Choir heads off to compete on world stage

Sunday 13 July 2014

19 schoolgirls are off to Latvia today to sing their hearts out in the world's biggest choir competition.

The teenagers will be flying the Jersey flag at the opening ceremony of the World Choir Games in Riga before competing against adult choirs from all over the world.

The Musical Originals Singers have been rehearsing for months and will be singing in English, Mandarin, Estonian and Jèrriais – all from memory and unaccompanied.

British composer Raymond Yiu was commissioned to write one of the pieces in Jersey's native language. He believes the choir is one of the strongest children's groups in the UK and is confident they will do well.

The girls have been trained by former professional opera singer, Imogen Nicholls, who says there are few adult choirs brave enough to take on her choir's repertoire.

Whilst in Latvia the teenagers will also be giving friendship concerts and taking part in cultural activities.

The trip has been supported by the St Helier Youth Committee and the Jersey Arts Trust and some of the girls have also been supported by the Jill Marquer Fund.