Top Choir Kent 2014 - Report
Cantate, a mixed-style choir from Sevenoaks, lifted the Top Choir Kent trophy at a closely fought final on Saturday (12th April) at the Shirley Hall in Canterbury.
Six choirs performed at the final which exhibited the highest standards of amateur singing in Kent. The chairman of the judges, Dr David Flood, the Organist and Master of Choristers at Canterbury Cathedral, praised the quality and musical ability of all the choirs. He said: “If we had six categories, we would certainly have awarded six prizes. Each of the choirs showed remarkable quality and ability. The choir exhibited the ability to perform at a remarkably high, almost professional, level.” He added: “Cantate had a very demanding repertoire ranging from a 16th Century composer to ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’. They coped and provided a lovely contrast.”
Cantate received the Brett Top Choir Kent Trophy and their other prizes include being given the opportunity to contribute to this year's Canterbury Festival as well as being invited to perform at the BBC Radio Kent Carol Service at Rochester Cathedral in December.
Robin Walker, Cantate’s Musical Director and conductor, was delighted at the result. He said: “I’m rather shocked actually having listened to the high standard of the other choirs, but I’m absolutely delighted.”
The other five finalist choirs – each of which received £100 for taking part - were all praised by David Flood. He said of:
- Phoenix Performing Arts Choir from Canterbury; “What a Wow start. You showed high standards right from the beginning with a slick bold, well produced set with real energy and drive - and great stage presence.”
- Wealden Consort Choir from Hawkhurst; “Beautifully blended sound, great diction and the ability to sing in Latin, Zulu and English. Your Ave Maria had beautiful harmonies.”
- Elham Valley Voices from Elham; “The choir has been in existence for such a short time and it’s amazing what these young people have achieved. You were encouraged to hit the highest level of performance and you achieved it: a truly remarkable performance.”
- Mission Gospel Choir from Folkestone; “We could feel the energy coming across; it was such fun. You had a good strength of rhythm and good dynamics between choir members. Good sensitive accompaniment and great style.”
- Tongswood Chamber Choir from Hawkhurst; “You chose good songs which were well executed, especially when signing softly. The performances of classical pieces were very well balanced and very well prepared. You all had lovely smiles on your faces.”
The added bonus of Saturday’s final – which was compered by BBC TV presenter, Rob Smith, was a performance by the P&O Ferries Choir from Dover which won the BBC TV series Sing While You Work with Gareth Malone. The choir performed six numbers which included those performed in the television series.
Top Choir Kent is organised and promoted by the Rotary Club of Canterbury and the event is expected raise in excess of six-thousand-pounds for Rotary charities. Club President, Geoff Goodban, paid tribute to the support provided by the competition’s main sponsor, Belmont International Insurance Services, of Sevenoaks. He said: “Belmont’s generous sponsorship means nearly all the set-up and admin costs are covered ahead of the event. This enabled us to stage a top-flight musical event whilst at the same time raising a large sum of money for charitable causes”.
