Nine of Queenswood’s most exceptionally talented singers competed for the coveted Gold Singing Award on Wednesday 3 May.

Each of the finalists performed two pieces – a classical aria and a musical theatre number. Our esteemed adjudicator, the world-renowned mezzo soprano Susan Bickley, was extremely impressed with the standard of musicality and expression.

The prizes were awarded as follows:

• Best Classical Song: Eleanor Grant
• Best Musical Theatre Song: Natasha Rajan
• Highly Commended: Grace Cornell
• Overerall Winner: Eleanor Grant

Left to right: Rachel Poppleton, Natasha Rajan, Ellegrace Ofosu-Bossman; Eleanor Grant; Aoife Morgan Jones; Anna Rayson; Ria Uppal; Bibi Jaafar; Susan Bickley; Grace Cornell

Watch videos of all performances

Susan Bickley is firmly established as one of the most accomplished mezzo-sopranos of her generation, with a wide repertory encompassing the Baroque, the great 19th and 20th century dramatic roles as well as contemporary repertoire. In May 2011 she received the prestigious Singer Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society, the highest recognition for live classical music in the UK.