Hurn Court Opera's Singer of the Year competition is being backed by The Grange Festival once again.

The winner of this contest will be offered a place in The Grange Festival Chorus in 2025, providing they meet the required standard.

Sponsored by Nigel Beale, the £2,000 top prize also includes the promise of work with Hurn Court Opera.

This is the third year in a row that Hurn Court Opera and The Grange Festival have collaborated in this manner.

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Finalists, pianists and judges in the 2023 HCO Singer of the Year Competition (Image: Hurn Court Opera) The semi-finals and finals of the competition, open to the public, will occur on Saturday, November 2 at St Swithun’s School, Winchester.

Ten semi-finalists were chosen from 84 applicants, who will perform operatic arias and songs in an attempt to win six prizes worth more than £6,000.

The judging panel will be chaired by Michael Chance CBE, artistic director of The Grange Festival, with renowned British mezzo-soprano Rosalind Plowright OBE, and James Black, director of artist management company James Black Management, joining him.

Lynton Atkinson, Hurn Court Opera's artistic director, said: "All emerging singers are desperate to be heard, especially in a shrinking performing environment.

"We’re thrilled therefore to offer a crucial platform through our Competition, with invaluable help from our prize donors and our friends at The Grange Festival."

For more information, go to hurncourtopera.org.