Honoring Barbara Thornton (1950-1998)
This scholarship is given by Early Music America to an outstanding and highly motivated (and possibly unconventional) young performer of medieval music who seeks to widen his/her experience through more advanced study and/or auditions in Europe.
The recipient is chosen by a jury of musicians who knew or worked with the great medieval music specialist and teacher, Barbara Thornton (1950-1998), who came to Europe from New York in 1970, filled with plans to study early music, and went on to co-found the medieval music ensemble Sequentia with Benjamin Bagby in 1977.
Past Recipients
2019: Karin Weston
2017: Allison Monroe
2015: Mara Winter
2013: Isabella Shaw
2011: Laura Osterlund
2008: Emily Eagen
2006: Mary E. Larew
2004: Wolodymyr Smishkewych
2001: Moira Smiley
2021 Recipient: Anna O’Connell
Anna O’Connell is a singer and historical harpist looking to pursue an international career in medieval performance. She would like to further those aspirations by studying performance practices of late-medieval German monody, especially hymnody, as well as explore music of the Iberian peninsula.
“In a year with many highly-qualified candidates, Anna O’Connell demonstrated that she has the self-directed drive and passion for medieval music that make her the ideal fit for the Barbara Thornton Memorial Scholarship,” said Benjamin Bagby. “In Anna’s case, with her focus on the work of Frauenlob, we find this award very suitable as a way to honor Barbara Thornton’s memory and legacy.”
“With the Barbara Thornton scholarship, I will seek out several European musicians and ensembles that have been my inspirations,” said Anna, “namely Sabine Lutzenberger and the ensemble Per-Sonat and vocalist Patrizia Bovi, in addition to pursuing research related to German monody. I am looking forward to opportunities to interact with other harpists and singers, and gaining firsthand experience with manuscripts I have until now worked with virtually.”
Anna expects to graduate with D.M.A. in Historical Performance Practice (Voice) from Case Western Reserve University in 2022. She also holds a M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California and a B.S. in Music Education, Voice, and Harp from Providence College.
To support the mission of EMA’s Named Scholarship, please visit our Named Scholarship Funds donation page.
The 2023 application will open in January 2023.
Eligibility
- Applications are open to a young performer with a passion for medieval music and who seeks to widen their experience through more advanced study and/or auditions in Europe.
- Applicants should be residents of the Americas who are under the age of 35 at the time of application.
- Early Music America membership is required of all applicants. Historical performance students qualify for a one-year complimentary student membership. If you are unsure of your membership status, please email info@earlymusicamerica.org.
Materials to be Submitted
- Contact Information
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Music Selections (Solo performances only)
- List of Works Performed in #4
- Two Letters of Recommendation
Application Instructions and Information
- Completed online application forms must be submitted by Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET.
- Letter of recommendations must be submitted by Friday, April 16, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET.
- One recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship.
- Scholarship announcement will be made by Friday, May 7, 2021.
- Questions may be sent to EMA at info@earlymusicamerica.org
We highly encourage you to submit your application several days prior to the deadline, so we can resolve any issues in a timely matter. We will not be able to accept any applications after the deadline has passed.