No Russians or Americans at BBC’s Cardiff Singer of the World
OperaThe BBC has just published the list of competitors. There is one Ukrainian and (just) one Welsh entrant.
Here’s the lineup;
Simone McIntosh (Canada)
HuHe Gala (China)
Meigui Zhang (China)
Julieth Lozano Rolong (Colombia)
William Thomas (England)
Adolfo Corrado (Italy)
Beomjin Kim
Sungho Kim (both South Korea)
Beth Taylor (Scotland)
Nombulelo Yende
Siphokazi Molteno (both South Africa)
Filipe Manu (Tonga)
Johanna Wallroth (Sweden)
Vasyl Solodkyy (Ukraine)
Jess Robinson (Wales)
Ogulcan Yilmaz (Turkey)
You left out France and Germany!
Will the BBC do what they did to Young Musician and stick highlights all over their channels and time slots?
There has to be a Welsh entrant it’s part of the deal. If the BBC’s coverage is anything like it has been in the last few competitions they needn’t bother it used to be much better ith wider coverage.
They need to change the name of this contest.
Why?
No Americans? I see a Canadian and a Colombian. You mean no one from the USA?
Most people from Canada regard themselves as Canadians or possibly North Anericans. Most people from Colombia regard themselves as Colombian, possibly Latinos and possibly South Americans. People from the USA regard themselves as American. I think Norman is being reasonable in his descriptions.
BTW the event takes place from June 10th to June 18th and tickets are available.
Hi. I am Colombian. Latinx and also American, South American to be more specific, but still American. It is a term that needs to be used better and that has been badly used before.
no american? there‘s a colombian and canadian… classic norman lebrecht ignorance.
Is this competition still to take place at St Davids Hall – the very same hall Cardiff City Council (despite a huge protest against and without any consultation to those who have faithfully used and supported this iconic concert hall throughout it’s history) have brazenly sold it off to a commercial company known for their use and preference to rock & pop concerts?
Cardiff City Council and the BBC who broadcast this International competition should be held to account for this travesty.
Why are these competitions age limited?
The competition s to encourage young singers embarking on an international career.
Nice to finally see something without the usual overrepresentation of East Europeans, especially Russians.
What really needs to change is the fact that all the contestants are selected by ONE person, whose preferences and peccadillos have had far too great an influence on this competition cum media event for far too long.
That’s just not true, there are several people involved in the process. However, as singing is subjective you’re never going to get a group of competitors whose voices are universally loved by everyone who hears them.
No Americans or Russians? The world is more than just America and Russia, Norman Lebrecht. The world is actually 195 countries strong (thanks google), of which 13 are represented in this competition. Celebrate that!
The competition and coverage have become so woke, alas. Contestants (and jury) not selected on talent (expertise) alone. Sad.