BOIBA 2019 winner announced

The winner of BOIBA 2019 is counter-tenor Kieron-Connor Valentine with Mezzo soprano Erin Rossington as runner-up.

Held at Bath Spa University’s Michael Tippett Centre on 7 November, the announcements were made following the deliberations of the three adjudicators: Isobel Buchanan, Dr Charles Wiffen and Morag McLaren.

In announcing the result Isobel said that the standard of all the applicants and particularly the six finalists was fantastic:

‘Tonight we heard six individuals giving beautifully prepared and professionally presented programmes.’

Isobel Buchanan

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Welsh counter-tenor Kieron-Connor Valentine is currently studying for an M.Mus course at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, having graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and Drama, Manchester.

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‘I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the evening, and was blown away with the standard of singing.’

Adjudicator Morag McLaren

‘It was a privilege to hear such talented young singers. Bath Opera is grateful to our patron Isobel Buchanan for initiating this award and for her continuing enthusiasm and drive to ensure its continuation. We are also grateful for the hard work of our colleagues at Bath Spa University, without whom this event would not be possible.’

Peter Redfern, chairman of Bath Opera

Runner up was Welsh mezzo-soprano Erin Rossington who is studying for a Master of Music at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London under the tutelage of Susan Waters. She is also Llangollen International Eisteddfod’s ‘Voice of the Future 2019’.

However, Faust’s world begins to fall apart as he comes to realise that dealing with the devil is never as straightforward as it may at first seem!

Special mention should be made of the pianist, Maria Garcia, who tackled the varied programme with sympathy and aplomb.

Don’t forget Early Bird Tickets for Bath Opera’s performances of Gounod’s Faust on 21 and 22 February 2020 are now available for just £22.

Book before 30 November 2019 to take advantage of this fantastic offer. Click on the link below to get your Early Bird Tickets or call Jane’s hotline on 01935 475219.