Lewis Memorial Prize

Regulations and Procedures

The following regulations and procedures apply to the 2027 competition, which is for singers.

  1. The competition judges will select up to six finalists from the candidates’ audition recordings to participate in the main competition.

  2. Candidates invited to participate as finalists must prepare a full recital programme of 20 minutes’ total duration. All repertory for the recital must be drawn and performed from Musica Britannica editions. Candidates are strongly discouraged from duplicating repertory included in their audition recordings in the recital. A list of relevant editions containing solo vocal music is available here. Any candidate who has difficulty in accessing specific Musica Britannica volumes via their institutions should contact the Secretary to the Trust, Dr Stephanie Carter, by email (secretary@musicabritannica.org.uk), so that access to the relevant material can be arranged.

  3. Competitors should perform in historically appropriate style(s). The instruments available for accompanying the recital will be harpsichord, chamber organ and modern piano.  The harpsichord and chamber organ will be tuned to A415.

  4. The Competition judges aim to be able to contact candidates successful in the audition round by 8 January 2027. Full programme details from successful candidates will be required by 16 February 2027 and should include the timings and a note of all keyboard instrument(s) required (see §3).

  5. The Competition will be judged by the distinguished performer James Gilchrist, together with three members of the Editorial Committee of Musica Britannica.

  6. Candidates are encouraged to seek a contribution towards travelling expenses from their institutions, where applicable. If institutions cannot cover some or all of these costs, or for players for whom institutional membership does not apply, performers may apply to the Musica Britannica trust for assistance with travel expenses incurred within the UK only, which will be reimbursed after the event, on presentation of valid standard-class travel receipts.

  7. Details of rehearsal facilities and times, together with the programme for the Competition, will be sent to all candidates as soon as possible after the closing date for receipt of their programme details (16 February 2027).

Competition Awards

  1. Up to three prizes will be awarded: the performer awarded First Prize will receive £2,000, the Second Prize will be £1,000, and the Third £500. 

  2. All winners will also receive three Musica Britannica volumes of their choice.

  3. Prize winners are encouraged to present their recital programme as a public performance and/or recording following the competition. The Musica Britannica Trust is willing to contribute to the costs of such a performance and/or recording where requested, and will seek to publicise performances and recordings via their Web pages and social media accounts.