2019 semi-finalist of the prestigious Handel Singing Competition, Soprano, Myrna Tennant is returning to Carlisle to raise funds for Oak Tree Animals’ Charity with two completely different concerts.
The first concert is on Wednesday 24th July at 7.30pm in St Cuthbert’s Church, where she will share the stage with pianist Daniel Peter Silcock and the Dalston Male Voice Choir. In the first half the audience is treated to a variety of animal-themed songs. After the interval Myrna will sing a selection of her favourites, varying from Gershwin to Puccini to Vaughan Williams.
The second fundraising concert will take place at the beautiful estate of Scalesceugh Hall & Villas, on Sunday 28th July at 3.00pm. The gardens and grounds will be open to the public from 1.00pm. Together with baritone Laurens Macklon and pianist David Jones, Myrna will perform a delightful range of Art Song and Traditional Folk songs from the British Isles in the mansion’s glorious ballroom.
Nowadays, Myrna is based in Glasgow, where she completed her undergraduate studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She regularly performs as a recitalist, soprano soloist in oratorio, and is often in leading roles in operas. She enjoys ensemble singing and was a member of RCS Voices, with whom she performed in the Orkney St Magnus International Festival, in the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe. Last year she was selected for the Genesis Sixteen programme.
Her musical journey started in Carlisle, to where she moved from the Netherlands when she was a young child. Local music teacher and singer Lyn Young, was instrumental in nurturing and developing Myrna’s talent.
Lyn Young: “I remember when Myrna first came to me for lessons, a shy little girl of barely eight years old, but very keen to sing and make music. She did not speak much English to begin with, but caught up very fast. She started playing the recorder as well as singing, and immediately showed remarkable musicianship and a natural talent for singing. With her passion and dedication, I soon knew she was destined to go far. It was very moving hearing her sing in her graduation concert; the clear little girl’s voice has grown into a beautiful mature instrument.”
Myrna was the recipient of many prizes: the Molly Wilson Trophy for Best All-Round Female Vocalist in the Carlisle and District Music and Drama Festival for three consecutive years, Young Musician of the Year in the Lanercost Music Festival, and the Keldwyth Award. In Junior RNCM she was awarded the Helen Latto Soroptimist Prize for Singing. Myrna has been a finalist for competitions including the Courtney Kenny Award and the Norma Greig French Song Prize and she was a 2019 semi-finalist for the prestigious Handel Singing Competition.
The idea to organise fundraising concerts for Oak Tree Animals’ Charity came about when Myrna’s mother Mieke started working for the charity as an Events Coordinator last year. Mieke: “Myrna and I share our love for animals and our desire to do what it takes to ensure their welfare. When I told her about my new job she immediately offered to help in any way she could – and obviously singing is something she does quite well. I am thrilled she is doing two, very different, concerts in one week. It is wonderful that she helps raise funds for Oak Tree – and of course it is amazing to have her home for a week!”
It is not the first time that Myrna contributes to the charity. Myrna: “As a teenager I used to volunteer for the refuge, which is now called Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, in Wetheral. I especially enjoyed walking dogs and cuddling cats! I had to stop volunteering when I moved away to Glasgow. I am so pleased that I can now support the charity with these fundraising concerts. Also, I have fond memories of singing in St Cuthbert’s Church, from when I used to take part in the Carlisle Music & Drama Festival. It will be great to perform in Carlisle again and I hope to see many familiar faces.”
Concert details:
Myrna sings furry feathery favourites
Wednesday 24th July 2019, 7.30pm, St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle
TICKETS: £10. To book, please call 01228 560082 or email events@oaktreeanimals.org.uk. Tickets also available on the door.
Songs from the British Isles
Sunday 28th July 2019, 3.00pm, Scalesceugh Hall in the mansion’s ballroom
Scalesceugh Hall & Villas, Carleton, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 0BT
Gardens and grounds open from 1.00pm, bring a picnic (weather permitting)
TICKETS: £15, including interval drink & canapés. Seating limited to 60.
To book, please call 01228 560082 or email events@oaktreeanimals.org.uk.
For more information about concerts and programmes, please go to https://www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk/visit-us/whats-on.html
