Agnes Duncan MBE (10 November 1899 – 1996) was a Scottish singer and choral conductor. Her Scottish Junior Singers won the leading BBC choral competition on two occasions.
Agnes Duncan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 10 November 1899 Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland |
| Died | 1996 |
| Nationality | British |
Life edit
Duncan was born in Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire. and she was singing in Vale of Leven children’s choir, with her elder sister, when she was ten.[1]
She became the contralto soloist of Glasgow Cathedral Choir. She first attended the first Glasgow Music Festival in 1911.[2]
She formed the Scottish Junior Singers in 1943. It was launched on credit and it had 60 singers.[3]
In 1952 she conducted at the Edinburgh International Festival.
In 1958 Duncan's choir had won the children's and the youth class of the BBC radio's Let the People Sing choral competition.[3] which were held in the Royal Festival Hall.[4] In 1961 Agnes Duncan's choir again won the children's and the youth class.[3]
In 1967 Duncan was rewarded with an MBE in recognition of her contribution to music.[2]
Duncan died in 1996 having attended every Glasgow Music Festival since 1911. She was frequently a conductor or performer, but she was later a committee member. She was in time made the honorary life President.[2]
Death and legacy edit
In 1989 the Agnes Duncan Trophy was created by the Soroptimist International's Glasgow Club to mark Agnes Duncan’s 90th Birthday. The Trophy, and a cheque for £100 is awarded to the best soloist, under 18, at the Glasgow Music Festival.[2]
References edit
- ^ "Agnes Duncan MBE (1899 - 1996)" (PDF).
- ^ a b c d "Agnes Duncan Trophy honours the memory of an Inspirational Soroptimist and Musician | News | Blog | Events". SI Glasgow City. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ^ a b c "Agnes Duncan". HeraldScotland. Retrieved 2022-08-26.
- ^ Michael John Smedley (2009). A Canner's Life. Michael John Smedley.