What is the Chris Treglown Foundation Fund?

The Chris Treglown Foundation Fund is a fund setup by the parents of Chris Treglown, a much loved and talented 23-year-old man who died in 2012. Chris has been travelling to Cirencester and working with Maria Jagusz and MJUK. He was following his dream, meeting new friends, and enriching his natural talent with singing. The aim of the fund is to provide funding for young aspiring singers both in the UK and Cornwall. Awards are given annually to successful applicants who wish to pursue their musical career.

The Work of The Chris Treglown Foundation

Vocal Prizes: Each year several monetary awards are given to aspiring young singers hoping to pursue a career in both the world of Opera & Classical Singing or Musical Theatre. As well as supporting singers nationwide there is also a separate competition for singers who have Cornish connections. (See website for more information)

Performing Opportunities: Invited singers are given the opportunity to perform in a series of concerts and events in Cornwall during the month of August. Not only do these opportunities give singers the chance to gain valuable performing experience, but they also work as a training ground in stage and performing techniques and learning new repertoire.

Workshops and Events for Cornish adults and children: Since its inception, Maria Jagusz with a team of professionals, have given children the chance to create and rehearse their own version of a musical play. Works have included devised pieces based on Orpheus and Euridice, Alice in Theatreland, Matilda and Seussical. They have also arranged singing workshops for both children and adults from the Cornish community. Singers from the foundation are given the opportunity to observe and help run these workshops.

From a very sad and tragic loss, Chris’s parents are keeping the memory of their dear son alive, and also helping young people to benefit through the award. The development of the fund will provide opportunities for workshops and other musical events where young people can develop and perform their skills. There is a Facebook page where you can keep up to date with all the latest news and events.

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About Maria Jagusz and MJUK

Maria trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and the National Opera Studio. She has worked as a singer all over the UK and Internationally. Even when Maria was singing full time, she was always interested in helping young singers, and over the past 30 years she has built up a large teaching practice, and is passionate about creating opportunities for young singers. In 2006, MJUK was formed, and this has given young singers the chance to work with professionals to put on full scale musicals, operas and events .

Maria has been a workshop leader with many leading opera companies, and directs workshops all over the UK. As a vocal teacher she teaches privately and at specialist music colleges where many of her students have continued their training and are working professionally. She adjudicates all over the country, and her passion for singing, encouraging and supporting others has earned her huge respect. In 2020 she was appointed as casting advisor for Longborough Festival Opera. Chris was a student of Marias, and during the short time he spent with her, he was enriching his natural talent and gaining in confidence. The fund aims to support the students Maria works with, and offers an MJUK award.

Trustees

  • Barry Farley

    Barry Farley is an experienced singing teacher, musical director and performer and leads various popular vocal workshops in Cornwall.

  • John Baxter

    John Baxter is a former Oxford chorister, and for many years was headteacher at Wells Cathedral School which specialises in music. He plays a very active role in music and music therapy in Cornwall.

  • John & Julia Treglown

    John & Julia Treglown are the founders of the Fund, and parents of Christopher.