The Wellensian Consort has been crowned Choir of the Year 2010 - winning the title at the competition's Grand Final held at the Royal Festival Hall on 28 November 2010.
The Wellensian Consort beat 156 other choirs of all styles and ages, made up of over 6,000 singers taking part in the competition. Choir of the Year, the UK's largest amateur singing competition, is held in association with BBC Radio 3, and is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The Finals saw six finalist choirs battle for the title Choir of the Year 2010: Children's Category winner: New Forest Children's Choir; Adult Category winner: UCLan Chamber Choir; Youth Category winner: The Holles Singers (of The Lady Eleanor Holles School, Hampton); Open Category winner: The Rainbow Connection Singers; and two wildcard winners: Warwickshire County Boys' Choir and the Wellensian Consort.
The Wellensian Consort (23 singers, including the conductor) is made up of former pupils of Wells Cathedral School who travel from all over the UK and overseas to meet and sing. The choir was formed by conductor Christopher Finch to celebrate the School's 1,100th year anniversary in 2009.
Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, presented the Choir of the Year winner's trophy. The Final was judged by a panel including composer Eric Whitacre, Only Men Aloud's Tim Rhys Evans, soprano Elin Manahan Thomas; former Choir of the Year winner Ken Burton and chair of judges Mary King.
Roger Wright, Controller of BBC Radio 3 said: 'We support Choir of the Year not only for the wonderful performances, but also because it provides the opportunity for singing groups of all styles, from communities across the UK, to come together. It sets the highest standard, helps choirs develop and provides unique opportunities to perform.'
Posted: Tue 04th January 2011