Now is the time for young Surrey men to brush up their vocal chords and breathing exercises. The third annual Surrey Young Male Singer Competition will be held on March 23 and the entry list has just opened.

Contestants must be singing students between 18 and 25 who have reached Grade 7 standard and are resident or studying in Surrey. They will be required to perform a balanced and varied recital of their own choice lasting no more than 12 minutes. The first prize is £500 with a runner-up receiving £300, funded by Phoenix Erection Company Ltd.

The competition, launched last year by the Weybridge Male Voice Choir, has proved highly successful in attracting young singers. The choir's aim is "to give practical encouragement to young singers in pursuit of singing as a career".

The all-day event will be held at the Yehudi Menuhin School, Stoke d'Abernon followed in May by a gala concert in Weybridge featuring the winners with the Weybridge Male Voice Choir. Closing date is February 15. For information phone 01252 326514 or e-mail weymvc@hotmail.com

December 28, 2001 15:35