The Guildhall School of Music & Drama's most prestigious award for singers is competed for by Lucy Hall (soprano), Joshua Owen Mills (tenor), Magdalena Molendowska (soprano) and James Platt (bass-baritone).
Each finalist performs a short programme with piano accompaniment followed by a second half of arias with the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra under David Syrus. The evening closes with the adjudication by the panel and announcement of the winner. The distinguished panel of judges includes: Sir John Tomlinson, bass; Fiona Maddocks, Chief Classical Music Critic, The Observer; Sir Antonio Pappano, Music Director, Royal Opera House; conductor David Syrus, and Jonathan Vaughan, Director of Music, Guildhall School.