King's wins BBC final
Now in its fifth year, the competition was judged by the award winning mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, Malcolm Archer, Master of the Choir at St Paul's Cathedral and Rev Bazil Meade of the London Community Gospel Choir. The gala concert was hosted by Aled Jones, and was held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
Colin Albery, Director of Music at King's, said "Winning the competition has been a marvellous experience for all concerned and just reward for the hard work and dedication all of the members of the choir have put in. Although the award reflects the high standards of choral singing at King's, there is excellence in all the wide range of musical activities here. The recording studio is in constant use by composers and performers alike and rehearsals for concerts of all sorts are happening all the time. The choir will soon be recording a new CD to celebrate their success and that will join quite a catalogue of releases from King's ranging from jazz to carols, musicals, and of course choral music."
As part of this prestigious award, the choir have been asked to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in the autumn and this footage will be used for the Songs of Praise 'Big Sing' event which will air on two occasions later in the year. Charlotte Hindle from BBC Manchester will also be returning to King’s in the summer to produce additional footage for use in a 'winners' programme.
The King's choir will be on stage with a professional orchestra at 8.00pm on Thursday 22nd March performing the profoundly moving 'Armed Man; A Mass for Peace'. There are still some seats available for the event which will take place in the school chapel. Tickets can be obtained by calling King’s College reception on 01823 328200.