Sunday 11th May, London – Guest blogger – Judy Lewin

Last updated: Jan 30th, 2019


This weekend has been my first experience of choir of the year, and my eyes have certainly been opened over the course of the two days. Today the auditions were at St John Smiths Square, a lovely 18th century church in central London and quite a contrast from yesterday’s modern Warwick Arts centre. I’d heard from Nicky about the warm-ups, but nothing had quite prepared me for the rather alarming “abdominal release technique!” WOW!

After the warm up session, the morning started with spine tingling harmonies from Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School’s, ‘Schola Cantorum.’

Following this choirs with a staggering variety of styles took to the stage, including a mind-blowing performance from The Hollies Singers and an extremely punchy ‘What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor’ from Voices of Lions. The Jackie Palmer Girls’ Choir raised a smile with their lively version of ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.’ It was at this stage that we were all left wondering how the judges would possibly be able to short-list such a vast array of talent.

The afternoon continued the theme with some really quite funky adult contributions and adorable performances from three brilliant children’s choirs.

I loved every minute of my Choir of the Year experience, and can’t wait to hear who actually gets through to the category finals.