the 2024 Festival

2024 Another wonderful festival

It is with great delight and excitement that we launch our Performing Arts Festival for 2024.  On this webpage you will find details of dates, classes, workshops, concerts, Young Musician of the Year and showcases together with all the information you will need to enter and prepare for the festival with points of contact, festival rules and much more.  

Please take a few minutes to scroll down this page and have a look at what is on offer this year. You will find all your favourites; workshops for adult singers, junior age performers, toddlers, special needs schools and the tea dance;  the Young Musician of the Year competition, the dance showcase and four wonderful evening concerts; the adult singing workshop, the junior concert, youth choirs (the normal classes and adjudication but ticketed through the box office) and the last night of the festival concert. 

We have added two new classes this year; a Stephen Sondheim Class (age 17 and over) and a new class for adult/mixed age choirs based in Kirklees. In its inaugural year for this local choir class there will be an impact on the choir challenge class during the evening concert - please read the class description and the festival rules carefully. 

We continue to promote our two new musical theatre group classes too - take a look at classes 53 and 80 for information. 

Due to the support of a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous, we have been able to add a second and third cash prize to the Young Musician of the Year competition. First Prize - £1000, Second Prize - £500, Third Prize - £300. 

In these tough financial times, we are experiencing cost increases as other organisations are. We are a registered charity run entirely by unpaid volunteers and in order to cover our costs we have had to raise our cost of class entry by £1. We hope to keep other charges to those of 2023. 

Any comments or queries please get in touch with me directly (details below).

I look forward to welcoming you to 2024 festival in February

Class entries close at midday on Saturday November 4 2023.

Best wishes

Ann Talboys 

Festival Administrator

[email protected]   01484665843 or 07743846331

Festival DATES

Sunday 4 February and Wednesday 14 to Saturday 24 February 2024

Sunday 4 February

Adult Choral Workshop and Concert

Wednesday 14 February

Piano and Speech and Drama classes

Thursday 15 February

Piano and Speech and Drama classes

Friday 16 February

Instrumentalists and ensemble classes

Saturday 17 February

Vocal classes

Sunday 18 February

Vocal classes

Young Musician of the Year 2024

 

 

 

Monday 19 February

Toddler Workshop

Dance Festival Showcase

Tuesday 20 February

Reach for the Stars - Special Needs Event

Music for the Brain tea dance.

Thursday 22 February

Key Stage 2 workshop and concert

Friday 23 February

Junior and Youth Choirs

Saturday 24 February

Adult Choirs 

The Last Night at the Festival Concert

Festival TIMETABLE 2024

Sunday 4 February 
Concert HallChoral Workshop
  
Wednesday 14 February 
Concert HallTimothy Barratt
9.30 amClass 5 Piano Solo - year 8 and under
11.00 amClass 6 Piano Solo - year 10 and under
11.50 amClass 7 Piano Solo - year 12 and under
  
Reception RoomRebecca Vines
9.30 amClass 98 Verse Speaking - year 4 and under 
9.30 amClass 100 Verse Speaking - year 9 and under 
9.30 amClass 101 Humorous Verse Speaking - year 4 and under
9.30 amClass 102 Humorous Verse Speaking - year 6 and under
9.30 amClass 103 Humorous Verse Speaking - year 9 and under
9.30 amClass 104 Prepared Reading - year 4 and under
9.30 amClass 106 Prepared Reading - year 6 and under 
9.30 amClass 109 Story Telling - years 7 to 10
  
Concert HallRebecca Vines
2.00 pmClass 110 Solo Acting - year 6 and under 
2.00 pmClass 111 Solo Acting - year 9 and under 
2.00 pmClass 112 Solo Acting - year 11 and under 
2.00 pmClass 113 Solo Acting Shakespeare - year 11 and under 
2.00 pmClass 114 Solo Mime - year 6 and under 
2.00 pmClass 115 Solo Mime - years 7 to 9
  
Reception RoomTimothy Barratt
2.00 pmClass 1 Piano Solo - year 3 and under 
2.10 pmClass 2 Piano Solo - year 4 and under 
3.10 pmClass 3 Piano Solo - year 5 and under 
4.00 pmClass 4 Piano Solo - year 6 and under 
  
Concert HallTimothy Barratt
6.30 pmClass 8 Piano Solo Sonatina - year 9 and under 
7.40 pmClass 11 Piano Solo - Music Theatre and Film - Open
8.10 pmClass 13 Piano Solo Chopin - Open
8.40 pmClass 15 Piano Recital - Open
  
Thursday 15 February 
Concert HallTimothy Barratt
9.30 amClass 16 Piano Duet - year 6 and under
9.40 amClass 17 Piano Duet - year 9 and under 
10.00 amClass 18 Family Piano Duet - any age
10.15 amClass 9 Piano Recital - year 11 and under
  
 Reception RoomRebecca Vines
9.30 amClass 117 Bible Reading - Open
9.50 amClass 118 Prepared Reading - Open
10.20 amClass 119 Prepared Poetry Reading - Open
10.40 amClass 120 Sight Reading - Open
10.50 amClass 122 Solo Acting - Open
11.20 amClass 123 Dramatic Solo Shakespeare - Open
11.40 amClass 124 Dialect Speaking - Open
11.40 amClass 125 Poetry Writing - Open
11.40 amClass 126 Dialect Prose Writing - Open
11.40 amClass 127 Dialect Poetry Writing - Open
  
Friday 16 February 
Concert HallRosie Whitfield with Jane Robertson
9.30 amClass 19 String Solo - year 6 and under
10.15 amClass 20 String Solo - year 9 and under
10.55 amClass 21 String Solo - year 11 and under
11.35 amClass 22 String Solo - Open
  
2.00 pmClass 24 Woodwind Solo - year 6 and under 
2.10 pmClass 25 Woodwind Solo - year 9 and under 
2.40 pmClass 26 Woodwind Solo - year 11 and under 
3.00 pmClass 28 Brass Solo - year 6 and under
3.20 pmClass 29 Brass Solo - year 11 and under 
3.40 pmClass 30 Brass Solo - Open
4.00 pmClass 32 Two Instruments
4.10 pmClass 31 Solo Instrumentalists' Challenge
  
6.30 pmClass 33 Small Instrumental Ensemble - year 11 and under 
7.30 pmClass 35 Large Instrumental Ensemble - all ages
8.00 pmClass 36 Ukulele group - all ages
  
Saturday 17 February 
Concert HallSteven Roberts with Jane Robertson
9.30 amClass 45 Walt Disney - year 4 and under
10.20 amClass 54 Music Theatre - year 5 and under
11.35 amClass 46 Walt Disney - year 5
  
