Robert T. Elliott
Rob grew up in South Wales as part of a musical family. He conducted the Massed Male Choirs at the Welsh National Eisteddfod at the age of only 21, and the English National Symphony Orchestra at the Wiltshire Music Festival in 1999. Rob is a former Trombonist of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Wales, and former Musical Director of four male choirs in England and Wales. He has formerly directed choirs to win many prizes at international competitions. Rob has adjudicated at many festivals and competitions, including the National Choral Festival in Ireland, Isle of Man Festival of Choirs, Bangor International Choral Festival in Northern Ireland, the Cornwall International Male Choral Competition, the North Wales Choral Festival, Barnardo’s National School Choir Competition at The Barbican and Royal Festival Hall, and the National Prep School Choir Competition at Cadogan Hall. Rob was Festival Director of the world’s largest male choir festival, with over 60 male choirs taking part, and is in great demand for his choral workshops and choir coaching & development roles.
Susan Marrs
Susan graduated from Trinity College of Music, London, after winning The Ricordi Opera Prize and the Trinity College Singing Department Prize. Susan has worked extensively as a professional Mezzo-Soprano soloist and her 35 years of concert experience includes performances of all the major oratorio works and much of the Art Song Recital repertoire.
As a solo artist, Susan made her Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002 in De Falla’s “La Vide Breve” and has also enjoyed solo concerts at venues including The Barbican and the Royal Academy of Music. Susan has been a guest soloist with choirs around the UK and enjoyed twelve years as a member of the Extra Chorus at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and has also sung for English National Opera.
Susan has taught singing for 35 years and enters students for Trinity College and ABRSM singing exams up to and including Diploma level. She has conducted Nantwich Ladies Choir for the last 10 years and was MD of the Nantwich Singers Chamber Choir from 2020 – 2022. She conducted the Dee Ensemble in Chester for 4 years and also sings with Sine Nomine International Touring Choir.
Antonia Sotgiu
Antonia Sotgiu, a mezzo-soprano, is of Italian and Irish descent and was born in Bolton, Lancashire. She has performed prominent roles with various opera companies in the UK, including Welsh National Opera, Opera North, English National Opera, Glyndebourne, English Touring Opera, Opera Holland Park, and Garsington Opera. Notably, she has portrayed Amneris in Verdi's Aida and Carmen in the title role at the Royal Albert Hall. Antonia has also sung as a soloist with renowned orchestras such as the Hallé, Liverpool Philharmonic, London Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, and BBC Scottish Symphony.
Antonia received her musical education at the Royal Northern College of Music and later attended the National Opera Studio. Her contributions to the field have been acknowledged with an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Bolton University.
In addition to her performing career, Antonia now leads a busy schedule as a singing teacher, providing instruction at the Royal Northern College of Music, JRNCM, and the University of Manchester. She also conducts Italian Repertoire Classes at the RNCM.
▽ The 2025 Judges ▽
