What adjudicators have said about the Competition

" ... let me say how delighted I am to have been invited once again to judge the Finals of the David Clover Competition for young singers. I still remember with great joy being with you all and what a splendid occasion it was. The talent matched the concept."

Marjorie Thomas. Former Professor of Singing and Head of Vocal Studies, Royal Academy of Music. Renowned international contralto.

" ... the standard of singing was so high - in particular those young sections - the warmth of welcome ... was so kind and genuine - what more can you ask!!"

Beatrice Unsworth. Professor of Singing, Royal Academy of Music.

" ... It was a privilege for me to adjudicate at the David Clover Competition and the experience was most enjoyable. I learnt much from the talented competitors and was struck by the great sense of community and camaraderie ... surely a worthy monument to David Clover ... ... Don't forget my offer of a recital - I mean it - I'd be delighted to help."

Mark Wildman. Head of the Department of Vocal Studies, Royal Academy of Music, renowned international bass who, following his visits to adjudicate, has given two recitals to raise funds for the competition and is now the Vice-President of the City of Shefield Teachers' Choir.

" ... COMPETITIVE FESTIVALS "come in all shapes and sizes". One has large entries from "the tinies" to "the pensioners", all performers well-prepared and obviously enjoying the "taking part" rather than the winning of those splendid silver trophies. Another thinks carefully about the needs of its adjudicators - a comfortable, quiet place to stay, good food and sustaining cups of tea or coffee, a pleasant room for the competition with good sight-lines, highly efficient, knowledgeable "table stewards", proper care, courtesy and comfort for all competitors, whatever age, with an overall atmosphere of joyous celebration. Add to this a consistently high standard of performance from all competitiors, and you have a description of the David Clover Competition for Singers. It has it all! It is outstanding."

Mollie Petrie. FGSM, FRSA, Adjudicator. President of the City of Shefield Teachers' Choir.

"... Just to thank you all for a most rewarding and stimulating day on Saturday and for your warm and supportive hospitality. I very much enjoyed working with you all and wish you every success with the rest of the competition."

Julia Dewhurst, Semi-finals Adjudicator, 2007

"... Thank you so much for inviting me to adjudicate at the David Clover Competition. I much enjoyed my day and it was great to hear so much good singing. You all made me feel so welcome and very much part of the team. It was a very happy day."

Marilynne Davies, Semi-finals Adjudicator, 2005

"... This is to say how much I enjoyed the David Clover Competition and to thank you for all the hard work you do to help, and develop so many young singers. It is an excellent platform, and, opportunity for them to gain the experience of performing. It gives them great incentive for the future."

Eileen Price, Finals Adjudicator, 2004

"... Thank you again for a wonderful trip to Sheffield. It can, I'm sure, sound rather overblown to say how much one appreciates the very special singing - and presentation on the platform - plus the kindness and very lavish hospitality, but I assure you it is very heartfelt. I do feel as if I were coming home."

Mollie Petrie, Finals Adjudicator, 2003

"... Thank you for your very kind hospitality; you all made me feel most welcome. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Sheffield and I found the singing, throughout the day, was of a high standard with some promising voices in each of the sections."

Elizabeth Ritchie, Semi-finals Adjudicator, 2001

"... Thank you for making my stay in Sheffield so enjoyable. I was impressed by the younger singers particularly which makes the work most satisfying."

Nigel Perrin (Kings Singers), Semi-finals Adjudicator, 2000

Other Comments

"... As a non-musician, I have to say that I enjoyed the evening, and even to my untalented ear, the standard was amazing high and a credit to the musical reputation of this city. May you go forward from strength to strength."

Timothy Reed, The Master Cutler of Sheffield, 2006

"... Doreen and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and we were amazed at the musical talent that is available in the region. It is important that we encourage such talent, and inviting the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and ourselves help this encouragement."

John Tissiman, The Master Cutler of Sheffield, 2005

".... It was a wonderful evening and we both greatly enjoyed the occasion. Such lovely young people with such amazing voices and talent, it was a pity they didn't all win. You ... made us most welcome, and it was a truly memorable evening."

Gillian Turner, The Mistress Cutler of Sheffield, 2004

"... Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome and at home yesterday for the David Clover Competition.... What a high standard and such a lovely atmosphere."

Linda Wareham, newly-appointed official accompanist, 2004