Reception RoomGaynor Keeble with Jonathan Fisher
9.30 amClass 65 Soprano Solo - Open
9.50 amClass 66 Mezzo-Soprano or Alto Solo - Open
10.10 amClass 67 Tenor Solo - Open
10.20 amClass 69 Oratorio or Sacred Work Solo - age 17 and over
10.45 amClass 70 Operatic Solo - age 17 and over
11.45 amClass 71 British Composer Solo - age 17 and over
  
Old Court RoomRosie Whitfield with Chris Pulleyn 
9.30 amClass 48 Walt Disney -  year 7
11.00 amClass 56 Music Theatre - year 8
12.10 pmClass 49 Walt Disney -  year 8
  
Concert HallSteven Roberts with Jane Robertson
2.00 pmClass 47 Walt Disney - year 6
2.55 pmClass 55 Music Theatre - years 6 and 7
  
Reception RoomGaynor Keeble with Jonathan Fisher
2.00 pmClass 72 French Mélodie or German Lieder - age 17 and over
3.15 pmClass 73 The Rose Bowl
4.10 pmClass 60 Music Theatre - years 12 and 13
  
Old Court RoomRosie Whitfield with Chris Pulleyn 
2.30 pmClass 57 Music Theatre - year 9
3.45 pmClass 50 Walt Disney - year 9
  
Concert HallSteven Roberts with Jane Robertson
6.30 pmClass 74 Walt Disney - age 17 and over
7.15 pmClass 77 Music Theatre - age 17 and over
  
Reception RoomRosie Whitfield with Jonathan Fisher
6.30 pmClass 62 Pop Ballad - age 14 to 17
8.40 pmClass 75 Pop Ballad - age 17 and over
  
Old Court RoomGaynor Keeble with Chris Pulleyn 
6.30 pmClass 63 Young Singers’ Vocal Recital - years 10 to 13
7.25 pmClass 79 Vocal Recital - age 17 and over
7.45 pmClass 64 Stephen Sondheim
8.30 pmClass 78 Light Opera - age 17 and over

 

2024 Classes




 
1
Class 1 Piano solo – school year 3 and under

One piece from Roundabout by Alan Haughton (ABRSM) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
2
Class 2 Piano solo – school year 4 and under

One piece from the 23/24 ABRSM piano syllabus. Grade 1, No 1, 2 or 3 from list A, B or C. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
3
Class 3 Piano solo – school year 5 and under

One piece from the 23/24 ABRSM piano syllabus. Grade 2 or grade 3 No 1, 2 or 3 from list A, B or C Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
4
Class 4 Piano solo – school year 6 and under

One piece from the 23/24 ABRSM piano syllabus. Grade 3 or grade 4, No 1, 2 or 3 from list A,B or C Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
5
Class 5 Piano solo – school year 8 and under

One own choice piece of grade 5 standard and above

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
6
Class 6 Piano solo -school year 10 and under

One own choice piece of grade 6 standard and above

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
7
Class 7 Piano solo -school year 12 and under

One own choice piece of grade 7 standard and above

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
8
Class 8 Piano solo Sonatina - school year 9 and under

One own choice Sonatina (not sonata) movement

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
9
Class 9 Piano Recital – school year 11 and under

A recital of three own choice pieces of at least grade 5 standard in contrasting styles, with credit being given for a balanced programme. The progamme must not include any pieces played in other classes during this year's festival.

Maximum Performance Duration: 15 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £13

 
10
Class 10 Piano solo – open

One own choice piece of grade 8 standard or above. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the solo instrumentalist's challenge later in the festival.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
11
Class 11 Piano solo Music Theatre and Film – open

One piece from any show or film

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
12
Class 12 Piano solo Sonata – open

One movement from a classical sonata e.g. Schubert, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Clementi or similar which must be of grade 8 standard or above.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
13
Class 13 Piano solo Chopin – open

One piece from any work by Chopin which must be of grade 8 standard or above

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
14
Class 14 Piano solo 20th Century or 21st Century – open

One piece from any work written no earlier than 1900 which must be of grade 8 standard or above.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
15
Class 15 Piano Recital – open

A recital of a minimum of two pieces of at least grade 8 standard in contrasting styles with credit being given for a balanced programme. The progamme must not include any pieces played in other classes during this year's festival.

Maximum Performance Duration: 15 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £13

 
16
Class 16 Piano Duet – school year 6 and under

One own choice piece

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
17
Class 17 Piano Duet – school year 9 and under

One own choice piece

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
18
Class 18 Family Piano Duet - any ages

One or two own choice pieces

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
19
Class 19 String solo – school year 6 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
20
Class 20 String solo – school year 9 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
21
Class 21 String solo – school year 11 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
22
Class 22 String solo – open

One own choice piece of grade 8 standard or above. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the solo instrumentalists' challenge later in the festival.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
23
Class 23 Guitar solo - school year 11 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £8

 
24
Class 24 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 6 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
25
Class 25 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 9 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
26
Class 26 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 11 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
27
Class 27 Woodwind/recorder solo open

One own choice piece of grade 8 standard or above. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the Solo instrumentalists' Challenge later in the festival. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
28
Class 28 Brass solo – school year 6 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
29
Class 29 Brass solo school year 11 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
30
Class 30 - Brass solo open

One own choice piece of grade 8 standard or above. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the Solo instrumentalists' Challenge later in the festival. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
31
Class 31 Solo instrumentalists' Challenge

Qualifying winners of classes 10, 22, 27 and 30 will play their winning pieces

Entries Closed

Fee: £0

 
32
Class 32 Two Instruments or Instrument and Voice

Two own choice pieces. These may be two pieces for different solo instruments or one instrumental piece and one vocal piece (in all cases with or without accompaniment). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
33
Class 33 Small Instrumental Ensemble – school year 11 and under

Own choice piece(s) - any combination of instruments. (2 to 10 players) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £15

 
34
Class 34 Small Instrumental Ensemble - all ages

Own choice piece(s) - any combination of instruments (2-10 players). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £15

 
35
Class 35 Large Instrumental Ensemble - all ages

Own choice piece(s) - any combination of instruments (11 and over players). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class .

