Downpatrick student hits the high notes
A Lasallian student at St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Eva Rowan, is celebrating after being crowned BBC School Soloist of the Year 2022.
Eva, Head Girl of St. Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick, along with Amy Ford from Dunclug Academy in Ballymena, Sarah Hoben from Our Lady’s Grammar School in Newry, and Cara Keaveney from Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch, made it through to the Final of this prestigious competition.
Hundreds of entries were submitted to the BBC for each age group – Primary, Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary - in a competition that has always celebrated the communal aspect of choral singing. St. Patrick’s has enjoyed taking part in the BBC School Choir of the Year pre-Covid times. In these unprecedented times, it is credit to the BBC to have the initiative to re-think the massed-choir event into a celebration of excellence in singing – resulting in a celebration of solo singing.
Eva joined St. Patrick’s in 2020 to study Music, Drama and English A Levels and has always been vocal of her appreciation of how the school has supported her. “Throughout my entire time in school I have always felt supported, and each day has opened new opportunities.”
When asked, in the Final, by the judges of how Eva felt in winning the entire competition, Eva said “My heart is going a million miles an hour and it isn’t even the caffeine!” in a comedic reference to her ‘Taylor The Latte Boy” song, with which she has now become synonymous.
But how did Eva become so invested in her singing career?
As a very young member of the Holy Family, Teconnaught, Church Choir, listening to family members singing in the choir and being ‘mummied’ by singer and guitarist, Laura Larkin, Eva felt nourished in her local community.
As a 9 year old, Eva became a ‘puppet ’ in the Sound of Music, to her brother’s rendition of ‘Kurt’s’ The Lonely Goatherd with Downpatrick’s very own Choral Society. Her love for Musical Theatre was born! Through her connections with the Choral Society, she took on various lead roles.
When asked what her favorite top 3 Musical Theatre roles would be something that Eva would strive towards, she responded “My favourite roles would be Angelica in Hamilton, Vivian in Legally Blonde and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd.” Eva stressed that these roles were all “strong, independent women” and instantly reminds us of the quirky, yet likeable personas of her chosen, final, songs.
Eva had great respect for the talents of her fellow competitors- Amy, Sarah and Cara and all were amazing in their Heats and in their Semis and Finals. All the finalists were asked to choose a new piece for the Final, and Eva chose a piece in tribute to the late, great, Stephen Sondheim, who sadly passed away in November 2021. Eva felt that ‘No One Is Alone’ from Into the Woods embodied an important message to all who may be struggling at this time.
What did it feel like to win?
Eva stated that “the hardest thing to do was have to sit on this for over a week! It was a total dream to be on a stage like this, and the realization that this was actually happening was a dream come true! It was so positively, emotionally overwhelming!”
Eva paid tribute to her accompanist, Darren Day who “made the process so much easier” and was in praise of his ability to make her feel at ease. A skill often overlooked in these roles. She was also very grateful to the BBC for the opportunity to work with a live string quartet, performed so beautifully by the Aria Quartet, as the sound that was created really brought to life her final song.
Eva was very vocal in her praise for the St. Patrick’s Grammar School staff. Eva paid tribute to her singing tutors, Courtney Burns and Adam Darcy, and a special mention to Mrs. Celeste McEvoy who entered her submission to the BBC and was with her at every stage of the competition.
Eva has struck up a great working partnership with fellow students Lucien Coole and Edward Gilmore in their busking three-piece, The Thing Is. They have recently been employed at the Downpatrick Artisan Market, and on St. Patrick’s Day will be seen providing entertainment for the St. Patrick’s Festival in Downpatrick.
Eva will also be entertaining the audience at the Patrick Kielty interview in the St. Patrick’s Centre on Wednesday March 9th, at 7pm, singing ‘No One Is Alone’ for the Gerry Kelly interview. Gerry, Patrick and Eva are all alumni of ‘The Red High.”
Eva with MC Conor Phillips from BBC Ulster and judges, Sarah Richmond, Sheelagh Greer and Alan Leech
Eva with MC Conor Phillips
Eva with her Mum and Dad, Lucille and Michael Rowan