Chapel Choir Category Runners Up at the National Choir Competition
For the second successive year, Sedbergh School’s Chapel Choir reached the grand final of the National Choir Competition at Symphony Hall, Birmingham—an impressive achievement that underscores the School’s notable choral tradition. The UK-wide competition draws choirs from schools, specialist music schools and regional choirs, all showcasing remarkable talent. This year’s record number of entries made the standard of singing exceptionally high, so reaching the final 15 from among hundreds of entries was a particularly special accomplishment.
On the day, Sedbergh’s Chapel Choir were the last to perform, heightening the sense of excitement and anticipation. Whilst waiting their turn, the singers enjoyed listening to captivating renditions from other choirs, spanning a broad repertoire that included some technically and musically challenging pieces.
We performed two items; Bogoroditsye Devo by Rachmaninov and Ain’t Misbehavin by Fats Waller. The former is an intense, prayerful piece that contains arching melodic lines and a very broad expressive range. It was a piece that required tremendous poise, sensitivity and technical control – and our choir did themselves proud. The climax, in particular, was very rousing and we were delighted to draw a reaction from the audience! Our second song was a complete contrast in character and demanded a balance of rhythmic discipline combined with the communication of the fun essence of the song.
The Choir’s dynamic performance of Ain’t Misbehavin’ earned second place in the popular category, an accolade reflecting both the students’ dedication and Mr. Seymour’s expert guidance in drawing out their full potential. This success also exemplifies Sedbergh School’s longstanding legacy of choral excellence, which has nurtured generations of musicians and fostered a strong communal spirit through singing.
A team of top choral directors—from the National Children’s Choir to the Kingdom Gospel Choir—served as adjudicators. They offered effusive feedback on all finalists, emphasizing the exceptional standard of choral singing on display. As Chris Allinson, Director of Music, notes, “The rehearsal process and exposure to such high-quality performances from other choirs is, in our view, an essential part of an excellent educational and musical experience. It is very much the reason behind us entering these competitions.”
‘‘To anyone considering taking part in choir, I would urge them to get involved as it is a great opportunity to be a part of something really special, and in the case of this competition to see some amazing performances from other choirs. It is a really fun process and the results, no matter what they are, are evidence of enjoyment, unity and commitment.” Liv, Head of Choir
Looking ahead, Sedbergh School’s Chapel Choir aims to build on this proud success, with more performances and competitions in the pipeline – most notably performing in our 500th Commemoration Carol Service at York Minster in December. Drawing on their rich choral tradition, they will continue to strive for new heights, sharing the joy of music-making within the School community and beyond.