Maximum Performance Duration: 12 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £19

 
36
Class 36 Ukulele Group – all ages

Own choice programme. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 12 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £19

 
37
Class 37 solo – school year 5 and under

Either: The Cobbler and the Crow - Trad American (Sing together:100 songs for unison singing) OR: My Father's Garden Trad. Words Frederick Fowler (Sing together: 100 songs for unison singing) The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the Junior Singers' Challenge. (Class 40). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
38
Class 38 solo – school year 6 and 7

Either: Omens of Spring - W H Anderson (ABRSM Songbook1) OR: Ma Bella Bimba - Trad Italian Arr.Heidi Pegaler (The best of singing 1-3) (low/high) (Italian/English)The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the Junior Singers' Challenge. (Class 40). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
39
Class 39 solo – school year 8 and 9

Either: Clock -a - clay R R Bennett (ABRSM Songbook 4) OR: The Dormouse Carol (ABRSM Songboook 4) OR: Heidenroselein - Schubert (The Art of Song 1-3) (High, Med/low) The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in the Junior Singers' Challenge. (Class 40). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
40
Class 40 Junior Singers' Challenge

Qualifying winners of classes 37, 38 and 39 will sing their winning pieces

Entries Closed

Fee: £0

 
41
Class 41 solo – school year 10 and 11

Either: Sonntag - Brahms (The Art of Song Grade 6), (Low, Medium or High) (To be sung in German) OR: Gaelic Blessing - J Rutter (ABRSM Songbook 5 Plus) OR: The Birds Lament - R R Bennett (ABRSM Songbook 5) The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Huddersfield Choral Society Rose Bowl for young singers. (Class 44). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
42
Class 42 solo – school year 12 and 13

One own choice song. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Huddersfield Choral Society Rose Bowl for young singers. (Class 44). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
43
Class 43 Young Singers’ English Song – school year 13 and under

One own choice song (not originating from an opera) by Purcell, Dowland, Boyce or Arne.The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Huddersfield Choral Society Rose Bowl for young singers. (Class 44). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
44
Class 44 Young Singers' Rosebowl

Qualifying winners of classes 41, 42 and 43 will sing their winning pieces

Entries Closed

Fee: £0

 
45
Class 45 The Magic of Walt Disney – school year 4 and under

Either: Zip a Dee Doo Dah (Song of the South) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection Vol 2) OR: With a Smile and a Song (Snow White) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection Volume 2) OR: Whistle While you Work Snow White) (The Best of Children's Songs Ever) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
46
Class 46 The Magic of Walt Disney – school year 5

Either: I've got no strings (Pinocchio) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection Vol 2) OR: Little April Showers -( Bambi) (The Best of Children's Songs Ever) OR: Cruella De Ville (101 Dalmations) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection Volume 1) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class..

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
47
Class 47 The Magic of Walt Disney – school year 6

Either: Chim Chim Cher ee (Mary Poppins) (The Best of singing 1-3 (Low/high) OR: A Whole New World (Aladdin) (Contemporary Disney: 50 favourite Songs) OR: Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid) (ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre Book 2) (Omitting verse 2 and bars 68-85) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
48
Class 48 The Magic of Walt Disney – school year 7

Either: How Far I'll Go (Moanna) (Music Notes Movie Version - Key of E major) OR: When you Wish Upon a Star (Pinocchio) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection Vol 1) OR: Feed the Birds (Mary Poppins) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection Vol 1) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
49
Class 49 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 8

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
50
Class 50 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 9

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
51
Class 51 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 10 and 11

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
52
Class 52 The Magic of Walt Disney - school years 12 and 13

One own choice piece . Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
53
Class 53 Group Musical Theatre year 6 and under

A group excerpt/showpiece from any Musical Theatre or operetta. Maximum 20 people. To be held in the main hall using the stage. All libretti/scripts must be suitable content to cause no offence to a mixed audience which may contain children. Each group should provide own accompanist or backing track. Hand props may be used with limited costume if essential to the piece. Please note that there are no suitable changing room facilities available.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £19

 
54
Class 54 Music Theatre – school year 5 and under

Either: My Favourite Things (The Sound of Music) (Rogers and Hammerstein collection) or Kids Musical Collection volume 2 OR: Where is Love (Oliver) (ABRSM Songbook 1) or Kids Musical Collection volume 2 OR: The Candy Man Can (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) (Kids Musical Theatre Collection 1) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
55
Class 55 Music Theatre – school year 6 and 7

Either: I Whistle a Happy Tune (The King and I) (Rodgers and Hammerstein Collection) OR: If only You Would Listen ( School of Rock) (ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre Book 2) OR: Naughty - (Matilda) (ABRSM Songbook Plus 4) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
56
Class 56 Music Theatre – school year 8

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
57
Class 57 Music Theatre – school year 9

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
58
Class 58 Music Theatre – school year 10

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
59
Class 59 Music Theatre school year 11

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
60
Class 60 Music Theatre - school year 12 and 13

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
61
Class 61 Unaccompanied Folk Song- school year 11 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
62
Class 62 - Pop Ballad - age between 14 and 17 inclusive

One own choice piece which may be self accompanied, may be accompanied by the festival accompanist or may use a backing track. Backing tracks using phones will require an adaptor to connect to the town hall systems. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
63
Class 63 Young Singers' Vocal Recital - school years 10 to 13

Recital of one 17th or 18th century song or aria, sung in the original language, one English art Song from the 20th century and one own choice song or aria. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 12 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £13

 
64
* NEW CLASS Class 64 Stephen Sondheim

17 years and over . One own choice song with music written by Stephen Sondheim. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
65
Class 65 Soprano solo

One own choice song in any language. This should not be a solo from a choral or stage work. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge. (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
66
Class 66 Mezzo-soprano or Alto solo

One own choice song in any language. This should not be a solo from a choral or stage work. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge. (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
67
Class 67 Tenor solo

One own choice song in any language. This should not be a solo from a choral or stage work. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge. (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
68
Class 68 Baritone or Bass solo

One own choice song in any language. This should not be a solo from a choral or stage work. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge. (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
69
Class 69 Oratorio or Sacred Work solo - age 17 and over

One own choice piece which must be in the original key. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge. (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
70
Class 70 Operatic solo - age 17 years and over

One own choice piece which must be in the original key. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge. (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
71
Class 71 British Composer solo - age 17 years and over

One own choice piece from any 20th or 21st century British composer. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge (Class 73) Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
72
Class 72 French Melodie or German Lieder - age 17 years and over

One own choice piece from the French repertoire sung in the original language OR one own choice piece from the Lieder repertoire sung in the original language. The winner gaining a B grade or above will be invited to compete in The Rose Bowl Challenge (Class 73). Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
73
Class 73 The Rose Bowl

Qualifying winners of classes 65 to 72 will sing their winning pieces

Entries Closed

Fee: £0

 
74
Class 74 The Magic of Walt Disney - age 17 years and over

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
75
Class 75 Pop Ballad - age 17 years and over

One own choice piece which may be self accompanied, may be accompanied by the festival accompanist or may use a backing track. Backing tracks using phones will require an adaptor to connect to the town hall systems. This class excludes performers from class 62. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
76
Class 76 Vocal Duet -age 17 years and over

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
77
Class 77 Music Theatre - age 17 years and over

One own choice song from any musical written between 1950 and the present day which must be sung as a concert item. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
78
Class 78 Light Opera - age 17 years and over

One own choice song from any light opera or musical written before 1950 which must be sung as a concert item. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 6 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
79
Class 79 Vocal Recital - age 17 years and over

A recital of three contrasting own choice songs or arias. To enter this class you must have performed in at least one other class in the festival. You cannot sing any piece performed in any other class. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 12 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £13

 
80
Class 80 Group Music Theatre

A group excerpt/showpiece from any Musical Theatre or operetta. Maximum 20 people. To be held in the main hall using the stage. All libretti/scripts must be suitable content to cause no offence to a mixed audience which may contain children. Each group should provide own accompanist or backing track. Hand props may be used with limited costume if essential to the piece. Please note that there are no suitable changing room facilities available.

