THE South Craven-based KVU Singers will perform six new songs composed by some of the UK’s best young composers.

It will mark the culmination of this year’s Jessica Foxley Young Choral Composer Competition.

The contest is staged in memory of Jessica, who grew up in Cowling and was killed in a car crash at the age of 21. She was a budding musician.

This year’s six finalists were chosen from 32 entries by a panel of judges comprising composers Alan Bullard and Jonathan Brigg, president of KVU Singers Paul Whittaker and Jessica’s mum, Margaret, a former member of KVU Singers.

The finalists are: under 19s - Joe Davies (Rugby), Fergus Hall (Glasgow), Douglas McIntosh (Stafford); 19 to 25s - Sarah Loughridge (Ballymena), Owain Park (Cambridge) and Samuel Wilson ( London).

Jessica’s dad and choir member, Paul, said: “Our choir has some great new music to perform as a result of this competition.”

The Foxley family are already responsible for the Jessica Foxley Unsigned showcase at the Colne Rhythm and Blues Festival.

Mum Margaret added: “We wanted to broaden the scope of Jessica Foxley Music Projects, the aim of which is to provide great performance opportunities for young musicians.

“Getting the choir - which my husband Paul and I were both members of - to perform new pieces by young composers was an obvious step forward.”

The Final 6 concert will be held at Muni Theatre, Colne, next Sunday, November 2, at 3pm, and adding variety to the programme will be Sutton accordionist Thom Hardaker and mezzo soprano Samantha Oxborough.

For tickets, call Ticketline on 0844 8884406, the Muni Box Office on 01282 661234 or go online to www.themuni.co.uk

Judge Alan Bullard will also give a choral workshop at St Andrew’s Church, Skipton, next Saturday, November 1. All are welcome and for details, email info@kvusingers.co.uk