Canons Choir achieved an extraordinary feat for the second consecutive year, clinching the title of ‘Junior Choir of the Year 2024’ at the renowned Barnardo’s Choral Competition, the largest youth choir competition in the UK.
Amidst hundreds of initial entries from schools across the country, only a select 25 senior and junior choirs made it to the final round, where the top two were honoured. Canons Choir dedicated weeks of preparation for their performance, which captivated a panel of five judges. Their repertoire included two captivating pieces: ‘Night of Rainbows’ by Darius Lim, a poignant reminder of the power of dreams, followed by ‘Witches’ Song’ by Douglas Coombes, a composition filled with unexpected twists and turns resembling a witches’ chorus. The Birmingham Symphony Hall, with its capacity of over 2000, provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for their exceptional and professional performance, leaving both audience and judges spellbound.
Mrs. Cox, the Director of Music, expressed her elation: “I couldn’t be more thrilled and delighted for the girls. Everyone has worked extremely hard and shown amazing commitment it is a privilege to work with such dedicated young ladies. Everyone is at a different stage of their singing journey, but together we create something that is incredibly special, beautiful and magical to listen to.”
As the champions of the competition, Canons Choir has earned the prestigious opportunity to perform at the Barnardo’s Young Supporters’ Concert at the iconic Royal Albert Hall. This invitation promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience for every member of the choir, marking yet another milestone in their musical journey.