Every year we make awards to the next generation of artists and creatives involved in our season. These reward exceptional work both on stage and in the rehearsal room 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 Garsington Opera until his untimely death in 2005. Simon Sandbach and Helen Clarke were respected members of staff who sadly died whilst still in post.
We are also delighted to announce the Nicky Creed Award, given in celebration and recognition of Nicky’s 25 years with the company.
The awards were presented by the Artistic Director of Garsington Opera, Douglas Boyd and the Executive Director Nicky Creed, before the final performance of the season on Tuesday 22 July 2025.
Douglas Boyd writes “This year’s emerging artists have been nothing short of astounding. They have formed a world class chorus receiving dazzling reviews, performed some of the smaller roles with extraordinary distinction and have been understudies for the principal roles, preparing them to the highest quality.
We are also delighted to present a new award celebrating Nicky Creed’s wonderful 25 years with Garsington Opera. The first recipient of this award is a Trainee Assistant Director. This marks the expansion of the trainee scheme during Nicky’s tenure and the ever-widening scope of Garsington Opera – a very fitting tribute.
The award winners are:
Leonard Ingrams Awards
In recognition of outstanding talent.
Leonard Ingrams Award: Hugh Cutting
Hugh played the role of Unulfo in Rodelinda and covered the role of Bertarido, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
“I’ve had a blast this summer at Garsington; Rodelinda is one of my favourite operas with an unusually watertight plot, and a score filled with emotional punch and pay-off.
I’m so touched to receive this award, and beyond that I’m so happy with the association it brings in linking me to Garsington. I’ve been struck by the get-up-and-go attitude of this company, and I think that’s something opera desperately needs going forward. There will always be a place for colourful divas and maestros in this industry, but much more than that we need heart. For me, that means we have to have artists and creative teams who are ready to muck-in and play off each other as a troupe to create a piece of theatre. So that’s what I’m going to put this prize money into, building performance opportunities that emphasise connection and communication, between performers and audiences. And maybe buying some new concert shoes.
And just a quick word for Mr Handel – aren’t we lucky to be able to work with such astonishingly stirring music written by, surely, one of the greatly-human composers of our civilisation. What a bloke.
Thank you Dougie and Michelle and everyone – and especially to Leonard Ingrams; look what a wonderful, sustaining endeavour he’s created around us.“
Leonard Ingrams Award: Vuyisa Xipu
Vuyisa was a member of the chorus for The Queen of Spades and L’elisir d’amore. He also covered the role of Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
“I would like to thank Garsington for having me this season. It has been an amazing experience to be part of the Alvarez Emerging Artists’ Programme. I have gained so much experience and confidence in myself and stage presence.
I am truly honoured to have been awarded the Leonard Ingrams Award. This award will come in very handy in assisting me with future endeavours such as for now; paying my travelling expenses, extra Italian classes on my arrival in Florence, and buying scores for my desired future roles.
Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity.“
Chorus Awards
In recognition of professional and personal contributions and musical skill during the season.
Helen Clarke Award: James Micklethwaite
James played the role of Tchaplitsky in The Queen of Spades and was a member of the chorus for The Queen of Spades. He also covered the role of Grimoaldo in Rodelinda, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
“I am delighted and honoured to receive the Helen Clarke Award. I’ve had an unforgettable summer at Garsington, particular highlights of which were performing as Grimoaldo in the OperaFirst performance of Rodelinda for 600 enthusiastic primary school children (many of whom were experiencing opera for the first time) and performing as Tchaplitsky in The Queen of Spades. It has been very inspiring being surrounded by so many wonderful and supportive colleagues and mentors, and the recognition this award gives me inspires me further still to continue to develop my singing and performing.
There are many costs associated with being a young singer, including coaching, travelling to auditions, both in the UK and abroad, and investing in professional headshots and recordings. The money from this award will be invaluable in supporting my continued musical development, and will allow me to pursue further opportunities to continue to develop my career.“
Simon Sandbach Award: Alexandria Moon
Alexandria played the role of Masha in The Queen of Spades and was a member of the chorus for The Queen of Spades. She also covered the role of Eduige in Rodelinda, performing the role for the OperaFirst performance.
“It has been a complete luxury working with such a wonderful company as Garsington this summer. I feel completely enriched and satiated with art and I’m certain that the experience I’ve had will be influential to my future performances and my career beyond. To top it off, I’ve been honoured by receiving the Simon Sandbach Award at the end of the Festival. As I look towards developing my career through the upcoming audition season, this award will provide me the opportunity to firstly gather professional audition material, create an online platform for my work and then hopefully to fund auditioning itself at home and overseas. I am totally ‘over the moon’ and would like to extend my eternal gratitude to Garsington for this recognition and support.“
Nicky Creed Award
In celebration and recognition of Nicky’s 25 years with the company. This award recognises someone who has made a significant contribution to the season, either on or off the stage.
Nicky Creed Award: Laura Hounsell
Laura was the Trainee Assistant Director for Rodelinda and Fidelio, directing the Rodelinda covers for the London Showcase and assistant directing the OperaFirst performance.
“Working at Garsington this summer has been such a joy, and has given me a foundation on which to build my career.
As Trainee Assistant Director on Rodelinda and Fidelio, I gained an invaluable insight into two remarkable productions created by two world-class teams. I’ve learnt so much from my exceptional colleagues, and have been supported, challenged and inspired.
I loved working with the cover cast of Rodelinda towards their London Showcase (as director) and OperaFirst performance (as assistant director) and I’m proud of our work.
It’s extremely special to receive the inaugural Nicky Creed Award – what an honour, thank you!“