Garsington Opera’s Young Artists Awards announced
Every year we make awards to young artists involved in our season. These reward exceptional work both on stage and in the rehearsal room during the season, and provide financial assistance to help with further career development. Each is presented in memory of an important figure from Garsington Opera’s history. Leonard Ingrams was the Founder and Chair of GO until his untimely death in 2005. Simon Sandbach and Helen Clarke were respected members of staff who sadly died whilst still in post. The awards were presented by the Artistic Director of Garsington Opera, Douglas Boyd, before the final performance of the Season on Tuesday 23 July 2024.
Douglas Boyd writes “This year’s young artists have been nothing short of astounding. They have formed a world class chorus, performed some of the smaller roles with distinction and have been understudies for the principal roles, preparing them to the highest quality. Due to intermittent illness in the casts of all four operas this year, many of them had the chance to perform on our stage, all to great acclaim. Our Young Artists group are also wonderful people who give us all hope for the future. That has made choosing the recipients of our Awards a more difficult task than ever before but after much discussion the Awards go to the following:”
Leonard Ingrams Award: Holly Brown
Holly played the role of Thalie in Platée and was a member of the chorus for Platée and Un giorno di regno. She also covered the role of Giulietta in Un giorno di regno
“I’m absolutely thrilled to receive the Leonard Ingrams award. This was my first season with Garsington and it’s such a privilege to have been recognised among so many outstanding Young Artists. Thanks so much to everyone who worked so hard on the season and made me feel so welcome and cared for, if I managed to do excellent work this season it’s because I was put in the best possible environment for doing it!”
Leonard Ingrams Award: Jessica Cale
Jessica was a member of the chorus for Le nozze di Figaro and covered the role of Countess Almaviva, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
“This has been my first summer working at Garsington and it is a very special place. I have felt so supported by all the departments and encouraged to explore and grow as an artist. Having the opportunity to perform the role of Countess Almaviva in the OperaFirst performance of Le nozze di Figarowas a real dream come true and to be chosen as a recipient of the Leonard Ingrams Award tops off an incredible summer. Thank you to Garsington Opera and all of my hugely talented colleagues for making this such a wonderful experience; Garsington holds a very special place in my heart.”
Helen Clarke Award: Richard Pittsinger
Richard was a member of the chorus for Platée and Un giorno di regno. He also covered the title role in Platée.
“This summer at Garsington has proven to be one of the most rewarding, enriching, and heartening summers to date. It was a profound experience creating beautiful bonds of friendship, pushing our artistic creativity to new heights, and being supported by world-class creative teams and music staff. I am honoured to have been named a recipient of the Helen Clarke Award but it also belongs to all my fellow Alvarez Young Artists. Each one of us rose to the occasion and expanded upon our artistic talents, all while creating a reality worthy of the Garsington audience. I will cherish these memories for years. Thank you, my Garsington family!”
Simon Sandbach Award: James Geidt
James was a member of the chorus for Platée and Un giorno di regno. He also covered the role of Momus in Platée, and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performing the role for one performance and for the OperaFirst performance.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to have received the Simon Sandbach Award. It was a season filled with unforgettable experiences and artistic growth. Having had the chance to jump in and sing Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I am extremely grateful for the faith and trust that the Artistic team place in their Young Artists. This award will help and inspire me to continue pursuing excellence in my craft.”
Simon Sandbach Award: Nancy Holt
Nancy played the role of Maenad 2 in Platée and was a member of the chorus for Platée and Un giorno di regno. She also covered the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
“I am delighted to have received the Simon Sandbach Award. Covering the role of Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a ‘dream’ role of mine, was such a wonderful learning experience. Having the opportunity to perform the role in the OperaFirst show with the Philharmonia Orchestra was brilliant. But the highlight was receiving the call to step in as Hermia for the sitzprobe and stage & orchestras which was fantastically exciting. I also thoroughly enjoyed singing in the chorus for Platée and Un giorno di regno, and it was a real joy to work alongside all the wonderful people that make up Garsington Opera. Spending time with such supportive and friendly colleagues has made for a brilliant and unforgettable summer. This award will be immensely helpful over the coming year as I join the National Opera Studio and I’m very grateful for Garsington’s support — thank you!”