Maximum Performance Duration: 18 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
81
Class 81 KS2 workshop performance

One of the songs performed at the Key Stage Two workshop. Maximum 50 voices. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
82
Class 82 Junior Choir Hymns and Sacred Songs school year 6 and under

Two contrasting own choice sacred pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
83
Class 83 Junior Choir – Previous non-winners - school year 6 and under

Two contrasting own choice pieces for any junior choir which has not entered the festival more than three times and has not won a class at the festival in the past five years. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
84
Class 84 Junior Choir- Christmas/Festive school year 6 and under

Two contrasting Christmas/Festive pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
85
Class 85 Junior Choir –Open to all - school year 6 and under

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
86
Class 86 Young People’s Choir – school year 9 and under

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
87
Class 87 Young People’s Choir – school year 11 and under

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
88
Class 88 Young People Choir 21 years and under

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £21

 
89
*NEW CLASS Class 89 Local Choirs. Open to any adult/mixed choir which is based in Kirklees.

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
90
Class 90 Adult/Mixed Age Choir - Christmas/Festive

Two contrasting Christmas/Festive pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
91
Class 91 Adult/Mixed Age Choir

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Open to any choir which has not been placed first in a class at the festival over the last five years. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
92
Class 92 Adult/Mixed Age Small Choir – up to 20 voices

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
93
Class 93 Adult/Mixed Aged Female Voice Choir 21 voices and over

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
94
Class 94 Adult/Mixed Aged Male Voice Choir – 21 voices and over

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
95
Class 95 Adult/Mixed Aged Mixed Voice Choir – 21 voices and over

Two contrasting own choice pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 8 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
96
Class 96 Choir Programme – open to choirs in classes 89 to 95

A balanced programme of up to three pieces. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class.

Maximum Performance Duration: 12 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £23

 
97
Class 97 Choir Challenge

The winners of classes 89, 93, 94, 95 and 96 will be asked to perform in the Last Night of the Festival Concert on Saturday evening February 24 2024. If a choir is the winner of more than one of these classes they will perform only once in the evening. Pieces may be specially prepared for this class or those sung in previous classes. No adjudicator copies are required.

Entries Closed

Fee: £0

 
98
Class 98 verse speaking – school year 4 and under

Own choice verse from memory. You must bring a copy of own choice pieces for the adjudicator on the day marked clearly with your name and the place of the piece if in a volume.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
99
Class 99 Verse Speaking – school year 6 and under

Own choice verse from memory. You must bring a copy of own choice pieces for the adjudicator on the day marked clearly with your name and the place of the piece if in a volume.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
100
Class 100 Verse Speaking – school year 9 and under

Own choice verse from memory. You must bring a copy of own choice pieces for the adjudicator on the day marked clearly with your name and the place of the piece if in a volume.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
101
Class 101 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 4 and under

Own choice verse from memory. You must bring a copy of own choice pieces for the adjudicator on the day marked clearly with your name and the place of the piece if in a volume.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
102
Class 102 Humorous Verse Speaking – school year 6 and under

Own choice verse from memory. You must bring a copy of own choice pieces for the adjudicator on the day marked clearly with your name and the place of the piece if in a volume.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
103
Class 103 Humorous Verse Speaking – school year 9 and under

Own choice verse from memory. You must bring a copy of own choice pieces for the adjudicator on the day marked clearly with your name and the place of the piece if in a volume.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
104
Class 104 Prepared reading – school year 4 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
105
Class 105 Prepared reading – school year 6 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
106
Class 106 Prepared reading – school year 9 and under

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
107
Class 107 Sight reading school year 6 and under

You will be given a few minutes to read through a piece of prose before reading to the adjudicator. Each performer will be given the same conditions.

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
108
Class 108 Bible reading school year 6 and under

The reading must be from the King James Version of the Bible. Either Psalm 8 vs 1-9 The Majesty of God OR Matthew 6 vs 6-15 The Lord#39;s Prayer

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
109
Class 109 Story telling school years 7 to 10

Each performer will be provided with an OBJECT around which a story must be built. A spontaneous response is required. Story must have suitable content to cause no offence to a mixed audience which may include children. You will have 5 minute preparation time before the performance

Maximum Performance Duration: 2 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
110
Class 110 solo Acting school year 6 and under

One own choice speech from any play excluding Shakespeare or from a monologue to be performed from memory. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
111
Class 111 solo Acting school year 9 and under

One own choice speech from any play excluding Shakespeare or from a monologue to be performed from memory.Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
112
Class 112 solo Acting school year 11 and under

One own choice speech from any play excluding Shakespeare or from a monologue to be performed from memory. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
113
Class 113 solo Acting - Shakespeare school year 11 and under

One own choice speech from a Shakespeare play to be performed from memory. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
114
Class 114 solo Mime - school year 6 and under

Set title: Handle with care

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
115
Class 115 solo Mime - school years 7 to 9

Set title: Temptation

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
116
Class 116 solo Mime - school year 10 to 13

Set title: The Wrong Door

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £9

 
117
Class 117 Bible reading open (excluding performers in Class 100)

The reading must be from the King James Version of the Bible. Either Ruth 1 vs 8-18 Naomi and Ruth OR Matthew 1 vs 18-23 The birth of Jesus Christ.

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
118
Class 118 Prepared reading – open

One own choice piece. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 3 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
119
Class 119 Prepared poetry reading - open

Any poem written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson not from memory. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
120
Class 120 Sight reading – open

You will be given a few minutes to read through a piece of prose before reading to the adjudicator. Each performer will be given the same conditions.

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
121
Class 121 Story telling - open

Each performer will be provided with an OBJECT around which a story must be built. A spontaneous response is required. Story must have suitable content to cause no offence to a mixed audience which may include children. You will have 5 minute preparation time before the performance

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
122
Class 122 solo acting - open

One own choice speech from any play excluding Shakespeare or from a monologue to be performed from memory. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
123
Class 123 Dramatic solo - Shakespeare open

One own choice speech from any Shakespeare time includes any introduction, to be performed from memory. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 4 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
124
Class 124 Dialect speaking open

One own choice piece. Performers are reminded that the material should exercise dialect speaking rather than just regional accent. Please read the festival rules relevant to this class in the menu on the bottom left hand side of the main website.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
125
Class 125 Poetry Writing open

The piece must be no longer than 5 minutes in speaking.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
126
Class 126 Dialect Prose Writing open

One own choice piece.

