A STUDENT from UWTSD’s Wales International Academy of Voice has made her first record at Acapela recording studio after winning a competition hosted by the internationally acclaimed Ceredigion-born harpist Catrin Finch.
Chloe Morgan won first prize in Classical Café, a showcase evening hosted by Catrin Finch at Acapela, the converted chapel and recording studio in Cardiff. She represented WIAV along with Australian baritone Nathan Lay. Also competing were The Ibert Quintet and pianist George Fradley from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Participants were invited to perform a selection of pieces from their repertoire and the winner was chosen by the audience. Chloe said: “The evening was so refreshing. I was immersed in exams and coursework so it couldn’t have come at a better time. It was a relaxed and creative evening, being surrounded by young and very talented musicians, the effortlessly cool Catrin Finch and an eager audience who were there to be entertained. I chose repertoire that I love singing, a mixture of arias and musical theatre and I thoroughly enjoyed singing every note.”
Catrin said: “Classical Cafe is a relaxed evening celebrating young talent within the World of Classical music. We are grateful to the young musicians that come and perform so amazingly for the audience and it is always an evening to enjoy, meet fellow musicians and an opportunity for someone to get some studio time at the time of their choice. Chloe was one of four artists and groups that took part in the last cafe, and we’ve been looking forward to welcoming her back to Acapela for some recording.”
Euros Rhys Evans is the Academic Director of Wales International Academy of Voice. He said: I was delighted to hear of Chloe’s success – she’s a well-deserved winner and a singer of immense potential and talent. The Classical Café concept provides its winners with a golden opportunity as it enables the singers to record at the professional Acapela recording studio. All at WIAV send their congratulations and best wishes to Chloe.”
Chloe will also be giving a live performance at BBC’s Hoddinott Hall in the Wales Millennium Centre as part of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 competition on 14 June at 3pm. She will be performing along with other students studying under Pontarddulais-born tenor Dennis O’Neill at WIAV.
