Newcastle choir set to perform at Westminster Abbey

Aug 10 2010 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal

Michael Stoddart, director of music at the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, and David Stevens, girls’ choir director organised the trip.

The choir also received tuition from tenor Austin Gunn, the cathedral’s director of vocal outreach, in the run-up to the concert.

Mr Stevens said: “I don’t think the girls are nervous, they’re actually quite excited about the trip.

“I think it’s important that children get involved with music like this as it’s very good for them.

“We’ll be performing music by composers such as Bairstow, Bruckner, Tallis and Capilupi.

“And we’ll be camping out in a Scout hut in North London, so we can do some group activities as well as singing. The girls are hoping to do some shopping too.”

Although the choir is based in Newcastle city centre, the choristers travel from across the region to practise.

Ponteland High School pupil Rachel Dodd, 14, is among those taking part in the tour.

Her mother Irene, a school secretary from Belsay, Northumberland, said: “The parents are proud to see the girls head towards London to perform in such prestigious venues, and appreciate that they are very privileged to have the expertise and dedication of such talented and experienced musicians, Michael Stoddart and David Stevens.

“There is a great sense of camaraderie in the choir, which isn’t surprising as they share one very common factor which brings them together – their love for singing.”