The Leeds Conservatoire Contemporary Pop Choir has been selected as a finalist for this year’s prestigious How Sweet The Sound competition at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
This competition will see a lineup of elite choirs and spoken word artists vying for accolades in three categories on Sunday, October 20. The event will be hosted by GRAMMY Award winner Donald Lawrence, with a judging panel composed of gospel music luminaries including Karen Gibson, founder of the Kingdom Choir, Bazil Meade of the London Community Gospel Choir, and Premier Gospel radio’s Muyiwa Olarewaju.
The Contemporary Pop Choir earned their spot in the finals with a compelling audition video, securing their place in the Large Choirs category. They will compete against acclaimed choirs from Denmark, Italy, and the UK. Notably, all members of this choir are under 30, making them the youngest group in their category and the only ensemble affiliated with an educational institution.
Formed by Leeds Conservatoire students and alumni, the Contemporary Pop Choir is known for its energetic performances and creative interpretations of gospel, rock, and pop music. The choir was founded in 2015 by Principal Lecturer Craig Lees, who is also the musical director of the Leeds Contemporary Singers. This nine-piece vocal harmony group, which emerged from the Contemporary Pop Choir, gained national recognition by winning BBC One’s Pitch Battle in 2017.
Leeds Conservatoire, located in the vibrant cultural quarter of Leeds, is a premier UK institution dedicated to delivering top-tier education in music and performing arts. The conservatoire offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, along with programs at Leeds Junior Conservatoire designed for young musicians and performers.
Renowned for its artistic ambition and commitment to quality, Leeds Conservatoire is deeply industry-focused, emphasizing the development of career-ready musicians, performers, producers, and entrepreneurs. This approach ensures students not only master their craft but are also well-prepared for the demands of the creative industries.
Principal Lecturer in Popular Voice, MD of Leeds Conservatoire Contemporary Pop Choir, Craig Lees said:
“I am so proud of our ensemble for being selected by a panel of esteemed industry experts. This is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of all the singers in the choir. I am certain that How Sweet the Sound will be an excellent learning experience for us; we are looking forward to cheering on the other choirs as well as observing how an event of this scale is run.”
Leeds Conservatoire, nestled in the heart of Leeds, stands as a prestigious institution known for nurturing some of the finest talents in the music and performing arts industry. Established in 1965, the conservatoire has evolved from its origins as a music college to become a comprehensive hub of artistic creativity, offering degrees not just in music but also in film, drama, and performing arts.
Leeds Conservatoire’s alumni network is impressive, with many former students going on to achieve international acclaim. The institution maintains strong industry connections, offering students opportunities to engage with professionals through masterclasses, guest lectures, and placement programs. These connections provide invaluable insights into the professional world, preparing students for successful careers in the arts.
As Leeds Conservatoire continues to grow, it remains dedicated to innovation and excellence in arts education. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to developing the artists of tomorrow, Leeds Conservatoire not only contributes to the cultural fabric of Leeds but also influences the global arts scene.
For those aspiring to a career in music or the performing arts, Leeds Conservatoire offers a dynamic and inspiring environment where creativity thrives www.leedsconservatoire.ac.uk
