Help FYC's Senior Choir represent the UK at the World Choir Games

In this, FYC’s 40th anniversary year, we have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent the UK at the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. There, in July 2024, choirs from around the world will come together in a spirit of friendship and collaboration to inspire and learn from one another. It’s the Olympics of choral singing, and inspires this, the next generation of British choral singers to achieve at the very highest level. FYC is one of only four choirs from the UK to have won gold medals at the World Choir Games in the past, and we have high hopes of success again next year.

But we can’t do it alone.

As a charity we believe that no child’s musical potential should be limited by their ability to pay. And so we ask you to help our choir to perform at the highest level. Any donation, however big or small will make a difference. You can help us to help these amazing young singers reach new heights at the World Choir Games in New Zealand.

Please click the link below to donate today, and together, let's ensure that no child's musical potential goes unrealized. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our dream.

Thank you.

www.gofundme.com/get-fyc-to-nz

Farnham Youth Choir kicks off 40th anniversary season

Farnham Youth Choir, one of the world’s best youth choirs, is celebrating its 40th anniversary! Over the last four decades, children and young people have been inspired to come together and sing at the highest level, initially by FYC founder David Victor-Smith MBE and now under the direction of Patrick Barrett. The choir has won numerous awards and performed in many of the world’s most prestigious venues.

The celebratory year kicks off with open rehearsals on 6th and 13th September where children and young people from school years 2-9 are invited to come and see what the choir is all about. If they enjoy themselves, children in school years 2-4 can immediately join the Training Choir and older children can audition for either the Junior Choir or the Senior Choir, where a limited number of places are available. The choir has a bursary scheme and is keen to include children from all backgrounds.

After that, celebrations get fully underway at our autumn concert right here in Farnham at St Andrew’s Church. Tickets are available from our website (fyc.org.uk). Various Christmas performances follow and in 2024, the choir invites alumni to join them at a gala concert in London on 9th March. The year culminates in the Senior Choir jetting off to Auckland, New Zealand, to compete in the Interkultur World Choir Games. It’s going to be an exciting year!

Co-Chair of Trustees, Melanie Hancox, said:

‘We’re so excited to be sharing our anniversary celebrations with our local community. Farnham Youth Choir has such deep roots in the town and we want to include as many people as possible in our celebrations.’

Artistic Director, Patrick Barrett, said:

‘Our anniversary year is going to be busy, but we’re very happy to have so many brilliant performance opportunities to offer our young people. It’s a great time to join one of our choirs.’

Budding singers who would like to go to an open rehearsal should visit fyc.org.uk/joinus.

FYC Senior Choir wins best Children’s Choir!

Farnham Youth Choir is immensely proud to have returned from the Concours Choral International in Provence with another trophy! Conducted by Patrick Barrett and accompanied by Matthew Rickard, FYC won the Children’s Choir category following their outstanding performance against choirs from China and Chartres. 

FYC also competed alongside adult choirs in the ‘Sacred Music’ and ‘Pop, Gospel, Spiritual and Folk’ categories and was delighted to be the children’s choir placed highest in each category. A highlight of the trip for all the young singers was meeting choirs from around the world. FYC member Keira said:

‘It was an amazing experience as everyone from musical backgrounds across the world were coming together to sing. It was also amazing to see the other choirs perform to such a high standard and to spread their love for choral music with big smiles on their faces.’

The tour was a fantastic bonding experience for all involved and cemented the already strong friendships between members. Singer, Zoe, said:

‘Having the opportunity to travel with such a kind, funny and supportive group of people is what made this competition so special.’

FYC parents who were lucky enough to attend the concerts in Provence witnessed this first-hand:

‘As a parent it was a fantastic experience to see the performances and see the choir develop and grow!’

‘The FYC singers all seem genuinely kind and supportive of each other and this seems to be amplified when they are together. These tours give our youngsters life-changing experiences and lessons on how to be kind and accepting human beings.’

So, where next? Farnham Youth Choir choir is looking forward to celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024 with a special concert in London in March 2024 and a tour to the World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand. Local people can support the choir to reach this goal by making a donation at fyc.org.uk/donate.

FYC in London world premiere

On Tuesday, 9th May FYC’s Junior Choir - along with some members of the Senior Choir - took part in the world premiere performance of Ian Fletcher’s oratorio Jonah, based on the biblical story. It is scored for a full symphony orchestra, an adult chorus of about 100, a children’s choir and four soloists.

The concert took place at London’s Cadogan Hall, where the choir had the opportunity to perform alongside the National Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Chorus and professional soloists. Altogether there were approximately 200 participants!

For most members of the choir, this was their first London performance in a professional setting. Singer Lucy said, ‘It was very exciting and a new experience for me to sing with a professional orchestra and singers’.

As always, FYC rose to the occasion and contributed to a fantastic performance, which was very well received by the audience, resulting in a standing ovation. Well done FYC!

Senior Choir takes a step closer to The World Choir Games 2024

The weather may have been cold, but there was a very warm atmosphere in The Spire Church at 5pm on Saturday 4 March! The talented members of Farnham Youth Choir put on a free teatime concert (plus tea and cake) in order to raise money for their attendance at The World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand in July 2024.  

The extremely varied programme featured small vocal groups performing well-known songs by ABBA and Billy Joel, alongside solo performances by the singers, ranging from Mendelssohn to the Lithuanian song Paukščiai and even a new composition, written and performed by a choir member. Also included were instrumental pieces such as Debussy’s lovely Clair de lune played by FYC accompanist, Matthew Rickard. 

It was fantastic that the concert was so well supported and overall the event raised a very welcome £1200, taking the choir one step closer to their goal.

Farnham Youth Choir bags £1000 from Tesco’s community grant scheme

Farnham Youth Choir will receive £1000 that we will use to support our young singers to compete at the International Choral Competition in Hull in Spring 2023.

Co-Chair of Trustees, Melanie Hancox, said, “this grant helps to ensure that all our young singers can compete in the Interkultur International Choral Competition. FYC is a proudly inclusive choir that works hard to make sure that all young people with the interest and drive to become world-class choral singers, are able to achieve their ambitions. We’re extremely grateful for this boost to our fundraising.”

Singer, Lily, said, “winning gold medals at the European Choir Games in Gothenburg felt like winning the Olympics. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”

Claire de Silva, Tesco’s Head of Community, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes like Farnham Youth Choir and especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.”

Tesco Community Grants is run in partnership with community charity Groundwork, who has awarded grants to thousands of local community projects every year.

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme – previously Tesco Bags of Help - has already provided over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain. Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/communitygrants.