The Peter Moores Foundation Scholarships were launched at the London Opera Centre in 1971 and were then based at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester for 25 years. PMF Scholarships are awarded annually through audition to promising students and postgraduates and are intended to support them during their college studies and at the threshold of their careers.

Project Awards are also granted to singers to assist them in furthering their knowledge and experience during the early stages of their careers. The awards may support, for example, language tuition in the appropriate country, attendance at masterclasses or summer courses, specialised repertoire study with an acknowledged expert in the field, or post-graduate performance training.

Simon Keenlyside
'You jump-started me at the very beginning of my career, helping me through college… not only me, there were at least a dozen other singers of my generation who… as a result of your generosity had the privilege to study with this or that maestro in Europe and the USA.'

PMF Scholarships' Adviser

The Scholarships' Adviser provides guidance and advice to recipients of PMF Scholarships and Awards and is an invaluable link between the Foundation and the young singers it supports. The first incumbent in this vital role was the distinguished soprano Adele Leigh. She was succeeded in 2000 by the international mezzo-soprano and vocal coach, Sarah Walker.

Scholars are judged on potential and then continue to be assessed on their progress and achievement according to their age and experience. The young singers selected are encouraged to keep the Foundation informed of their progress and may receive additional assistance as their careers develop. 

31 July 2010 

Dame Janet Baker
'A singer who's won your backing carries a sort of Good Housekeeping seal of approval... They (the singers) are able to have the truth and an honest opinion from someone... which is very rare in our profession.'