The Lichfield Gospel Choir
The Lichfield Gospel Choir

The Lichfield Gospel Choir has been ‘highly commended’ for its performance in a national competition – just two years after it was formed.

The Lichfield Gospel Choir
The Lichfield Gospel Choir

The group performed in the open category at the Choir of the Year contest at Buxton Opera House.

Having travelled to Derbyshire, the 80-strong choir of four part harmony were able to watch most of the other auditions before claiming the stage for themselves.

They gave a confident performance under the exacting leadership of their musical directors Themba and Laura Mvula. The three songs chosen (African, Traditional and Modern Gospel) reflected the choir’s ability to change style in an instant – not an easy task with a membership of over 80.

The judges said: “We loved your performance – we found it very moving as it really demonstrated the joy people get from coming together in their spare time and singing together to a really high standard.

“Your highly commended status is absolutely well deserved and we do hope you’ll all come back next time.”

Gerbo Huisman, chairman of the choir, added: “We are thrilled with such a positive result in what is only our first attempt to compete with some of the best choirs in the country.

“It is very encouraging for our members and musical directors who work so hard every week.”

The choir has grown so much over the past year that it had to start a waiting list for Altos and Sopranos, but Tenors and Basses our still welcome, and certainly would help the choir to further enhance its sound.

No auditions or ability to read music is required and for further information the choir can be contacted via email at [email protected].