An exceptionally talented performer from Wellington School has won the inaugural Taunton Young Singer Competition. Charlie Pemberton, Year 11, beat 18 other performers to win the coveted prize at a thrilling final on Sunday.
This competition, which was judged by Professor Julian Pike, Head of Vocal and Operatic Studies at the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music, was set up by the Taunton Music Festival in response to the ever-growing numbers of vocal entries. It was felt that singers should have their own competition and not be judged alongside their instrumental contemporaries. The competition is open to any person under 18, of Grade 6 standard or above.
“The rules are quite strict” commented Charlie. “I had to prepare a programme of 12 minutes, which included one song in a foreign language, one British Art Song of the last century, but no extracts from musical theatre or opera composed after 1800. The atmosphere was electric and it was such a thrill to perform with so many talented singers”.
Charlie is no stranger to performing in auspicious competitions. She is the “face” of the homeless charity Shelter, and recently performed in St Martin in the Fields. She attained a high distinction in Grade 7 and is about to take her Advanced Certificate in singing for the Trinity Guildhall examining board. She is a frequent soloist in the acclaimed Wellington School Chapel Choir and enjoys singing all genres of music. At the competition, Charlie sang a moving selection of pieces, ranging from Mozart to Poulenc.
“We are thrilled that Charlie has won this richly deserved award” commented Andrew Trewhella, Director of Music at Wellington School. “Four out of the 19 performers were from Wellington School and we are delighted that the standard of music remains so high across the region.”
The competition was held in the Gwyn Thomas Music Room at Taunton School and Charlie was presented with a fabulous trophy and a cheque for £200.
Hannah-Deason Barrow from Richard Huish College was second in the competition, and Katey Rylands from St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon won third prize.