SINGING
Entries will be accepted online from 1 January 2023
Blackheath Music Festival will be held as an in-person festival in early May 2023. Exact dates will be announced shortly.
The venue is Eltham College Senior School, Grove Park Rd, Mottingham, London SE9 4QF
Important announcement concerning awards and written adjudications at the 2023 festival:
Performers gaining one of the four highest levels of achievement will be awarded a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Award respectively. There will be eight categories of achievement, and all categories will be awarded certificates.
No 1st, 2nd or 3rd placings will be awarded in any class in any section at the 2023 festival. This is to encourage performers to continue to aspire to even higher achievements as they continue to learn.
The venue is Eltham College Senior School, Grove Park Rd, Mottingham, London SE9 4QF
Important announcement concerning awards and written adjudications at the 2023 festival:
Performers gaining one of the four highest levels of achievement will be awarded a Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze Award respectively. There will be eight categories of achievement, and all categories will be awarded certificates.
No 1st, 2nd or 3rd placings will be awarded in any class in any section at the 2023 festival. This is to encourage performers to continue to aspire to even higher achievements as they continue to learn.
Dates: |
To be held in early May 2023. Exact dates to be advised |
Closing date for entry: |
Monday 13 March 2023 at 23:59, or earlier if class lists are full |
Age qualification |
Age as at 1 March 2023 |
Venue: |
Eltham College Senior School, Grove Park Rd, Mottingham, London SE9 4QF |
Adjudicator: |
TBA |
The Singing Secretary is: Fiona Rogers: |
Address: Flat 4, Priory Lodge, 15 Priory Park, London SE3 9UY Tel: 07932 193996 and 020 8852 4502 Email: singing@blackheathmusicfestival.co.uk |
The online entry system is now closed
Official Accompanist:
Kathryn Mosley
If you wish to use the services of Kathryn Mosley, please contact her on 07703 281765 or by email at kathrynmosley@btinternet.com
Her services are available on the day (without rehearsal) at a cost of £5.00 per performance. Alternatively, private rehearsals can be arranged with Kathryn Mosley on dates to be advised using the above contact details.
Performance:
Performances can be given either from memory or from the score. It is the performer’s own choice. If the score is used, the music stand should be set a little to one side and used as an aide-memoire.
Junior Singing Classes for 2023
Performers must not have passed a grade higher than the class they are entering.
The chosen song will attract an Award level appropriate to the song without regard to the age of the performer.
Class 200: Grade 1, 2 or 3 - up to and including 12 years of age. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 3 mins.
Own choice of one song.
Class 201: Grades 4 or 5 - up to and including 12 years of age. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 3 mins.
Own choice of one song from any genre.
Class 202: Grades 4 or 5 - 13 to 18 years inclusive. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any genre.
Class 203: Grades 6, 7 or 8 - 13 to 18 years inclusive. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any genre.
Class 204: 12 to 15 years inclusive. Recital.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of two contrasting songs (one of which may be an unaccompanied song), excluding songs from the shows, films or musicals. The programme should not include any song sung elsewhere in other classes in this year’s festival.
Class 205: 16 to 18 years inclusive. Recital.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of two contrasting songs (one of which may be an unaccompanied song), excluding songs from the shows, films or musicals. The programme should not include any song sung elsewhere in this year’s festival.
Class 206: Songs from the Shows – 15 years & under.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 207: Songs from the Shows – 16 to 18 years inclusive.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 208: Junior vocal duet – 12 years and under.
Entry £9.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 3 mins.
Own choice of one duet from any genre. There must be a substantial element of vocal harmony within the duet i.e. at some point(s) the two singers should be singing together, but singing different lines. Examples of repertoire could include 'The China Mandarin' (Bantock), 'Choosing Shoes' (Easson), any Disney duet etc. or anything similar.
Class 209: Junior vocal duet – 18 years and under.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one duet from any genre. There must be a substantial element of vocal harmony within the duet i.e. at some point(s) the two singers should be singing together, but singing different lines. Examples of repertoire could include 'Greeting' (Mendelssohn), 'You're Just in Love' (Berlin), 'I can show you the world' (Aladdin), or anything similar.
