Cornwall Youth Choir awarded Gold at International Competition

Published on May 15, 2023

Cornwall Youth Choir recently returned from the Interkultur International Choir Competition, held in Kingston Upon Hull over the May Bank Holiday weekend. CYC achieved stunning results including two gold diplomas, one for winners in the Mixed Choir Category and the second for the Pop, Gospel, and Jazz Category. In addition, a unique and special award was made in recognition of the contribution the choir made to raising awareness of environmental issues through choral art.

This accolade is particularly impressive as it is the very first choral competition that CYC has competed in other than the Cornwall Music Festival this March and is the first time this international competition has been hosted in the UK. There was a total of twenty-seven choirs from ten nations represented. CYC is an inclusive choir and consists of singers who come from across the county of Cornwall and include young people aged 13 to 18 along with supporting alumni. Most noteworthy is that despite times of economic challenge, the fundraising for this event was remarkably achieved by the singers themselves along with parent volunteers and the invaluable ongoing support with rehearsals and administrative funding from ASONE Hub. Local councils and companies from within the county were also generous donators.

Choir Director, Angela Renshaw said, “We have come away from this competition a different choir. What an experience! Total joy, exhilarating to perform and make new choir friends from around the world.”

Competing with international choirs is visionary as it not only enabled a unique experience but gave an opportunity to raise the overall standard, lift expectations and aspirations within the choir and inspire future development. The choir is now looking to develop further with more opportunities, celebrating its achievements and launching the Cornwall Youth Choir to a level not previously achieved.