‘Vocal music has many opportunities to be judged in competitions. Compared to instrumental music such as piano and violin, it is difficult to find well-balanced talent in this field. Some posses a good voice but lack technique, and even if the technique is proficient, the language is often unclear. The three vocal performers in this year’s prize-winners’ concert each had their strengths, but Charity Mapletoft, the soprano who skilfully interpreted the song-cycle, ‘Try Me, Good King: Last Words of the Wives of Henry VIII’ by the American composer Libby Larsen (1950- ), was outstanding and stood out from the crowd.’

*Translated from original review – Read here