Class 210: Ivor Novello class - 18 years and under
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Any song by Ivor Novello. Suggested sources: The Ivor Novello Song Album' (published by Faber), any Ivor Novello show score or any Ivor Novello song set by the examination boards. This class (and class 213) have been generously sponsored by Mr. James Hay, the grandson of Fannie Pearson, a good friend of Ivor Novello between 1909 - 1920. The Fannie Pearson Memorial Prize will be presented to the overall winner of this class and class 213 by Mr. James Hay.
Class 211: Association of English Singers and Speakers - 13 to 18 years inclusive.
Entry £10.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 10 mins
Performers should present two Art Songs in English (not opera or translations) plus a piece of poetry or prose and a spoken introduction. A cup (returnable) and an award of £25.00 will be given to the overall winner of this and Class 212. This prize is endowed by the Association of English Singers and Speakers.
OWN COMPOSITION CLASSES
Class 113: 11 years & under - Own composition. The following class will be adjudicated by the piano adjudicator
Entry £9.50. Time limit 3 mins
Class 114: 12 years & over - Own composition. The following class will be adjudicated by the piano adjudicator
Entry £9.50. Time limit 3 mins
ADULT SINGING CLASSES
Performances will be accepted in all classes either accompanied or unaccompanied
Class 212: Association of English Singers and Speakers – 19 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit - 10 mins
Performers should present two Art Songs in English (not opera or translations) plus a piece of poetry or prose and a spoken introduction. A cup (returnable) and an award of £25.00 will be given to the overall winner of this and Class 211. This prize is endowed by the Association of English Singers and Speakers.
Class 213: Ivor Novello class - 19 years and over
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Any song by Ivor Novello. This class (and class 210) have been generously sponsored by Mr. James Hay, the grandson of Fannie Pearson, a good friend of Ivor Novello between 1909 - 1920. The Fannie Pearson Memorial Prize will be presented to the overall winner of this class and class 213 by Mr. James Hay.
Class 214: English language composers – 18 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Own choice of one song by any composer in the English language not including translation (excluding opera, sacred music and musicals).
Class 215: A song in any living language (excluding English) – 18 years and over. Performers can enter two songs in this class provided they are in different languages. If two songs are entered in this class they will be heard as two separate entries and two entry fees must be paid.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Own choice of one or two songs (excluding songs in the English language and excluding opera, sacred music and musicals).
Class 216: Sacred Music - 18 years and over.
Entry £10.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of one sacred song (this can include arias from oratorios, masses etc).
Class 217: Opera - 18 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of one aria, with or without recitative from any opera.
Class 218: Humorous Song (including cabaret or music hall) - 18 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Any song with a humorous feel.
Class 219: Songs from the Shows - 18 years and over.
Entry 10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 5 mins
Own choice of one song from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 220: Recital - 18 year and over.
Entry £11.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 12 mins
Own choice of THREE songs, (not opera, oratorio or musicals). Songs should be contrasted in style and period and may include one unaccompanied song. The programme should not include any song sung elsewhere in this year’s festival.
Class 221: Over 70.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Own choice of one song.
Class 222: Classical Duet, Trio, Quartet, Quintet - 16 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 5 mins
Operatic items can be included in this class.
Class 223: Show/film Duet, Trio, Quartet, Quintet - 16 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 5 mins
Own choice of one ensemble from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 224: Ensembles - Open, any age. 6 to 20 singers.
Entry £15.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 8 mins
OTHER CLASSES FOR SINGERS
Please note the following three classes will be held within the piano section and will be heard by the piano adjudicator. All entries for this class should be made online by going to the Piano Syllabus section of the online entry form in order to find the correct class number. The following is for information only. Entries for this class cannot be made by selecting the Singing Syllabus section of the online entry form.
Class 139: Family ensemble – any age. The following class will be adjudicated by the piano adjudicator
Entry £10.00. Time limit 6 mins
Two, three or four players from the same family, including adults. Any combination of instruments or voices. Own choice of one or two pieces.
TWO INSTRUMENT/VOICE CLASSES
Performers should present one instrument from any two of the following categories – piano, strings (including guitar), brass, wind or singing – i.e. combinations such as singing & recorder, piano & trumpet, flute & trombone – but not two instruments within a category. Performers need to provide their own accompanist (if being used). Instruments/voices and pieces are to be declared at the time of entry. These classes will be heard by the piano adjudicator.
Class 140: 12 years & under, two instruments/voice
Entry £10.00. Time limit 6 mins
This class will be heard by the piano adjudicator.
