“The Choral World is awake again”

Hull International Choir Competition opens in a sparkling atmosphere

Hull International Choir Competition

The Hull International Choir Competition has officially opened, drawing 27 choirs from 10 nations to participate in this exciting event. The event, which runs from April 27 to May 1, 2023, kicked off last night in the Hull City Hall with choirs from the host city and abroad performing.

In his opening speech, Artistic Director Johan Rooze expressed his excitement and gratitude for the return of choral music events after a three-year hiatus. "I feel after three years the Choral World is awake again, and the choirs are singing and swinging as never before!" said Rooze.

The concert was opened by a local choir consisting of children participating in the choral strategy of Hull Music Education. The School Choirs of Hull sang a selection of British Isles songs from the past 500 years to a warm and appreciative audience.

Following the school choirs’ performance, choirs from Lithuania and Croatia took the stage, presenting a variety of music from their home countries adding a truly international character to the concert. The evening's final highlight was a performance by a massed choir of local singers, featuring members from various adult choirs in Hull, joined by members of the signing choir Hull Visual Voices, all conducted by Benjamin Newton. They performed "VOICES OF HULL," a medley of diverse material specially woven together in an arrangement by Ben Newton, featuring pieces commissioned by Hull City Council's Arts Development team as part of their 'Singing City' choral development initiative.

The audience was even invited by conductor Ben to join in with the final chorus – in an attempt to raise the roof of Hull City Hall with our voices. This act of joining all voices together was Hull’s way of welcoming all visitors and competitors to become part of a family in song this evening.

The Hull International Choir Competition will continue today with choirs participating in the first competition categories as well as over the upcoming days with Friendship Concerts, workshops, and an Open Singing session, leading up to Sunday evening, when they will learn about the results of their performances in front of the jury. The event will culminate with a wonderful Closing Concert in Hull City Hall.

Opening Concert in Hull City Hall © INTERKULTUR

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