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

 
127
Class 127 Dialect Poetry Writing

One own choice piece

Maximum Performance Duration: 5 minutes

Entries Closed

Fee: £10

127 Classes Found..

2024 Workshops

A Victorian Extravaganza

Workshop Details

04/02/2024

09:00 to 16:45

Contact Details

Sue Ogden

[email protected]

07742 711878


Entry Options

Workshop Adults £25

Workshop Students £15

A Workshop and Concert centred on a performance of Trial by Jury by Gilbert & Sullivan and also including some well-known Victorian ballads. Trial by Jury, first performed in 1875, was an immediate success and initially ran for 131 performances at London’s Royalty Theatre. The performance will be accompanied by a small orchestra.

Workshop Leader: Thom Meredith

Thom has led previous Adult Workshops with great success and is well known throughout the North of England as a conductor and baritone soloist. He has recently stepped down as Principal of Musica Kirklees after 20 years in order to focus more on performing and conducting. Thom conducts the renowned Colne Valley Male Voice Choir and in September 2023 begins a new role as Musical Director of the Yorkshire Philharmonic Choir. This performance will mark Thom’s first foray into G & S since he played Sir Despard Murgatroyd in Ruddigore whilst in the sixth form at school!

Accompanist: Christopher Pulleyn

Soloists: Ann Wilkes, Christopher Pulleyn, Richard Buxton, Jon Wilby and Nigel Rothery

Concert Orchestra: a 15 piece orchestra including members of Musica Youth Symphony Orchestra

Concert: 5-45 pm to 7-00 pm

Venue: Huddersfield Town Hall

MINI MUSIC – Toddlers’ Workshop

Workshop Details

19/02/2024

Contact Details

Rhianydd Beaumont

[email protected]


Entry Options

1 Child £5

2 Children £10

3 Children £15

4 Children £20

After last year's much enjoyed event, we are thrilled again to invite you to join us in the Town Hall for our Toddler Workshop, this year led by Early Years specialist Emily Reaves- Bradley. Emily will be leading parents, carers and their toddlers in a singing, playing and movement session, incorporating songs and rhymes. This session will encourage communication through music, which is fundamental for child development.

There will be two morning sessions in the Old Court Room on Monday February 19 2024. Drinks and biscuits will be available to keep us going and there will be a hand out so you can take the songs and rhymes home with you. The registration fee is £5 per child.

Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Reach for the Stars - Special Needs Workshop

Workshop Details

20/02/2024


At the last festival, schools from Kirklees joined together in various dance, drama and musical activities and we hope they will all be back this year.

The morning will start with a workshop led by Dark Horse Theatre Group, followed by the opportunity for students to showcase their skills in prepared performances.
An audience is welcome at no charge.

Dementia Tea Dance - in conjunction with the Kirklees Dementia Hub

Workshop Details

20/02/2024

14:30 to 16:00


A participation event with music from Musica Kirklees in the atmospheric Concert Hall and performances from The Lindley Junior School Choir.

Invited guests from various Dementia Support Groups and their supporters can enjoy the music, sing, and - if they wish -  dance to the music of their youth.

Audience and performers will have the opportunity to meet and chat over tea and cake.

All participants, young and old, will benefit from this exciting event.

KS2 Singing Workshop

Workshop Details

22/02/2024

09:45 to 11:30


We are delighted to announce our Mrs Sunderland KS2 workshop and concert. Our KS2 workshop is entitled “Sign and Sing” and will be led by Rhianydd Beaumont and Paul Whittaker OBE. All the songs will be sung and simultaneously signed, a fabulous learning experience for the children and adults involved.

The KS2 workshop and concert will be on Thursday 22nd February 2024, with the morning workshop running 9.45am to 11.30am and the evening concert running 7pm to 8pm. Tickets from the Town Hall box office will cost £5 for adults, free for children.

There will be a teacher training session on Wednesday 25th October 2023, 4.15pm to 5.30pm, at Lindley Junior School, George Street, Lindley, Huddersfield HD3 3LY, where we will learn the songs and how to sign them with Rhianydd and Paul. 

2024 Concerts

A Victorian Extravaganza

Concert Details

04/02/2024

17:45 to 19:00

Contact Details

Sue Ogden

[email protected]

07742 711878


Ticket Options

Adults £10

Under 18 £0

Led by Thom Meredith
accompanied by Christopher Pulleyn with
members of Kirklees ‘Musica’ Youth Symphony Orchestra
together with specially invited soloists

Festival Dance Showcase

Concert Details

19/02/2024

19:00 to 21:30


Ticket Options

Adults £10

Under 18 £0

This is non-competitive event which takes place in the splendid surroundings of the Huddersfield Town Hall Concert Hall.

Our local area is fortunate to have many varied, and diverse, dance groups and organisations who work hard throughout the year to develop and perfect their art.

The Festival has invited several of these groups to be given the opportunity to prepare and perform their specific style and skills in front of a ‘live’ audience.

It promises to be an exciting and entertaining evening for both audience and performers!

Sign and Sing - KS2 Singing Workshop Concert

Concert Details

22/02/2024

19:00 to 20:00


Ticket Options

Adults £5

Under 18 £0

The KS2 workshop and concert will be on Thursday 22nd February 2024, with the morning workshop running 9.45am to 11.30am and the evening concert running 7pm to 8pm. Tickets from the Town Hall box office will cost £5 for adults, free for children.

Youth Choirs evening

Concert Details

23/02/2024

18:30

Contact Details

Ann Talboys

[email protected]

+447743846331


Ticket Options

Adult £5

Under 18 £0

An evening of choir classes featuring Youth choirs.

Last Night of the Festival Concert

Concert Details

24/02/2024

19:30 to 22:00

Contact Details

Ann Talboys

[email protected]

+447743846331


Ticket Options

Adult £10

Children (18 years and under) £0

A celebration of the best parts of the 2024 festival alongside the adult choir finals class and a performance by the Young Musician of the Year 2024

2024 Showcases

Sorry! There are no 2024 Showcases to view

2024 Young Musician Of The Year

Sunday 18 February saw our Young Musician of the Year competition take place. Fifteen amazing young musicians who are about to embark on a musical career took part. These young musicians are students all over the UK and play at an incredibly high standard. Due to the generous donations of local people, we are able to award £1000, £500 and £300 to those who are judged to be outstanding on the day. This year our third prize winner was Sophie Iliaifar (Mezzo-soprano), second prize went to Toby Johnson Jones (French Horn) and the winner was Megan Humphries (Harp). Megan shared one of her lovely pieces with us at the Last Night of the Festival Concert too. 