Class 141: 13 years & over, two instruments/voice
Entry £10.50. Time limit 8 mins
This class will be heard by the piano adjudicator.
Kathryn Mosley
If you wish to use the services of Kathryn Mosley, please contact her on 07703 281765 or by email at kathrynmosley@btinternet.com
Her services are available on the day (without rehearsal) at a cost of £5.00 per performance. Alternatively, private rehearsals can be arranged with Kathryn Mosley on dates to be advised using the above contact details.
Performance:
Performances can be given either from memory or from the score. It is the performer’s own choice. If the score is used, the music stand should be set a little to one side and used as an aide-memoire.
Junior Singing Classes for 2023
Performers must not have passed a grade higher than the class they are entering.
The chosen song will attract an Award level appropriate to the song without regard to the age of the performer.
Class 200: Grade 1, 2 or 3 - up to and including 12 years of age. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 3 mins.
Own choice of one song.
Class 201: Grades 4 or 5 - up to and including 12 years of age. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 3 mins.
Own choice of one song from any genre.
Class 202: Grades 4 or 5 - 13 to 18 years inclusive. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any genre.
Class 203: Grades 6, 7 or 8 - 13 to 18 years inclusive. The song is to be chosen from the current Trinity or ABRSM syllabuses or can be a free choice at a similar graded level
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any genre.
Class 204: 12 to 15 years inclusive. Recital.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of two contrasting songs (one of which may be an unaccompanied song), excluding songs from the shows, films or musicals. The programme should not include any song sung elsewhere in other classes in this year’s festival.
Class 205: 16 to 18 years inclusive. Recital.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of two contrasting songs (one of which may be an unaccompanied song), excluding songs from the shows, films or musicals. The programme should not include any song sung elsewhere in this year’s festival.
Class 206: Songs from the Shows – 15 years & under.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 207: Songs from the Shows – 16 to 18 years inclusive.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one song from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 208: Junior vocal duet – 12 years and under.
Entry £9.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 3 mins.
Own choice of one duet from any genre. There must be a substantial element of vocal harmony within the duet i.e. at some point(s) the two singers should be singing together, but singing different lines. Examples of repertoire could include 'The China Mandarin' (Bantock), 'Choosing Shoes' (Easson), any Disney duet etc. or anything similar.
Class 209: Junior vocal duet – 18 years and under.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins.
Own choice of one duet from any genre. There must be a substantial element of vocal harmony within the duet i.e. at some point(s) the two singers should be singing together, but singing different lines. Examples of repertoire could include 'Greeting' (Mendelssohn), 'You're Just in Love' (Berlin), 'I can show you the world' (Aladdin), or anything similar.
Class 210: Ivor Novello class - 18 years and under
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Any song by Ivor Novello. Suggested sources: The Ivor Novello Song Album' (published by Faber), any Ivor Novello show score or any Ivor Novello song set by the examination boards. This class (and class 213) have been generously sponsored by Mr. James Hay, the grandson of Fannie Pearson, a good friend of Ivor Novello between 1909 - 1920. The Fannie Pearson Memorial Prize will be presented to the overall winner of this class and class 213 by Mr. James Hay.
Class 211: Association of English Singers and Speakers - 13 to 18 years inclusive.
Entry £10.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 10 mins
Performers should present two Art Songs in English (not opera or translations) plus a piece of poetry or prose and a spoken introduction. A cup (returnable) and an award of £25.00 will be given to the overall winner of this and Class 212. This prize is endowed by the Association of English Singers and Speakers.
OWN COMPOSITION CLASSES
Class 113: 11 years & under - Own composition. The following class will be adjudicated by the piano adjudicator
Entry £9.50. Time limit 3 mins
- The composition can be for any group from 1 - 4 players, singers or a mixture of both, and can be a free or fixed-form composition. The composer must be one of the performers
- The composition must be written down and a copy provided for the adjudicator.
- A paper copy of the composition must be submitted to the Piano Secretary by Friday 15 April 2022 so that it can be sent to the adjudicator for pre-festival assessment
- All performers must perform ‘live’ on the day - no pre-recorded parts
- Only the composition (not the performance) will be adjudicated
Class 114: 12 years & over - Own composition. The following class will be adjudicated by the piano adjudicator
Entry £9.50. Time limit 3 mins
- The composition can be for any group from 1 - 4 players, singers or a mixture of both, and can be a free or fixed-form composition. The composer must be one of the performers
- The composition must be written down and a copy provided for the adjudicator.
