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The grand final took place at the 成人论坛 Philharmonic Studios in MediacityUK. It was hosted by Blue Peter presenter, Radzi Chinyanganya, and broadcast in a special programme on Radio 2 at 9pm on Tuesday 30 October.

Cassian Pichler-Roca sings with Schola Cantorum at Tewkesbury Abbey and Emilia Jaques is Head Chorister and Music Captain at Queen Mary’s School.

Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year, now in its 32nd year of broadcast, celebrates young talent singing for worship in churches, chapels, cathedrals and beyond. Eight contestants from around the UK, aged between 11 and 16 years of age, compete in the final. This year they performed in front of a panel of expert judges, including composer and conductor Bob Chilcott (chair of judges), organist, composer and musical director, Simon Lole, and the founder and director of the Rock Choir, Caroline Redman Lusher. Whilst the judges reached their decision, singer songwriter Thea Gilmore gave a first performance of her song, Don’t Dim Your Light For Anyone, from her forthcoming album.

Helen Thomas, Head of Content Commissioning, Radio 2 says: “We’re thrilled see Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year continuing to provide a unique opportunity to celebrate talented young singers and give a platform to the potential music stars of the future. Many congratulations to the winners and also all the finalists as the standard was exceptionally high this year.”

Judge, Bob Chilcott, said of the evening: “It was a great pleasure to be involved with Young Choristers of the Year 2018 - such a lovely occasion and it was moving to hear the wonderful voices of the young singers.”

The two winners each received a trophy and their first singing commission will be to record a CD with the 成人论坛 Philharmonic Orchestra. This will be followed by opportunities to take part in a variety of 成人论坛 Radio and Television programmes as well as the possibility for engagements from the wider community in the year ahead.

Last year’s winners, Raphael Bellamy Plaice and Ischia Gooda, have shared their talent with the nation on 成人论坛 programmes including Radio 4’s Daily Service, Radio 2’s At The Foot Of The Cross, Radio 3’s Choral Evensong and 成人论坛 One’s Songs Of Praise. Both singers are also featured on albums - Ischia Gooda on recordings with Rugby School and Raphael Bellamy Plaice on his own release, plus he has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Seattle Opera. Previous winners have also taken part in a variety of radio and television appearances; some have gone on to appear in West End musicals, sign recording contracts and also sing with prestigious choirs and artists across a variety of musical genres.

The eight finalists of 成人论坛 Radio 2’s Young Choristers of the Year 2018 were:

• Frederick Butler (Canterbury Cathedral)
• Alexander Leatherbarrow (Liverpool Cathedral)
• Cassian Pichler-Roca (Tewkesbury Abbey)
• Oliver Simcock (Warwick School)
• Grace Dixon (St Asaph Cathedral)
• Brooke Elley (Norwich Cathedral)
• Emilia Jaques (Queen Mary’s School, Thirsk)
• Sophie Stringfellow (St Matthew’s Choir, Northampton)

The Hymns and songs performed by the finalists:

• Light of the World (John Dankworth)
• Christ Triumphant (Guiting Power)
• Dear Lord and Father of mankind (Repton)
• Hymn to the Virgin (Rubbra)
• Little Road to Bethlehem (Michael Head)
• My heart ever faithful (Bach)
• City of God, how broad and far (Richmond)
• Love divine (Howard Goodall)
• Make me a channel of your peace (Temple)
• How beautiful are the feet (Handel)
• Come thou long expected Jesus (Stainer)
• Blessed are all they that fear the Lord (Handel)
• Be thou my vision (Slane)
• Ex ore innocentium (Ireland)
• The Lord’s my shepherd (Stuart Townend)
• Pie Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber)

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