Mezzo-Soprano Awarded Prestigious Scholarship

Mezzo-soprano Hanna-Liisa Kirchin has been awarded the Miriam Licette Scholarship.

Administered by the Musicians Benevolent Fund and judged by a prestigious panel, which this year included David Syrus, Susan Bickley, Simon Lepper and Valerie Masterson, students from all UK conservatoires competed at the Royal Opera House for the Scholarship, awarded for the Singing of French Song.

Hanna-Liisa, who is currently in her final year of postgraduate study at the RNCM and is set to perform the role of Masha in the spring production of Paradise Moscow, said: ‘I am delighted to have been awarded this scholarship and proud for both myself and the College’s vocal department. I could not have achieved this without pianist Ewan Gilford, and the support of my tutor, Susan Roper, and Lynne Dawson, Head of the School of Vocal Studies.

‘It has been such a thrill to be able to showcase such a beautiful song repertoire, and I’m pleased to be able to have represented the College in such a prestigious competition, whilst at the same time rehearsing for Paradise Moscow. This will be my final production at the College and whilst I can’t believe my studies are coming to an end, I’m really grateful to be part of such a wonderful department with such supportive and encouraging staff. It really has been the most wonderful time of my life.’

Soprano Mariam Licette was the first English singer to study with Mathilde Marchesi in Paris. With fond memories of her time there, she requested that the residue of her state be used to create an annual scholarship for advanced study in Paris.

14 February 2013