The final, which took place at Blackburn Cathedral, saw five singers perform in front of a panel of judges and live audience. This year's competition was judged by Linda Hirst, Robert Alderson and John Savournin.
Academy student Miranda Robertson won the first prize. She will be awarded £5000 over three years. Miranda currently studies at the Academy with Raymond Connell and Libby Burgess. Fellow Academy student Sophie Bainbridge, who is currently taught by Mary Nelson and James Baillieu, was awarded third prize and will receive £1500 over three years.
Miranda Robertson said: 'It is such an honour to have been awarded First prize in the
Kathleen Ferrier Bursary Competition at Blackburn Cathedral. I am still at a
loss for words and am incredibly moved at having received this prestigious
award and recognition. I had so much fun bringing some of my favorite music to
Blackburn and I am so looking forward to performing at the Ferrier Awards
Finals at the Wigmore Hall in April.'
This is the third year in a row that a student from the Royal Academy of Music has won this coveted undergraduate prize. 2024 saw Lizzie Betts Estrada take home this award, followed by Ruby Skilbeck last year.
Congratulations to everyone involved in the competition this year, and to Miranda and Sophie for their success at this year's competition.