Partridge CBE and Julie Kennard, and Geoffrey Govier, Professor of Fortepiano at the Royal College of Music. There are four prizes being offered with the winner getting £1,600 plus a £400 recital. Previous winners have included tenor Greg Tassell and soprano Susanna Hurrell.