BBC Radio 3 Choir Of The Year Competition

7th February 2006

BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year Announces New Competition -
Search For Britainıs Best Amateur Singing Groups Now On

BBC Radio 3ıs Choir Of the Year

the UKıs largest national amateur group singing competition - is looking for Scotlandıs most talented and diverse choirs and singing groups to take part in this yearıs competition.

In last yearıs competition Inverclyde Schoolıs Junior Choir reached the Finals.

Over 5,000 singers from across the country are expected to take part. All singing to win at seven audition rounds across the country, aiming for a place in the Category and Grand Finals, at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, - broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and BBC FOUR.

New categories are set to broaden the range of choirs and singing groups taking part, while on the spot feedback from judges immediately following
performances will add to the drama and excitement of the competition.

Roger Wright, BBC Radio 3 Controller, said: ³Choir of the Year is back and
we hope more choirs than ever will take part in the competition. We want to hear about vocal groups from all parts of the country singing in all kinds of ways. Choir of Year is a fantastic way for people to come together and be united through the enjoyment of singing. 2006 promises to be the best competition yet.

New Categories And Entry Information:

Choirs from eight to 100 people can apply in four different categories:

1. Open - A new category open to all choirs and singing groups from any musical background. There are no upper or lower age limits in this category
and is ideal for singing groups who want to so something different ­ maybe
songs from the shows, songs from the charts or world music ­ and for choirs
who feel they donıt fit the other categories.

2. Childrenıs - Majority of singers 14 and under.

3. Youth - Majority of singers 18 and under.

4. Adult - Same or mixed voices.

Competition Dates:

Auditions

First round regional auditions are taking place between February and May:

Warwick, 19 February ­ Warwick Arts Centre

Manchester, 19 March ­ Royal Northern College of Music

Cambridge, 2 April ­ West Road Concert Hall

Basingstoke, 9 April ­ The Anvil

Edinburgh, 7 May ­ The Queenıs Hall

Cardiff, 14 May ­ New Theatre

Belfast, 21 May ­ Methodist College

Category and Grand Finals

Category Finals, 11 and 12 November ­ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff

Grand Finals, 10 December ­ Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Entering the Competition: New Choir Of The Year Website

Singing groups and choirs can find out full details of the competition and
apply to enter through a new dedicated website, www.choiroftheyear.co.uk

Tickets
Music lovers and singing fans can reserve tickets for the audition rounds by
contacting competition organisers, Kallaway Ltd, on 020 7221 7883. Information for tickets for the Category and Grand Finals will be posted on
www.choiroftheyear.co.uk during the competition.