09/04/2008
Ten school choirs, which started from scratch six months ago, will be performing at the Royal Albert Hall this month and competing for a coveted place at the World Choir Games in Austria.
Inspired by BBC2's The Choir and the aims of the Music Manifesto, the Opal Choir Project has given 300 young people the chance to go on their own amazing musical journey, which culminates in a concert called The Magic of Music.
The ten inner-city secondary schools involved all had no prior music provision but have formed their choirs under the expert guidance of local higher education and music partners. Now, not only are they performing at the Albert Hall but they will also be competing against each other for one of two places at this year's World Choir Games. The judging panel includes DJ Simon Bates and Susan Digby of the Voices Foundation.
Songs of Praise presenter Diane Louise Jordan, who will be hosting the concert, said: "The Opal Choir Project is giving the young people taking part - many of whom have never sung in a choir or visited London before - a once-in-a-lifetime experience which will help them grow individually and as part of their school communities. It promises to be an inspiring tribute to the personal endeavour of all involved."
Amanda Robertson of The Opal Foundation said: "The Magic of Music will bring together the choirs for the first time since they started this musical journey in which many are realising the extent of their own potential and learning valuable life skills including self-confidence, team-working and discipline. We hope the initiative will leave everyone with a lasting sense of achievement, demonstrate the tremendous impact that singing together as a choir can have on young people and, by its legacy, help contribute to the national campaign for music in education."
For more info on the Opal Foundation click here
For tickets click here