Singing to the top

The New Forest Children’s Choir based in Christchurch has reached the category finals of the BBC Choir of the Year competition 2010.

Over two thousand choirs took part in the area selection across four categories. The winners were put through to the national selection stage, and four choirs from each category – including the New Forest Children’s Choir – have been selected to compete in the next stage being held at the Birmingham Symphony Hall on 6 November.

After that, category winners will go head-to-head for the title of Choir of the Year at the grand final on 28 November at the Royal Festival Hall.

Founded in 2008, the choir is led by musical director and conductor, Alison Russell-Hayward.  It performs regular local charitable and community events, and has a varied performance programme ranging from classical choral singing to traditional gospel and songs from musicals.