Adjudicators 2027
PIANO: Susan Clark
PIANO: Richard Deering
SINGING: Maria Jagusz
Maria Jagusz trained as a dancer before studying at the Royal Northern College of Music, where she was awarded the Ricordi Prize for Opera. Further scholarships enabled her to continue her studies at the National Opera Studio.
As a singer, Maria has worked as a soloist with many leading opera companies in the UK and Europe. Her roles include Carmen, Cherubino, Orlofsky, Hansel, Dorabella and Rosina. She has performed alongside some of the world’s leading singers, including Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Mirella Freni and Dame Felicity Lott. A keen recitalist, Maria is also a regular soloist with choral societies throughout the UK.
Maria is Vocal Mentor to the Young Artists at Longborough Festival Opera, where she coaches singers and advises on casting and auditions. She is also a founder and advisor to Playground Opera, a scheme introducing primary school children to the world of opera.
As a teacher, Maria specialises in preparing students for professional careers in opera and musical theatre. Alongside her private teaching practice, she is Vocal Consultant for the International College of Music Theatre in London and regularly gives workshops and masterclasses across the country.
Maria founded MJ-UK Music and Arts to provide young performers with valuable experience and opportunities to develop their skills. She believes that performing regularly, both in concert and on stage, is essential to building confidence and preparing young talent for this competitive industry. She arranges concerts in the Cotswolds and Cornwall, providing classical and musical theatre singers with opportunities to perform in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.
Maria has been an adjudicator for BIFF for many years and is delighted to be joining the festival in Blackheath.
STRINGS: Roy Robinson
Prize-winning and distinguished viola player and pianist, Roy trained at the Royal College of Music under the tutorage of Frederick Riddle and Angus Morrison; he also studied composition under Philip Cannon. He holds the complete suite of performing and teaching diplomas on viola and piano, plus the former on the violin. He won the highest award for performance on the viola at the RCM, the Leslie Alexander Competition, and holds an MA. He also has a background as an organist, conductor and published composer.
Roy has spent his career combining teaching - largely as Director of Music in independent schools and teaching his instruments to Diploma students and RAM Exhibitioners - and performing as a solo recitalist, orchestral and chamber music player and as an accompanist. He is also a well-travelled international examiner and adjudicator. He has trained countless choirs, orchestras and bands, directed over 50 orchestral and singing courses for children and produced 100s of concerts.
He has worked extensively for ABRSM all over the world on the grade, diploma and jazz panels. He has presented teacher meetings and selected the previous viola syllabus. As a long-standing and very busy adjudicator member of the British and International Federation of Festivals, Roy enjoys adjudicating his specialisms and the complete range of classes. He brings a wealth of experience to support, inspire and educate.
