Five Royal Hospital School pupils have been successful in gaining places in the prestigious National Youth Choir of Great Britain – the choir equivalent of an Olympic team!
William Saunders, Director of Music at the Royal Hospital School, said, “This is a staggering achievement – the choir equivalent of an Olympic team. Congratulations to the five successful pupils but also to three others who have been asked to re-audition next year as they show tremendous promise”.
Established in 1983, The National Youth Choirs of Great Britain (NYCGB) is renowned for its standards in the education and training of young singers and the main choir – the National Youth Choir – is firmly recognised as one of the world’s finest vocal ensembles.
Originally set up as a single choir of 100 of the best singers in the nation, NYCGB now provides the widest musical experiences for over 750 young people aged 8-26. The educational structure comprises four Junior Choirs which provide opportunities for girls to audition from the age of 11 and boys from the age of 8, two Training Choirs for singers aged 13-18, the National Youth Choir itself for singers aged 16-22 and the world-renowned chamber choir, Laudibus.
Through its core programme of activities, NYCGB provides the experience of a lifetime for its members, working alongside distinguished conductors and choirs such as John Rutter CBE, Sir David Willcocks, Harry Christophers and the Sixteen, Eric Whitacre, the King Singers and NYCGB’s Honorary Musical Director, Mike Brewer OBE.
The 12 residential courses that form the backbone of the annual activity include intensive rehearsals, individual voice coaching and lessons in musicianship, all of which take place in an environment that develops both teamwork and leadership. The courses aim to develop performance skills at the highest level, challenging young singers to embrace a vast repertoire and develop a flexible and creative approach to musical performance. NYCGB also operates a programme of tuition for student conductors and vocal workshops led by guest specialists, all selected for their expertise in the field of choral training.
Howard Goodall, National Ambassador for Singing said of NYCGB, “They are of a phenomenally high, world-class standard and act as a springboard for the country’s most gifted and versatile young singers”
The Royal Hospital School is an independent boarding and day school for 11 to 18 year olds, set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside overlooking the River Stour. The School has a long and prestigious tradition for musical excellence and regular performances take place in the magnificent Chapel and Recital Hall as well as in London and overseas. The next school performance is the Scholars Concert on Saturday 8 February, 7pm. For more information www.royalhospitalschool.org and for tickets www.ipswichregent.com