Marcus and Elizabeth relish the contest

British baritone Marcus Farnsworth (pictured) and pianist Elizabeth Burgess must have nerves of steel. Asked how they’re finding the competition, they bubble over with enthusiasm. ‘Gathering together on Saturday was daunting,’ Elizabeth concedes, ‘but the whole business of “eyeing up the competition” lasted literally seconds. This is a really friendly competition.’ Marcus went so far as to regret the loss of so many competitors as the competition reaches its climax. ‘Having the chance to complete our whole programme at tomorrow night’s final is a tremendous privilege, of course, but it’s going to take huge concentration. We’ll be in our own worlds from here-on in.’

The pair are well prepared for the pressure of tomorrow night, having recently performed Britten’s Songs and Proverbs of William Blake ‘– easily the most intense twenty-five minute set we’ve ever performed,’ according to Marcus. ‘Britten is a favourite of ours. So many composers struggle with the choppiness of the English language. Britten has a tremendous poetic sense.’