- A paper copy of the composition must be submitted to the Piano Secretary by Friday 15 April 2022 so that it can be sent to the adjudicator for pre-festival assessment
- All performers must perform ‘live’ on the day - no pre-recorded parts
- Only the composition (not the performance) will be adjudicated
ADULT SINGING CLASSES
Performances will be accepted in all classes either accompanied or unaccompanied
Class 212: Association of English Singers and Speakers – 19 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit - 10 mins
Performers should present two Art Songs in English (not opera or translations) plus a piece of poetry or prose and a spoken introduction. A cup (returnable) and an award of £25.00 will be given to the overall winner of this and Class 211. This prize is endowed by the Association of English Singers and Speakers.
Class 213: Ivor Novello class - 19 years and over
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Any song by Ivor Novello. This class (and class 210) have been generously sponsored by Mr. James Hay, the grandson of Fannie Pearson, a good friend of Ivor Novello between 1909 - 1920. The Fannie Pearson Memorial Prize will be presented to the overall winner of this class and class 213 by Mr. James Hay.
Class 214: English language composers – 18 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Own choice of one song by any composer in the English language not including translation (excluding opera, sacred music and musicals).
Class 215: A song in any living language (excluding English) – 18 years and over. Performers can enter two songs in this class provided they are in different languages. If two songs are entered in this class they will be heard as two separate entries and two entry fees must be paid.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Own choice of one or two songs (excluding songs in the English language and excluding opera, sacred music and musicals).
Class 216: Sacred Music - 18 years and over.
Entry £10.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of one sacred song (this can include arias from oratorios, masses etc).
Class 217: Opera - 18 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 6 mins
Own choice of one aria, with or without recitative from any opera.
Class 218: Humorous Song (including cabaret or music hall) - 18 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Any song with a humorous feel.
Class 219: Songs from the Shows - 18 years and over.
Entry 10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 5 mins
Own choice of one song from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 220: Recital - 18 year and over.
Entry £11.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 12 mins
Own choice of THREE songs, (not opera, oratorio or musicals). Songs should be contrasted in style and period and may include one unaccompanied song. The programme should not include any song sung elsewhere in this year’s festival.
Class 221: Over 70.
Entry £9.50. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 4 mins
Own choice of one song.
Class 222: Classical Duet, Trio, Quartet, Quintet - 16 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 5 mins
Operatic items can be included in this class.
Class 223: Show/film Duet, Trio, Quartet, Quintet - 16 years and over.
Entry £10.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 5 mins
Own choice of one ensemble from any show, musical or film. No costume allowed. The emphasis will be on the quality of the performance. Please name the show, musical or film on the entry form.
Class 224: Ensembles - Open, any age. 6 to 20 singers.
Entry £15.00. Official accompanist (optional) £5.00
Time limit 8 mins
OTHER CLASSES FOR SINGERS
Please note the following three classes will be held within the piano section and will be heard by the piano adjudicator. All entries for this class should be made online by going to the Piano Syllabus section of the online entry form in order to find the correct class number. The following is for information only. Entries for this class cannot be made by selecting the Singing Syllabus section of the online entry form.
Class 139: Family ensemble – any age. The following class will be adjudicated by the piano adjudicator
Entry £10.00. Time limit 6 mins
Two, three or four players from the same family, including adults. Any combination of instruments or voices. Own choice of one or two pieces.
TWO INSTRUMENT/VOICE CLASSES
Performers should present one instrument from any two of the following categories – piano, strings (including guitar), brass, wind or singing – i.e. combinations such as singing & recorder, piano & trumpet, flute & trombone – but not two instruments within a category. Performers need to provide their own accompanist (if being used). Instruments/voices and pieces are to be declared at the time of entry. These classes will be heard by the piano adjudicator.
Class 140: 12 years & under, two instruments/voice
Entry £10.00. Time limit 6 mins
This class will be heard by the piano adjudicator.
Class 141: 13 years & over, two instruments/voice
Entry £10.50. Time limit 8 mins
This class will be heard by the piano adjudicator.
The online entry system is now open. Please click here to make your entry.
