The Xaverian Concert choir took part in the prestigious Manchester Amateur Choral Competition at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) on Sunday 3rd March.
The choir, that comprises current and past Xaverian music students, as well students who are improving their music skills through the College’s enrichment programme, competed against experienced and highly-established amateur choirs from across the UK.
The choir impressed the packed auditorium with performances of Turlutte Acadienne Montrealaise by Marie-Claire Saindon, Nunc Dimittis by Paul Smith, Higher Love by Jennings/Winwood with arrangement by Ralf Schmitt.
Ged Marciniak, who conducted the Xaverian choir and who teaches on the College’s Music Technology course, commented: “It was amazing to see our younger students getting the opportunity to experience the pressure of competition and perform to such a high level alongside our more experienced Xaverian Alumni. Many of our students go on to have successful careers working in music and it is experiences such as this that help prepare students for working in the industry.”
A choir from Hertfordshire was announced as the winner, however the Xaverian concert choir received high praise from the internationally-acclaimed judges, who commented on the amazing tone the group produces from singers of such an age.
Noor Kiernan, former Werneth School pupil, currently studying BTEC Music Technology and Sport, alongside A Level Computer Science, said: “It was really interesting seeing other youth and adult choirs and how they perform. Our programme was really diverse and included songs performed in the languages of French, Latin and even some Zulu!”
With the largest sixth form music department in the North of England, Xaverian Music students have endless opportunities to perform live through the academic year. On Wednesday 27th March, they will return to the Royal Northern College of Music for their annual Easter Concert. A highlight within Manchester’s musical calendar, the Easter concert gives students the chance to get on stage and share their talents with the local community. For further information about the Easter Concert, visit www.xaverian.ac.uk.
As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses – This Is Your Place!