National Youth Choirs, Great Britain Junior and Senior Girls' Choirs

Richard Whiteley Theatre, Giggleswick

Visitors to Settle Market Place last Friday were outstandingly entertained by a pop-up concert by members of the junior and senior sections of the National Youth Girls' Choir.

The choir members, ranging in age from ten to 15, had been on a residential Summerfest course at Giggleswick School since Tuesday, July 26, and during that time had worked on a number of pieces from around the world and in a variety of styles.

The wide range of musical styles covered during the course were showcased in their main concerts last Saturday and not only reflected the sheer hard work and dedication of the girls but also the inspiration and enthusiasm of the staff.

The aim of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain is to inspire its members through stimulating creative processes and diverse performance opportunities and this was apparent in the incredible programme and performances of the two choirs.

What was also apparent was the high standards which the students set for themselves and the way in which this activity enriches their lives and gives them confidence. Each choir member performed with real poise and clearly was thoroughly enjoying what they were doing and this communicated to the audience in every gesture, facial expression and note sung. It was an incredibly uplifting experience to be in the presence of so much young talent.

The programme itself contained songs from around the world, all presented with great professionalism and immaculate diction whether they were Hebrew love songs or Ghanaian playground games or more familiar spirituals such as Wade in the Water or the ever popular Walking in the Air. There were also some great touches of humour in the presentation, particularly in The Thing That Matters where they sang in praise of the antics of cats and A Woman (Wearing Bloomers) on a Wheel, which in true music hall tradition demanded audience participation.

In a different strain entirely there was a stunning preview performance of The Land of Counterpane, a suite of songs based on the poems of Robert Louis Stevenson. The chamber choir also proved their verbal and musical dexterity with an amazing rendition of A cappella in Acapulco, a fun and funky number with numerous linguistic contortions. This feat was repeated by the senior choir in their performance of Chilli con Carne by the same composer, but which came with the added bonus of a mesmerising signing version by Paul Whittaker. The same was true of an ethereal version of The Blooming Heather which the choir performed with synchronised signing. The sound was stupendous and the graceful nature of their movements was a joy to watch.

The concert ended with the powerful On Children, an extremely appropriate anthem for this incredible choir.

• Gill O’Donnell