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2019 Patricia Routledge Competition
1st Prize Winner: Milly Forest
“Singing in the Patricia Routledge competition was pure joy for me. I truly enjoyed every minute of music making with my wonderful accompanist George Ireland. It was also a celebration as I have just completed by studies at Music College and I tried to pour all of what I had learnt into my performance in the semi-final and final round.
It was freeing to be able to show so much of my character in my introductions and I chose poems that spoke to me in some way. It was so lovely to be in a competitive environment that encouraged such freedom and creativity. What I realised after being awarded first prize is that you don’t have to make a perfect sound all the time in order to win.
In fact, it seems to be honesty and a true love of the English language that the AESS celebrates.
Thank you for such a wonderfully uplifting competition experience.”
Patricia Routledge Competition
General Resources
- What sort of programmes have participants submitted for this (Intermediate) competition? [CF James]
- Programme Ideas [cf James?]
- How do I build a programme? [cf James]
- What are we looking for? [cf James]
Age Restrictions
These refer to the applicant’s age on the date of the final. The upper age limit should be understood to mean that on the date of the final, your age should be under that limit. So, for example, if your 18th birthday falls on the day after the final of the Catherine Lambert prize, you can enter, but if it’s on the day of the final, you cannot.
Travel Expenses
We are keen that the cost of getting to and from the competition should not put people off applying. We are able to help with these expenses but unfortunately do not have limitless funds. Please ask if you need help.
WordSong is passionate about encouraging the communication of English words in speech and song in young singers and actors.
© WordSong.org.uk 2025 | Association of English Singers and Speakers (AESS) no. 1106279 | dba “WordSong“