2026 Awards: Winners Announced

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 honour 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. Nicky Creed worked at Garsington Opera for 25 years, latterly as Executive Director.

These awards were presented by the Artistic Director of Garsington Opera, Douglas Boyd, and the Executive Director, Ben Weston, on Monday 20 July 2026.

Douglas Boyd writes “I am delighted to present these awards on behalf of Garsington Opera. All recipients have excelled to the highest standards that have been a hallmark of this season’s festival. They have demonstrated extraordinary quality both on and off the stage, distinguished themselves as wonderful colleagues and give us all hope for a bright future of this art form. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside them and I am delighted that Garsington Opera can help further their careers.”

The award winners are:

Leonard Ingrams Award

In recognition of outstanding talent.

Leonard Ingrams Award: Seán Boylan
Seán played the role of Algernon Moncrieff in The Importance of Being Earnest

“Thank you, Garsington Opera, for awarding me the Leonard Ingrams Award! I am humbled to be recognised in this way in a year of such extraordinary performances from so many colleagues and friends, particularly the indefatigable team working on The Importance of Being Earnest. This award will be of real practical support to me in my career, in particular for all of the unexpected financial demands that come with an artistic career today, from travel to continuing professional development.

For me, this award is a recognition of the many cherished people in my life who have supported me, many of whom are part of the wider Garsington family. To them, my “Earnest” colleagues and Leonard Ingrams, I give my heartfelt thanks.”

Chorus Awards

In recognition of professional and personal contributions and musical skill during the season.

Helen Clarke Award: Will Prior
Will played the role of Nereidi, Sirene, Feaci & Naiadi in Il ritorno d’Ulisse. He also covered the role of L’Humana fragiltà & Pisandro in Il ritorno d’Ulisse, performing both roles for the OperaFirst performance. 

“I have absolutely loved spending this season at Garsington. I could not have wished for a better experience for my first professional opera contract and I feel honoured to receive the Helen Clarke award to top it all off! I intend to put the award towards funding continued Italian language tuition and creating a professional online presence.

Working on Ulisses has been a true privilege; I am so grateful to have been a part of rendering this gorgeous production. The inspiring creative team took a gentle and collaborative approach to the rehearsal process, fostering a warm family feeling within the ensemble from day one and encouraging us all to put our own stamp on the show. As a result, I have been able to learn so much from all of my colleagues in this production both in and out of the rehearsal room.

This warm atmosphere extends into the company as a whole. The amazing management team at Garsington look after us so well as Alvarez Emerging Artists, providing us with access to invaluable opportunities and resources outside of the productions. They run the company so smoothly, whilst always being generous, accommodating, and good-humoured.

Most of all, however, I have loved regularly escaping the bustle of London. It is extremely uplifting to experience such a high level of artistry and then to be greeted on exit not by concrete and cars but by the exquisite greenery of the Chilterns. So a huge thank you to everyone at Garsington that make the season possible. It’s been truly unforgettable.”

Simon Sandbach Award: Ana-Carmen Balestra
Ana-Carmen played the role of Noble Daughter in Der Rosenkavalier and was a member of the chorus in La traviata and Der Rosenkavalier. She also covered the role of Cecily Cardew in The Importance of Being Earnest.

“I am so happy and grateful to receive the Simon Sandbach Award. Singing at Garsington is a dream come true. I had an amazing summer with a beautiful team and wonderful people. One of the highlights for me was covering the role of Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest, an extremely challenging score to learn because of its tessitura and shifting time signatures. I really love a challenge and extremes, so this was a perfect opportunity for me! One night I had to step in during the piano dress rehearsal, and I really enjoyed that. I also loved singing the first Noble Daughter alongside amazing colleagues in Der Rosenkavalier, we had so much fun every night, and it was a real team effort.

As a young singer, the costs involved are quite high, international auditions, coaching sessions, recordings, travel all add up. Being from the Netherlands, travel costs in particular can mount quickly. I am incredibly grateful for this award, and the money will be invaluable in supporting me making new recordings and working with the best coaches in the industry. It will definitely help me pursue further opportunities in my career!”

Simon Sandbach Award: Alfred Mitchell
Alfred played the role of Faninal’s major-domo in Der Rosenkavalier and was a member of the chorus in La traviata and Der Rosenkavalier. He also covered the roles of Valzacchi in Der Rosenkavalier, and Iro in Il ritorno d’Ulisse. 

“I’m so grateful to receive this award. This summer has been absolutely magic. To not only sing a small role in Bruno Ravella’s iconic production of Der Rosenkavalier but to cover incredible singers in Robert Murray and Stuart Jackson has been an absolute honour and I have I learnt so much from these brilliant artists. Working with not only the directors/conductors on these shows, but also the fantastic assistant team has massively aided my development as an emerging artist.

In all an absolutely fantastic season that I will treasure as I move onto my next chapter in Vienna. Having recently been awarded a place at the Opera Studio at the Volksoper this money will help me secure a flat and settle down before a whirlwind two years ahead.”

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: Molly Owen
Molly was the Trainee Assistant Director for Der Rosenkavalier and The Importance of Being Earnest

“I have just spent the most wonderful four months working at Garsington on two incredible productions, Der Rosenkavalier and The Importance of Being Earnest, surrounded by inspiring, talented and kind people from whom I have learned so much. This has been an invaluable experience, providing me with a foundation on which to build the rest of my career.

I feel very honoured to receive the Nicky Creed Award, which will be such a help in the further development of my career, both in the academic study of opera and more practice-based director training.”