Cheltenham Festival Honours for King’s Hawford Senior Choir

The King’s Hawford Senior Choir of 40 children in Years 5 and 6 took to the stage in the grand setting of the ballroom in Cheltenham Town Hall on Wednesday, where they participated in the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.

This very special 100^th Anniversary of the festival provided an auspicious occasion for the choir to show their performance skills to a huge audience of around 500 supporters, including family, friends and fellow contestants.

Announcing with a clarity noted by the adjudicator, Daisy E confidently introduced the choir’s two contrasting pieces: Howard Goodall’s ‘Vicar of Dibley’ theme – the sublime ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’, and Lin Marsh’s tempestuous ‘I Am The Wind’.

The choir were beautifully accompanied by Angie Allard whose expert playing enhanced the mood and dynamic contrasts within the pieces. As the choir sung their final sustained note for 13 beats, their energy was palpable and their smiles reached their eyes – they knew they had performed at their best.

We were delighted to be awarded Honours and 89%, receiving hugely positive feedback from the adjudicator who commented on the excellent pitching, beautifully balanced harmonies, ‘superb crescendos’, breath control, clear diction, and poise of the children.

Charlotte P and Henry L were delighted to receive the trophy and certificate on behalf of the choir, who made all the lucky staff and parents present extremely proud.