A countertenor wins the Kathleen Ferrier award
NewsOne of the premier British singing prizes was won last night by Hugh Cutting, of the Royal College of Music International Opera Studio.
Second prize went to the Latvian soprano Laura Peresivana. The Ferrier Loveday Song Prize went to British mezzo Helen Charlston. The Accompanist’s Prize was awarded to an Israeli pianist, Ilan Kurtser.
What can one say?
Hugh is one of the biggest talents to have appeared in the world of countertenor singing for many a year: and (even before the Ferrier) he had a big career beckoning. Winning this competition is another marker that Hugh is a significant talent (as well as being a level-headed, hard-working, intelligent and collegial musician).
Congratulations?!
He appeared on bbc radio 3 In Tune this week, a gorgeous and distinctive voice
Being able to win as a countertenor takes balls.
I think this is wonderful, finally a C-t wins The Ferrier. It has been a long time coming! Paul Esswood was a finalist (3 years in a row) in the 60’s, David James and myself were finalists in the 70’s. It is nice to know that at last one of the great singing competitions has opened up enough to recognise the voice as a winner and not strange phenomenon anymore.
As for Hugh Cutting, well he is just a fabulous singer and it is great that he has been recognised in this way. Wishing him all the very best in what will undoubtedly be a terrific career.
Any relation to the excellent tenor Guy Cutting?
Yes, Hugh is Guy’s younger brother. Both Guy (b.1991) and Hugh (b.1996) were choristers at New College Oxford: Guy went back to New College as a choral scholar, and Hugh was a choral scholar at St John’s Cambridge. Hard to get a better start in the singing world than at those two fine establishments.
Oh WONDERFUL NEWS!! Hugh’s father was my first trumpet teacher – both sons are phenomenal singers. Richly deserved, Hugh, well done!