The 2024 Festival Report

 Huddersfield Mrs Sunderland Festival 2024 Report

 

  • More than 5000 performances over eleven days of Performing Arts in this, the 135th year of the Festival in Huddersfield Town Hall.
  • Youngest participant was in the Toddler workshop at just one year old; the oldest participant was over 90 in one of the adult choirs. 
  • More than 120 classes in piano, speech and drama, instrumentals, ensembles, young voices, adult voices, junior choirs, youth choirs and adult choirs.
  • The Young Musician of the Year competition.
  • Five workshops; Adult singing, Toddlers, Special Needs Schools, Key Stage 2 and Tea Dance.
  • One Dance showcase with five different Dance genres.
  • Three concerts; Victorian Extravaganza, Sign and Sing and the Last Night of the Festival. 

          

 

Classes

All the class groups saw an increase in entrants this year by about 20%. 

Piano

The most popular piano classes were for school years 4, 5 and 8 who played grade 1, 2/3 and 5 standards respectively. 14 young people entered for each of these classes. The open classes saw amazing performances from mostly young people. In the recital class Shubhan Iyer wowed the audience particularly with the Rachmaninov piece. Shubhan was a performer in the Young Musician of the Year Competition too and shared his talent with us in the Last Night of the Festival Concert. 

 

Speech and Drama

In the junior section the humorous verse speaking classes were very popular.   In the school year 4 and under class, Orla Keady performed ‘Standing on a Chair’ and in the school year 9 and under class Alfie Kendrick performed ‘Sick’. Story telling was a new class this year with performers being given an object for five minutes to build a story around. Both Bella Bradbury and Ted Edmonds were brilliant! Solo acting was also popular where Martha Showell Nicholas received outstanding remarks from the adjudicator for her portrayal of Lady Macbeth. 

In the adult section dramatic solo acting brought tears and laughter to the Reception Room of the Town Hall and as always the Dialect Speaking classes were a delight with Alan Walker bringing the house down with ‘Body and Soul’.

Alan and his wife Carol have won the class trophy so often that they were presented with it for good; we are delighted that they have also donated a new trophy to take its place.

     

 

Instrumentals 

Twenty eight string players, ten woodwind and nine brass players entered for the classes. Nathan Joseph won both his own class and the solo instrumentalist’ challenge playing the trombone and he also appeared in the Last Night of the Festival Concert.

Nine ensembles performed in the evening of the instrumental day and for the first time we had a rock band enter. Hanson Arts groups showed their expertise and enthusiasm and were placed first in each of the classes - well done to them.

      

 

Young Voices

The seven classes entitled ‘The Magic of Walt Disney’ attracted an unprecedented 82 entrants and the Music Theatre classes topped that number with 95 entrants. All three venues in the town hall were used for the full two days over the middle weekend of the festival. All the performers were brilliant; well prepared, confident on stage and clearly enjoying their performances. The Adjudicators were lavish with their praise and delighted by the performances.

On Saturday evening, for the first time, we were truly delighted with an evening of Pop Ballads; both for teenagers and for the older singers. Running the two classes together showed the range of amazing talent we have locally and also showed the progression in quality of performance as the singers mature. Aurelia Grundy and Georgie Lindley won the two classes with The Winner Takes It All and When we were young - brilliant. 

        

 

Adult Voices

The adult classes attracted over 40 entrants with the largest class being the French Melodie and German Leider class. Sophie Iliaifar won a number of classes and the Rose Bowl.  Sophie also took part in the Young Musician of the year Competition and we enjoyed her singing in the Last Night of the Festival too. We are delighted that the new class for Stephen Sondhein music attracted six performers and congratulations to Georgie Lindley (again) for winning this class with Last Midnight. 

 

Junior and Youth Choirs

Friday morning and evening saw the junior and youth choir classes; eight classes in all with 30 different performances from the choirs. Four schools joined us for the morning; Bradshaw, Hill House, Lindley and St Johns with a range of beautifully performed pieces. The Lindley Choirs showed us a wide range of pieces and deservedly took home four trophies: well done Lindley. Bradshaw School picked up the trophy for the Festive class. In the evening choirs from Rastrick, Halifax, Lindley, Huddersfield Grammar School, Hill House School, Selby School  and Huddersfield Choral Youth took part in three classes with Huddersfield Choral Youth taking first place in each class. Congratulations to them!

     

 
 

Adult Choirs 

We were delighted to welcome fifteen adult choirs to the Town Hall on the last day of the festival although we were a little concerned that we would not fit in all the classes in time for the evening concert; however, it worked and the choir singing was amazing. A new class for local choirs attracted seven entrants and was won by Lindley Community Choir; at well over 100 this was the largest single performance of the day. There were nine choir classes with winners of some of the classes joining the choir challenge in the evening concert. The three Peterborough choirs were successful in their classes and their female voice choir won the evening choir challenge too.  Brilliant.

 

 

 

 

Workshops and Concerts

Adult singing workshop

The first Sunday in February was The Victorian Extravaganza; an adult singing workshop covering four Victorian pieces and the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Trial by Jury. Over 70 singers joined the festival for a really fun day of learning the pieces, dressing up in Victorian outfits and performing to an audience in the early evening.                         

The Toddler Workshop

This gave toddlers the opportunity to be actively involved in singing dancing and rhythm activities. They sang, played and danced - it was wonderful to see - they loved all the activities and the whole workshop was a relaxed and fun filled time. 

           

The Special Needs Workshop

This year, students from Castle Hill School and Ravensthorpe School joined the Dark Horse Theatre company for a drama and music workshop. The students, the company and the Deputy Mayor enjoyed exploring affirmations and ‘breaking out of bubbles’. Each school then presented their own performances which were very well received and the morning concluded with dancing to the workshop’s theme tune of Reach for the Stars. 

         

Tea Dance 

A quick change of furniture in the concert hall and the stalls became a curtained, tea tabled dance hall for our special dementia sufferer guests and their carers and partners. Beautiful singing from the junior choir and from Madeleine North was followed by community singing and dancing. Much tea and cake was consumed and it was lovely to see the young people chatting and sharing experiences with the guests. 

               

 

Key Stage two 

Imagine the Town Hall filled with over 600 junior school children all signing and singing. More than 25 schools from all over Kirklees were represented. We welcomed Paul Whittaker OBE and Rhianydd Beaumont to lead the schools in a number of songs. The teachers and children had worked hard since last October to learn the songs and the signs and to see the whole hall signing and singing was tremendous. The big screen on the stage showed Paul so that everyone could see the signing. Later in the day about half the children were able to return to allow parents and friends to share the magic too in the evening concert. 

         

 

Showcase 

Dance showcase 

Monday evening saw the hall transformed again to allow five groups of dancers to come together to share their love of dancing. Local dance groups of Shooting Stars and the Audrey Spence Musical Theatre group were joined by the White Rose Morris Dancers, the Brighouse Scottish Country Dance Group and the Cassidy Irish Dancers. It was wonderful to see the young dancers encouraging and marvelling at the jigs and reels of the more mature Scottish Dance group. The intricacy of the White Rose Sets was wonderful to watch and the Irish dancers delighted the audience with their energetic happy performances. 

