High School pupil wins city-wide singing title

A talented High School of Dundee vocalist has won a prestigious city-wide singing competition.

High School pupil wins boys Leng Medal 2019

At Bell Street Music Centre on Tuesday evening, Nathan Ogston was named the winner of the annual boys Gold Leng Medal contest for the unaccompanied singing of traditional Scots song.

Nathan found favour with the judge, and saw off the challenges of five other participants, including fellow High School pupil Neil Bhat, with his rendition of ‘Ae fond kiss’ by Robert Burns.

The Gold event is open to all those who have, in the current year or previously, won medals in the 'Silver' competitions which are held annually at each school in Dundee and the immediate surrounding areas for pupils from P7 to S4.

As well as being a mighty fine achievement in its own right, Nathan’s win made it an incredible five years in a row, and six times in seven years, that a High School of Dundee pupil has won the boys title.

Six High School pupils also took part in the girls Gold competition: Charlotte Dorman, Rebecca Bonnyman, Megan Cant, Emily Reid, Sneha Sripada, and Phillippa de Vos.

Director of Music at the School, Dr Lionel Steuart Fothringham said, “I am delighted for Nathan and congratulate him on his contest-winning performance. This is the only the third time since 2001 that a primary-aged pupil has won the Gold Medal, and is a fantastic achievement on his part.

“Our six girls also sang very well, with excellent characterisation of the lyrics as well as superb tuning and time-keeping. Congratulations to Nathan's singing teacher, Miss Ellen Mawhinney, as well as to her and Miss Colleen Nicoll, who taught and prepared all the High School participants.”

The Leng Medal contest is organised by the Sir John Leng Trust to encourage the singing of Scots songs.

Photo courtesy of Dundee Instrumental Music Service.