Young singers at Chesterfield’s St Peter & St Paul School are hitting the high notes after winning places in the finals of two of the country’s most prestigious music competitions.
The school’s Chamber Choir will be taking part in the finals of the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday, February 9.
In July the children will be competing in the world famous Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod in Wales.
The St Peter & St Paul Chamber Choir is made up of 27 children – including seven former pupils of the school – all of whom are aged under 13.
For their entry into the Barnado’s National Choral Competition they submitted two songs that were specially recorded in the shadow of the town’s crooked spire at Chesterfield’s Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints.
“To have won a place in either of these competitions would have been an incredible accolade but to be in the finals of both is a tribute to the children of St Peter & St Paul, and demonstrates both their talent and dedication,” said the school’s Head of Music Cathy Chapman, who has been working with the choir’s director, Andrew Noble, to train the children.
At the Royal Festival Hall there will be a total of 24 choirs competing, with the St Peter & St Paul Chamber Choir taking part in the junior section against 17 other choirs from around the country.
“I am incredibly proud of our children’s achievements,” said Mrs Chapman. “This is going to be a big day both for the choir and for the school.”
Headmaster Jonathon Clark added: “These two musical successes are further accolades following our recent excellent placing in the Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Preparatory Schools Guide.
“We are delighted that our school is achieving so much in all curriculum and extra-curricular areas, thanks to both our excellent teaching staff and, of course, The St Peter & St Paul children themselves.”
