30/04/2008
Following our report on the Opal Choir Project, we can announce the two winning choirs who will be competing in the World Choir Games in Austria this summer: Sneyd Community School in Walsall (pictured) and All Saints Catholic School in Huddersfield. Representing the judges, Voices Foundation director Suzi Digby said: "We were particularly impressed with the musicality, style and programme of the Walsall and Huddersfield choirs, but it is important to acknowledge that every choir rose the occasion of performing in the Albert Hall. All the participants should feel immensely proud of this achievement, which is a prize in itself. To all the courageous young people who gave their all on this world-famous stage, the message is "keep on singing!"
Another Music Manifesto supporter about to pick up a prize is Andrew Lloyd Webber, who is set to be honoured at the Classical Brits next month with an outstanding contribution award. Lord Lloyd Webber is currently enjoying a high profile thanks to the success of his TV talent search shows and guest appearances on Hollyoaks and American Idol, where a whole show was dedicated to his music. Don't forget to tell them all about the Music Manifesto, Andrew!
There are a huge number of opportunities and initiatives for young musicians out there right now. The British Council, for example, has launched its search for a UK Young Music Entrepreneur. The award is for an individual aged 25-35 already working in the music industry who has the potential to be a future leader of the sector. The impressive prize for one winner and two runners-up is a specially tailored tour of India's fast-growing music industry. Click here for full details.
More overseas travel is in order for participants in the 2008 Red Bull Music Academy in Barcelona. The globe-trotting music school is settling in Spain this year and will be giving 60 of the world's most talented and creative young musicians, producers, singers, DJs, MCs and engineers the chance to take inspiration from each other and a host of special guest tutors. There's only a week left to send in your application (the closing date is 5 May 2008) and the form runs to 15 pages, so get on the case!
There's cold hard cash on offer from the BBC Performing Arts Fund (formerly Fame Academy Bursary), which has announced a prize pot of £150,000 for its Musical Theatre Bursary to help aspiring West End stars with vocational study expenses. Closing date for applications is 31 May 2008 and all the info is here.
And finally, the deadline has been extended for Youth Music's Build a Band competition, the chance for musicians aged 14-18 to be part of a brand new band who will play at Glastonbury festival. The catch is that the band members won't even meet until the Thursday of the festival when they'll have to write their own song ready to perform on the Sunday night. The closing date for entries is now 5pm on Monday 19 May 2008. Find out more.