Claire Egan lyric soprano

In 2008 the Foundation announced  young  lyric soprano Claire Egan as the winner of the 2008 Laurie Coon Foundation Scholarship which enabled her to take up an invitation to study at the prestigious Cardiff International  Academy of Voice. Only 15 emerging singers from around the world are offered positions on the programme each year which includes the opportunity to be mentored by world class teachers, singers, conductors and singing coaches on a daily basis. At the time of the announcement Claire wrote:  “I am very excited that my name will be associated with both Foundations and the backing of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa means more to me than the money. On a practical level the scholarship will provide me with the unique opportunity of attending the Cardiff Academy. It is a dream come true as well as a wonderful encouragement to continue my great passion of opera.”

In 2009 with the assistance of the Manchester Trust the Foundation made further grants to enable Claire to attend the 2009 Solti Te Kanawa Accademia and to complete her course in Cardiff