Garsington Opera names recipients of four awards for young artists

As its summer season comes to a close, Garsington Opera has announced the four recipients of its young artists' awards, presented in recognition of promising performers at the start of their career. 

All awards are financial, and presented in memory of an important figure from Garsington Opera’s history.

Douglas Boyd, artistic director of Garsington Opera, writes: ‘Nurturing and developing these wonderful performers at the beginning of their career, not least in this most challenging of years, lies at the heart of the Garsington Opera ethos and they have all inspired us in 2021. These four artists deserve recognition for outstanding contributions towards a fabulous
season.’

The awards are as follows: 

Leonard Ingrams Award

To Madison Leonard, an American soprano who made her Garsington debut as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier to huge critical acclaim. ‘Finally returning to fully-staged opera this summer with Garsington Opera was such an immense joy,' she said. 'I felt truly spoiled to join the wonderful cast and creative team in bringing our new Der Rosenkavalier to life. I will cherish the memories of singing such glorious music with my remarkable colleagues for many, many years to come. I am deeply honoured by this award and will strive to live up to the legacy of its namesake.’

To Cecilia Stinton, assistant director for the recreation of Michael Boyd’s 2016 production of Eugene Onegin and who directed the understudies in a full performance for an audience of first timers. ‘It has been such an honour to be a part of Onegin and OperaFirst. Garsington's culture of excellence and community encouraged and challenged me to be my best.'

Helen Clarke Award

Katy Thomson (Alvarez Young Artist), a member of the chorus of Der Rosenkavalier, who gave a triumphant performance as Die Marschallin on 13 June when Miah Persson was indisposed. ‘I can barely put into words how wonderful my summer of working with Garsington Opera has been. I was thrilled to be invited to be a Young Artist, and it has put my feet on paths I could only ever have dreamed of. I have been challenged and encouraged, and felt thoroughly supported at every step along the way, even jumping in to make my debut as the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier. I am delighted to have been chosen as the recipient for the 2021 Helen Clarke Award, whose memory I will endeavour to honour.'

Simon Sandbach Award

Ossian Huskinson (Alvarez Young Artist), a member of the chorus of Eugene Onegin iand Le Comte Ory. He performed the role of Zaretsky in Eugene Onegin, and understudied the role of Prince Gremin, which he sang at OperaFirst. ‘I am truly honoured and delighted to have received this award. This has not been an easy summer for many, and a number of us at the start of the contract were nervous as to how we would be able to properly do our jobs as performers with all the numerous restrictions in place. However, from day one, everyone has been fully committed to creating a high-standard performance, and it has been incredible and inspiring to see everyone work so hard with so many challenges, and to remain friendly, kind, and supportive - even from a distance of two metres!'