We are delighted to announce that Highgate’s Chorale has won the ‘Traditional’ category of the Barnardo’s National Choir Competition 2025 for their performance of My Lord Has Come by Will Todd.
Highgate stepped on to the stage at Birmingham Symphony Hall to compete alongside 15 other finalists, with two contrasting pieces: Answer July by Jonathan Dove and their Todd entry. Judges praised the Chorale singers for their ‘impressive sound’ and ‘dynamic energy.’
“Barnardo’s was an incredible experience that I feel so lucky to have been a part of,” Y11 Chorale member, Leo, enthused. “Even though the process of preparing such a challenging repertoire was, at points, somewhat difficult, no rehearsal ever felt long, or boring, because we all knew that everyone around us was just as excited and in love with the idea as we were.”
Aki, in Y12, added: “Taking part in this competition really brought everyone together into a tight knit group, and I think that was key to our success. Everyone had full trust and understanding in each other, making true heartfelt, yet precise music.”
Catherine Harrison, Head of Academic Music and Choral Music, said: “Their quality of sound and musicality was outstanding, and I am extremely lucky to work with such thoughtful and intelligent singers. As a conductor, I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and I am incredibly proud of them all.”
Chorale is Highgate’s flagship choir who perform at all the main school events, including Remembrance, Christmas, Open Day and the Lent Concert at Southwark Cathedral. As an auditioned ensemble of 37 pupils, the group forms part of Highgate’s carefully tiered choral pathway, which is open to all and progresses as singers develop. By the time they reach Chorale, and our smaller ensemble Consort, pupils undertake an increasingly challenging repertoire with a lot more opportunities to perform.
Leo, Y11, reflected on his choir experience, saying: “I’ve been in the Highgate choirs for the best part of two years now. In that time the doors that singing has opened for me have been mind-blowing. Not only have we had the chance to sing in insanely beautiful places like Southwark Cathedral, or Birmingham Symphony Hall, but opportunities such as the Choral Days at Oxford and Cambridge were honestly one-of-a-kind.”
“I think part of the reason I’ve fallen so deeply in love with singing, so quickly, is because Highgate is far and away the best place for it. Each teacher and each student I get to sing with manages to be not only brilliantly talented and passionate, but also warm, and invested in you, and your progress.”
Barnardo’s National Choir Competition is the largest schools and community choir competition in the UK and has been running for over 17 years. Performances are judged primarily on musical excellence, technical skill, and a high standard of singing performance. As well as showcasing musical talent from around the country, the competition raises money to go towards helping children and young people feel safer, happier, healthier and more hopeful.
