FYC in London world premiere

On Tuesday, 9th May FYC’s Junior Choir - along with some members of the Senior Choir - took part in the world premiere performance of Ian Fletcher’s oratorio Jonah, based on the biblical story. It is scored for a full symphony orchestra, an adult chorus of about 100, a children’s choir and four soloists.

The concert took place at London’s Cadogan Hall, where the choir had the opportunity to perform alongside the National Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus and professional soloists. Altogether there were approximately 200 participants!

For most members of the choir, this was their first London performance in a professional setting. Singer Lucy said, ‘It was very exciting and a new experience for me to sing with a professional orchestra and singers’.

As always, FYC rose to the occasion and contributed to a fantastic performance, which was very well received by the audience, resulting in a standing ovation. Well done FYC!

Senior Choir takes a step closer to The World Choir Games 2024

The weather may have been cold, but there was a very warm atmosphere in The Spire Church at 5pm on Saturday 4 March! The talented members of Farnham Youth Choir put on a free teatime concert (plus tea and cake) in order to raise money for their attendance at The World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand in July 2024.  

The extremely varied programme featured small vocal groups performing well-known songs by ABBA and Billy Joel, alongside solo performances by the singers, ranging from Mendelssohn to the Lithuanian song Paukščiai and even a new composition, written and performed by a choir member. Also included were instrumental pieces such as Debussy’s lovely Clair de lune played by FYC accompanist, Matthew Rickard. 

It was fantastic that the concert was so well supported and overall the event raised a very welcome £1200, taking the choir one step closer to their goal.

Farnham Youth Choir bags £1000 from Tesco’s community grant scheme

Farnham Youth Choir will receive £1000 that we will use to support our young singers to compete at the International Choral Competition in Hull in Spring 2023.

Co-Chair of Trustees, Melanie Hancox, said, “this grant helps to ensure that all our young singers can compete in the Interkultur International Choral Competition. FYC is a proudly inclusive choir that works hard to make sure that all young people with the interest and drive to become world-class choral singers, are able to achieve their ambitions. We’re extremely grateful for this boost to our fundraising.”

Singer, Lily, said, “winning gold medals at the European Choir Games in Gothenburg felt like winning the Olympics. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”

Claire de Silva, Tesco’s Head of Community, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes like Farnham Youth Choir and especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.”

Tesco Community Grants is run in partnership with community charity Groundwork, who has awarded grants to thousands of local community projects every year.

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme – previously Tesco Bags of Help - has already provided over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain. Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/communitygrants.