The Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the Singing of Strauss is recognised as one of the RNCM’s leading competitions for vocal students, offering a substantial financial First Prize to aid further studies at the College.

Established in 2001 thanks to the inspiration and generosity of Joyce and Michael Kennedy, the award is open to fourth year undergraduates and postgraduate students. Following a preliminary round, six finalists are chosen to compete for the prize, presenting a 15 minute programme of songs and/or arias by Richard Strauss to an esteemed panel of judges. Both Joyce and Michael have been faithful and enthusiastic supporters of the RNCM since its inception and, before that time, of the old Royal Manchester College of Music. The RNCM remains extremely grateful for Joyce’s continuing support.

Adjudicators have included Dame Felicity Lott, Dame Janet Baker, Nigel Douglas, Marie McLaughlin, Sir Mark Elder, Dame Anne Evans, Sir George Christie, Sir John Tooley, Sir John Tomlinson, Roger Vignoles, Lillian Watson, Dame Josephine Barstow and Sir Thomas Allen. This year’s adjudicating panel was chaired by baritone Alan Opie.