Due to a very last minute change to the artists performing today’s concert (Imogen is sadly unable to sing at the moment), Laurie Ashworth (voice) John Gough (piano) we are delighted that are abel to perform for us. for more informatio about Laurie
Programme To be announced at the concert.
Biographies
Soprano, Laurie Ashworth was born in Wigan, Lancashire and she has established herself as highly sought-after concert artist, specialising in oratorio, recital and recording, which she combines with a busy teaching career.
Laurie commenced her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of Caroline Crawshaw. She graduated with first class honors and was awarded the RNCM Gold Medal, the college’s highest accolade for performance. Awards from The Arts and Humanities Research Council and The Countess of Munster Musical Trust enabled Laurie to complete her Masters in Vocal Performance at the Royal College of Music, where she studied with Patricia Rozario and Janis Kelly, graduating with distinction.
In 2010 following an acclaimed performance of Jonathan Dove’s song Full Fathom Five, Laurie was awarded the Song Prize at the Kathleen Ferrier Awards. In the same year she was a finalist and runner-up in BBC Radio 2’s The Kiri Prize; a nationwide search by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the BBC to find a new operatic star.
Laurie has performed at all of the UK’s major venues, making her Wigmore Hall recital debut in 2014 and her BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012. She has appeared regularly in broadcasts for BBC Radio 2 and 3, and Songs of Praise, and she features as the soprano soloist on the premiere recordings of Bob Chilcott’s Requiem (Hyperion Records) and St John Passion (Signum Records). Aside from performing, Laurie is regularly on the judging panel for the BBC Young Chorister of the year Competition.
Keen to expand her horizons, Laurie co-founded the vocal duo Eterni Amici with saxophonist Spencer Moran. The duo performed regularly on Viking Ocean Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Fred Olsen Cruise Line pre-pandemic, but Laurie is returning to the ships for short contracts in 2025! For more about Laurie’s upcoming performances please see her website.
John Gough was born and bred in Chester. He enjoys a busy career combining solo playing, accompaniment and teaching at the RNCM. He has broadcast many times on BBC Radio 3 and has performed at the Wigmore Hall, London, and as soloist with the RLPO and Northern Chamber Orchestras. Overseas, he has performed at the Carnegie Hall, New York, and on Danish Radio.
Next Week’s Concert 25th May 2024 – Apple Sellers Duo, Double Bass and Piano.
Andy Green from Radio Warrington will be interviewing Martin Purdy, pianist, from the Apple Sellers Duo and it will be aired on the radio this week. Full details will be on WACIDOM’s Facebook page once they are known, if anyone would like to hear the interview.