              

 

Young Musician of the Year 

Sunday 18 February saw our Young Musician of the Year competition take place. Fifteen amazing young musicians who are about to embark on a musical career took part. These young musicians are students all over the UK and play at an incredibly high standard. Due to the generous donations of local people, we are able to award £1000, £500 and £300 to those who are judged to be outstanding on the day. This year our third prize winner was Sophie Iliaifar (Mezzo-soprano), second prize went to Toby Johnson Jones (French Horn) and the winner was Megan Humphries (Harp). Megan shared one of her lovely pieces with us at the Last Night of the Festival Concert too. 

     

 

Support

We are very grateful to the generous financial support we receive from many groups and organisations in the area and also from many contributors who wish to remain anonymous. Without this financial support the festival would not be possible.

Thank you also to our two lovely youth ambassadors who have helped and supported the performers and promoted the festival so well. 

Thank you too to our adjudicators who provide constructive, positive and professional feedback to our performers and to our accompanists who play to such a high standard within the classes and concerts.

We are very lucky to work with the Huddersfield Photo Imaging Club who provide an amazing record of the festival - see the Gallery for more photos. 

The festival, which is a registered Charity, is run entirely by unpaid volunteers without whom we simply would not have a festival. Enormous thanks go to the committee members who work tirelessly throughout the year to prepare for the eleven days in February; they are truly a great team. Further thanks go to the small army of yellow clad volunteers who give freely of their time, humour, administrative competence and patience as they contribute to the smooth running of the festival and the welcoming and supportive atmosphere which is reported to us by our performers and audiences. 

