MARCUS BURTON: Recipient of the 2025 Richard Lewis/Jean Shanks sponsorship.

During early 2025 it was decided between the Trust and the Royal Academcy of Music (RAM) to take a rest from the annual singing competition for the Award and instead sponsor a promising young singer studying at the academy.

Therefore the recipient of the 2025 Award is tenor Marcus Burton (main image). He is studying for a Master in Performance at the RAM but is already a seasoned performer singing regularly in The Netherlands at the famouss Concertgebau hall.

The Trust is supporting him through the 2025/26 academic year and already Marcus has worked with Genesis 16 for their conductors auditions and with an American choir during their residency at Worcester Cathedral. Also, he has been performing in Britten’s Song Cycle “A Birthday Hansel” in the RAM's Regent Hall with the harpist Huw Boucher.

Prior to begining his Masters studies, Marcus studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He began his singing career as a Chorister at Bristol Cathedral, progressing to become Head Chorister and then Deputy Head of the Consort Choir with a choral studentship.

More studies

In 2018 Marcus joined the RAM Junior Department (RCMJD), studying voice with Jean Claude Ohms as his teacher. Marcus was a part of RCMJD's Parry Voices and Chamber Choir, directed by Joy Hill, performing in venues around London and was included in the Royal Academy of Music Student Union production of Sweeney Todd. Earlier in 2020, Marcus completed a project of significant interest to him and researched and performed a solo recital at Bristol Cathedral as a part of their lunchtime recital series, based on the evolution of English Song.

ALSO: On August 28th 2026 at 3pm at The Garden Suite in the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne Marcus will give a recital to members and non members of the Eastbourne Arts Circle.

He will present a programme of music from the Baroque era including Handel, and other great English songs beloved of all singers. His accompanist for the Eastbourne recital Rohan Godfrey is also studying at RAM.

WATCH MARCUS SING in last year's RAM presentation of Purcell's Hail! Bright Cecilia.

Tickets for the Eastbourne recital from Sir Phlip Anson on 07559 337966. £10 for members of the Eastbourne Arts Circle, £12 for Non Members.