St Benedict’s singers join the NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF GREAT BRITAIN
Three St Benedict’s pupils have been accepted into the National Youth Boys’ Choir, following recent auditions attended by hundreds of young singers from all over the UK.
Toby Moore (Year 9), Mark Maalouf (Year 7) and Artie Hair (Junior School, Year 6) each sang a folk song, an accompanied piece and did a sight-reading exercise at the audition. All three are, or have been, choristers in the Ealing Abbey Choir, and sing in numerous other choirs in the school. They will attend two National Youth Choir residential courses later this year, joining up to 150 singers of the same age.
There are five NYCGB choirs: the National Youth Choir (for singers from Year 12 upwards), Chamber Choir, Training Choir, Boys’ and Girls’ choirs. All sing a broad range of challenging music, from traditional choral repertoire to brand-new music. Inspiring conductors and vocal tutors guide singers’ vocal progress and develop musicianship. NYCGB performs at venues around the UK, including the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and Sage Gateshead.
The Director of Music at St Benedict's, Mr Chris Eastwood, said: "I am delighted that Mark, Artie and Toby have been offered places in the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. This is a great testament to their talent and hard work over a number of years. I am sure they will have a wonderful time as part of a world-renowned institution."
Mark said: “It was really great to hear that I’d got in! I’m looking forward to the residential courses.” Arthur said: “I didn’t expect to get in because people from all over the country auditioned! I’m very pleased to have been accepted.”
St Benedict’s has a strong choral tradition and pupils of all ages sing in the school’s many choirs. The school has a long-standing and successful partnership with the highly acclaimed choir VOCES8, who regularly work with our singers and give concerts with them.