Emails International

(…) Competition 11 was the most heavily subscribed and highest standard competition of all on this occasion in terms of the applications; so please accept the following sentence as a small criticism, in that context; there was much to commend in what you sent!

The Selection Panel felt that there could have been a little more variety within the sounds (perhaps two short contrasting pieces would have given this, even within the 3-5 minute suggestion in the syllabus rubrics?), and a brighter tone at times. It was felt, though, that the singing in Welsh, and the legato in much of the melodic line, would stand you in good stead in the Celtic Vocal competition, hence selection there, where there were somewhat
fewer applicants).

I hope this helps, and that we will see you in July for the Celtic competition.

With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,

Mervyn Cousins

I do feel a bit silly now for not having sent the Stride la Vampa recording—even though I didn’t have one nearly as up-to-date as the Welsh clip from the radio show that I sent. However… it was very kind of him to get back to me and let me know what their process had been, it contained excellent, useful criticism, and his message was not without compliment! That makes me feel good, and I hope I will have the money to compete in July.

If I don’t, my plan is still in place, maybe next year’s National has my name on it… But either way, having more Welsh plans is a wonderful thing!