Academy success at the Kathleen Ferrier Society Bursary for Young Singers competition

Academy students Katherine Williams and Rohan Godfrey were awarded prizes after competing in the Bursary competition this month.

The Kathleen Ferrier Society was formed in 1993 in honour of renowned contralto Kathleen Ferrier. The Society’s prestigious Bursary was later established in 1996 to celebrate talented singers and accompanists throughout their undergraduate studies; first, second, third and accompanist prizes are awarded to the young musicians following 14 short recitals.

Every year, each UK conservatoire nominates two singers, who are starting their second undergraduate year, to compete in the Bursary competition. For the fourth consecutive year a Royal Academy of Music soprano has won first place. Second year undergraduate Katherine Williams celebrates her win following the successes of Miranda Robertson (2025), Ruby Skilbeck (2024) and Lizzie Bett Estrada (2023).

Rohan Godfrey is in the second year of his postgraduate training on the Ensemble Piano course; he was awarded the Accompanist’s Prize this year.

The Academy congratulates Katherine and Rohan on their successes and wishes them luck in their next steps.