64 members ofBarnsley Youth Choir represented Great Britain in the prestigiousCanta al Mar International Choir Competition based in Calella andBarcelona, Spain. BYC competed against outstanding choirs from 22countries across the world, including choirs from Europe, Africa,Asia and the Americas.
The choir competed in the Youth Choir and Pop Categories, winning 1stplace and Gold Diplomas in both of them and recording 27.96 out of 30in the Pop category which was the highest score of any choir involvedin the competition. In addition Gorgey Bennett, Tom Masters and Darcy Preston were also awarded an important Special Prize by the jury foroutstanding solos.
The choir was also invited to perform in the special Opening Concert, the world-famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and at the Montserrat Benedictine Abbey Basilica; venues only accessed by the very best choirs. They also took part in parades, friendship concerts and other key events in the festival.
Mat Wright,Artistic Director, said
‘We are incredibly proud of these superb achievements. The standard and quality of singing in the competition was very high and for Barnsley youngsters to compete on the same footing as these exceptional choirs with such a strong international pedigree is testament to the hardwork of everyone involved across the organisation, and to the children and young people themselves. They worked so hard to prepare and performed at an exceptional level, moving audiences to tears throughout the week. We have been inundated with emails and messages from international audience members, choir leaders, singers and jury members who have been overwhelming in their praise for the standard of our performances in Catalonia.
We would like to thank everyone who supported our young people and enabled them to be involved. It was such a special week, only made possible because of the support of the community, and an experience that everyone who was involved will never forget’.
