BBC Radio Norfolk’s Choir of the Year contest backed

BBC Radio Norfolk’s new Choir of the Year competition has
received backing from the Diocese of Norwich.

Created by Sunday Breakfast presenter Emma Philpotts, it looks
to uncover the best choral group in the county.

The winner will perform at a Christmas carol concert in Norwich
Cathedral on 5 December 2011, and at Norwich Theatre Royal’s
Christmas Eve show.

The contest follows a strong interest in singing around Norfolk,
according to the cathedral’s master of music.

“While new choir numbers have been steady, it’s more of a
question of what’s been achieved by existing groups,” said David
Lowe, who has worked with choral outreach projects in local schools
for two years.

“The groups have had a big effect on young people’s appreciation
of choral singing,” he

added.

The competition, launched on Emma’s show on 6 February, will be
judged by the Archdeacon of Norwich – the Venerable Jan McFarlane –
as well as BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Helen McDermott and Peter
Wilson, chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal.