Sarah and Andrew win Young Artist bursaries
CARRICKFERGUS-BORN mezzosoprano Sarah Richmond and Navan tenor Andrew Gavin have been selected as the PwC Wexford Festival Opera ‘Emerging Young Artist’ bursary winners for 2016.
The two singers were awarded the bursary for demonstrating a potential to develop international careers in the opera profession. The bursary will contribute to the many costs associated with furthering their careers.
Sarah made her Wexford Festival Opera debut last year, when she sang the role of Willie in Guglielmo Ratcliff by Mascagni. This year, she will return to sing the principal role of Yelena in the ShortWorks production of The Bear by William Walton. She will also perform in the chorus of two of the evening operas, Herculanum by David and Vanessa by Barber.
Meanwhile, Andrew Gavin also has considerable experience in the world of opera. He most recently performed Arbace in a concert performance of Mozart’s Idomeneo with Kilkenny Arts Festival as well as making his debut at Wigmore H.
Andrew makes his debut this year with Wexford Festival Opera and will perform in no less than three operas, including the ShortWorks production of Il Campanello by Donizetti and two evening operas, Herculanum by David and Vanessa by Barber.
Opera artistic director David Agler praised the two singers, saying it was a great pleasure to select them for the bursary.
He said: ‘Both are gifted and promising artists and are a great addition to the 2016 Wexford Festival Company.
‘I am delighted too that last year’s bursary winners, Rachel Croash and Rory Musgrave, will be part of our 2016 company as well.
‘Providing a platform for the best emerging talent on the national and international stage is a key part of the Wexford Festival Opera mission and it is hugely appropriate for PwC to partner with Wexford Festival Opera in the nurturing of young talent.’
Also speaking at the announcement, PwC tax partner Jean Delaney said: ‘Having the right skills is critical for success and PwC has a strong legacy of championing talent development. We are proud to partner with Wexford Festival Opera on this exciting initiative.’