Christ College Singer Of The Year Is Awarded To … Holly Taylor!

On Friday 21st March Christ College welcomed back the distinguished Countertenor, Michael Chance CBE, to adjudicate the inaugural Christ College Singer of the Year competition, supported by Lloyds Bank.

Michael had visited Christ College once before to adjudicate the House Singing Competition and his reputation, not only as one of the world’s greatest singers, but also as a brilliant commentator, meant that the gathered audience and performers were in for a real treat.

The six finalists, drawn from a preliminary round of fifteen competitors, were Holly Taylor, Sophie Rudge, Benj Kreihn, Oliver Price, Trystan Williams and Cai Williams. All of these young singers have had significant stage experience, with several of them having performed with choirs at a national level, however, the evening put them under some pressure to deliver to the very best of their ability.

After some fine first half performances from the finalists, the audience were treated to a performance by special guest Bronwen Lewis, whose singing career was launched following her appearance on the BBC’s ‘The Voice’ in 2013. Bronwen’s sunny personality, relaxed style and consummate skill as a singer and guitarist, provided a special moment of light relief in an otherwise formal evening.

Following this, the Christ College Female Voice Choir performed Bob Chilcott’s ‘Can You Hear Me?’ before Michael Chance took to the stage to give his adjudication.

The prize for Best performance of a piece written before 1814 went to Cai Williams, who is only in the 3rd Form); the prize for Best performance of a piece written after 1914 went to Benj Kreihn; the Tom Dargavel Trophy for Outstanding Singer of the Year was awarded to Holly Taylor.