Adjudicator:  Luise Horrocks

Luise Horrocks studied singing on an Advanced Studies at the Royal College of Music after graduating with a degree in English from Oxford University.

She has performed extensively as a Soprano Soloist throughout the UK and Europe.  While specialising primarily in Oratorio, she has also given many Song Recitals and has appeared on the opera stage at Buxton Opera House.   She has also sung in a series of concerts and Recitals in South Africa and the USA and her wide repertoire extends from works by Monteverdi to Stravinsky.  She has made several recordings and her BBC broadcasts include performances of Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation and works by Goehr.

Luise has held positions as a teacher in both the Junior and Senior departments of the Birmingham Conservatoire and as a visiting lecturer at Birmingham University.  She runs an extensive private teaching practice and is regularly asked to give Master classes.  She works as a Vocal Coach on several residential courses for singers and is a mentor on the CT ABRSM panel.  She has also trained and conducted the Wyre Forest Young Voices choir.

As an adjudicator member of the British & International Federation of Festivals she has wide experience of many different festivals.  Luise has also travelled widely as an Associate Chief Examiner for Trinity Guildhall, having special responsibility for singing, which includes working on syllabus setting, training new examiners and leading Teacher Workshops.

Official Accompanist: Mr Stuart Smith B.Mus., M.Mus

ADJUDICATORS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH & INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FESTIVALS FOR MUSIC, DANCE AND SPEECH AND WILL MARK ACCORDING TO THE FEDERATION GUIDELINES.
75 – 77	FAIR	A performance limited in its communication.
78 – 80	MODERATE	A performance showing development of technique and/or communication.
81 – 83	MERIT	A capable performance showing some artistic appreciation and / or technical ability
84 – 86	COMMENDED	A convincing performance technically & artistically
87 – 89	DISTINCTION	An excellent performance technically & artistically
90 +	OUTSTANDING	An exceptional performance technically & artistically