The 2024 Results

2024 Huddersfield Mrs Sunderland Festival Class Results

ClassFIRSTSECONDTHIRD
Class 1 Piano solo - school year 3 and underLuke SunCallum SunCharlie James      George An
Class 2 Piano solo - school year 4 and underGeorge AnCallum LinEthan Plumptre   Stanley O'sullivan
Class 3 Piano solo - school year 5 and underYuhan FengWalton GanNovem Li
Class 4 Piano solo - school year 6 and underBrendan TrygstadWalton GanEthan Plumptre      Noah Fawcett
Class 5 Piano solo - school year 8 and underAlice HobsonSavannah AshtonLeo Asare Addo    Yuhan Feng
Class 6 Piano solo -school year 10 and underOliver PlumptreCharles SunYuhan Feng
Class 7 Piano solo -school year 12 and underYuxuan FengJing le YangOliver Plumptre
Class 8 Piano solo Sonatina - school year 9 and underYuxuan FengWalton GanYuhan Feng
Class 9 Piano Recital - school year 11 and underBenedict BarringtonOliver PlumptreDexter Cheetham
Class 10 Piano solo - open   
Class 11 Piano solo Music Theatre and Film - openOrla SaundersTriele TatAlfie Crossley
Class 13 Piano solo Chopin - openLe Gia Toai NguyenRose TrygstadHenry Yiu Wheat
Class 15 Piano Recital - openShubhan Iyer  
Class 16 Piano Duet - school year 6 and underNoah Fawcett     Brendan TrygstadAda McCarthy        Sophie Moorhouse 
Class 17 Piano Duet - school year 9 and underYhan Feng       Yuxuan FengLeo Asare Addo      Dexter CheethamEstee Mulumba       Idha Mulumba 
Class 18 Family Piano Duet - any agesYuhan Feng         Yuxuan FengRose Trygstad      Brendan Trygstad 
David Cawthra Memorial TrophyDexter Cheetham  
Eileen Bass TrophyOliver Plumptre  
Class 19 String solo - school year 6 and unde20:26rStanley O'SullivanSophie WatkinsEdward Watkins Brendan Trystad
Class 20 String Solo school year 9 and under Mirth Tat Rose Trystad    Edward HazeltonClementine Melling    Leofant Tat      Brendon Trygstad
Class 21 String solo - school year 11 and underEdward HazeltonEleanor HansonRose Trygstad
Class 22 String solo - openIsaac CardowEleanor TurnerLucy Hanson
Class 24 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 6 and underSavannah AshtonRyan Chi 
Class 25 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 9 and underAyla TaylorAmaya Mei HoSavannah Ashton   Alannah Ashton
Class 26 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 11 and underAmaya MelttoAlannah Ashton 
Class 29 Brass solo school year 11 and underYu Xin WangKye Chen 
Class 30 - Brass solo openNathan Joseph  
Class 31 - Solo Instrumentalists' ChallengeNathan JosephIsaac Cardow 
Class 32 Two Instruments or Instrument and VoiceTriele TatKate Luo 
Class 33 Small Instrumental Ensemble - school year 11 and underHanson Arts String QuartetHanson Arts Junior StringsHanson Arts String Quartet
Class 35 Large Instrumental Ensemble - all agesHanson Arts Juniors Hanson Arts Strings 
Class 36 Ukulele Group - all agesHanson Arts Ukeleles  
Class 37 solo - school year 5 and underEmilia McLeanPixie PettigrewEva Merrett
Class 38 solo - school year 6 and 7Freya LowHermione HollinsonAngela Jiang      Florence Lee
Class 39 solo - school year 8 and 9Eleanor HansonLexi PygottMia Hopkins
Andrea Hampshire TrophyNoa Senior  
Class 40 Junior Singers' ChallengeFreya Low  
Class 41 solo - school year 10 and 11Damien StirlingEvie Rose OwenIsla Jones
Class 42 solo - school year 12 and 13Poppy BazlintonMadeleine NorthToby Kershaw
Class 43 Young Singers’ English Song - school year 13 and underEvie Rose OwenIsla JonesEleanor Hanson
Class 44 Young Singers' RosebowlDamien Stirling  
Louise Hinchliffe TrophyIsla Jones  
Class 45 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 4 and underNoa SeniorPixie PettigrewPoppy Greenwood   Imoge Owen
Class 46 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 5Finley ChristianEva MerrettHannah Holt
Class 47 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 6Finnlay PooleIsobel GleichJessica Copley
Class 48 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 7Sienna Hinson Jensen Pearson    Aora Bradley     Angela JiangFlorence Lee          Lenny Paskin        Sophia Taylor         Alice Holt 
Class 49 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 8Clementine MellingAmber OldhamPhoebe Hollinson
Class 50 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 9Lexi PygottLibby StirlingIsabelle Cowie
Class 51 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 10 and 11Evie Rose OwenDamien StirlingAurelia Grundy
Class 52 The Magic of Walt Disney - school years 12 and 13Poppy BazlintonEllen MalsonMadeleine North
Class 54 Music Theatre - school year 5 and underFinley ChristianPixie PettigrewPoppy Greenwood 
Class 55 Music Theatre - school year 6 and 7Eden StockillGeorgia Potts Finnlay Poole         Florence Lee
Class 56 Music Theatre - school year 8Clementine MellingMia HopkinsAmber Oldham      Mollie Moorhouse
Class 57 Music Theatre - school year 9Theah AtkinLexi PygottEleonor Hansen
Class 58 Music Theatre - school year 10Evie Rose OwenSarah CarrIsabelle Payne
Class 59 Music Theatre school year 11Damien StirlingImani CollierEva Henman
Class 60 Music Theatre - school year 12 and 13Ellie KlemmEllen MalsonPoppy Bazlinton     Madeleine North 
Class 61 Unaccompanied Folk Song- school year 11 and underIsla JonesNellie Bee             Bella BradburyLilian Carmo
Class 62 - Pop Ballad - age between 14 and 17 inclusiveAurelia GrundyEvie Rose OwenLeah Spence
Class 63 Young Singers' Vocal Recital - school years 10 to 13Evie Rose OwenMadeleine NorthEmily Richmond      Poppy Bazlinton
Class 64 Stephen SondheimGeorgie LindleyKaren WilsonRichard Buxton
Class 65 Soprano soloElodie SmithPoppy BazlintonLydia Lythgoe
Class 66 Mezzo-soprano or Alto soloSophie IliaifarGeorgie Lindley 
Class 67 Tenor soloColin Shires  
Class 69 Oratorio or Sacred Work solo - age 17 and overClaire HelmColin Shires 
Class 70 Operatic solo - age 17 years and overSophie IliaifarLydia LythgoeElodie Smith
Class 71 British Composer solo - age 17 years and overColin ShiresSophie IliaifarClaire Helm
Class 72 French Melodie or German Lieder - age 17 years and overSophie IliaifarLydia LythgoeRichard Buxton
The Rose Bowl Classes 65 to 73Sophie IliaifarLydia LythgoeElodie Smith
Class 74 The Magic of Walt Disney - age 17 years and overGeorgie LindleyIsobelle Goodall MunroeEmma Kershaw
Class 75 Pop Ballad - age 17 years and overGeorgie LindleyIsobelle Goodall MunroeEmma Kershaw
Class 77 Music Theatre - age 17 years and overIsobelle Goodall MunroeGeorgia WalshRichard Buxton
Class 78 Light Opera - age 17 years and overClaire HelmEmma KershawGeorgie Lindley       Karen Wilson
Class 79 Vocal Recital - age 17 years and overLydia LythgoeSophie Iliaifar 
Class 81 KS2 workshop performanceLindley Junior School   
Class 82 Junior Choir Hymns and Sacred Songs school year 6 and underLindley Junior School   
Class 83 Junior Choir - Previous non-winners - school year 6 and underLindley SingsHill House Junior ChoirBradshaw Year 6 Choir
Class 84 Junior Choir- Christmas/Festive school year 6 and underBradshaw SchoolLindley Junior School 
Class 85 Junior Choir -Open to all - school year 6 and underLindley Junior School Bradshaw School Lindley Junior School Boys
Class 86 Young People’s Choir - school year 9 and underHuddersfield Choral Youth Choir Lindley Junior School ChoirRastrick High School Junior Choir
Class 87 Young People’s Choir - school year 11 and underHuddersfield Choral Youth Choir Rastrick High School Senior ChoirArgyle Voices
Class 88 Young People Choir 21 years and underHuddersfield Choral Youth Choir Huddersfield Choral VocaliseHillhouse Senior Ensemble
Class 89 Local Choirs. Open to any adult/mixed choir which is based in Kirklees.Lindley Community ChoirDenby Dale LadiesSkelmanthorpe MVC   New Mill MVC
Class 90 Adult/Mixed Age Choir - Christmas/FestiveSongbirdsMarsh LadiesSkelmanthorpe MVC
Class 91 Adult/Mixed Age ChoirMarsh LadiesBolsterstone MVCPitch and Mix
Class 92 Adult/Mixed Age Small Choir - up to 20 voicesSonoritySongbirds 
Class 93 Adult/Mixed Aged Female Voice Choir 21 voices and overPeterborough VoicesDenby Dale Ladies Decibellas 
Class 94 Adult/Mixed Aged Male Voice Choir - 21 voices and overPeterborough MVCColne Valley Male Voice ChoirSkelmanthorpe MVE Bolsterstone MVC
Class 95 Adult/Mixed Aged Mixed Voice Choir - 21 voices and overPeterborough Sings!Lindley Community Choir 
Class 96 Choir Programme - open to choirs in classes 89 to 95Peterborough VoicesColne Valley Male Voice ChoirSonority
Huddersfield Centenary TrophyPeterborough Male Voice Choir  
Class 97 Choir ChallengePeterborough Sings!  
Class 98 verse speaking - school year 4 and underAin FatimaAlbie MinersMarnie Foster           Dua Fatima
Class 100 Verse Speaking - school year 9 and underBridget ThomasOlivia Haines Bradley Henderson
Class 101 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 4 and underOrla KeadyDarcie Moss       Marnie Foster 
Class 102 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 6 and underHarper MonkhouseCharlotte Hellmich 
Class 103 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 9 and underAlfie KenefickBridget Thomas   Mollie MoorhouseTed Edmonds
Class 104 Prepared reading - school year 4 and underAin Fatima  
Class 106 Prepared reading - school year 9 and underBridget ThomasOlivia Turner Callum Markham
Class 109 Story telling school years 7 to 10Bella Bradbury       Ted Edmunds  
Class 110 solo Acting school year 6 and underKate LuoMatilda SmithMarnie Foster
Class 111 solo Acting school year 9 and underBridget ThomasMollie MoorhouseHarrison Turner-Hazel
Class 112 solo Acting school year 11 and underMartha Showell-NicholasSarah CarrMolly Gray
Class 113 solo Acting - Shakespeare school year 11 and underMartha Showell-NicholasSarah CarrBella Bradbury
Class 115 solo Mime - school years 7 to 9Kitty Edmonds  
Class 117 Bible reading open (excluding performers in Class 100)Julia TumRichard Barter 
Class 118 Prepared reading - openRichard BarterSarah CarrDavid Cullis
Class 119 Prepared poetry reading - openDavid CullisRichard BarterSarah Carr
Class 120 Sight reading - openDavid Cullis  
Class 122 solo acting - openDavid CullisRichard BarterKaris Jacob           Abigail Lewis
Class 123 Dramatic solo - Shakespeare openKaris JacobRichard BarterDavid Cullis           Abigail Lewis
Class 124 Dialect speaking openAlan WalkerCarol Walker      Glynis Hallsworth     Christine GoodwinCharmaine Straker Purvis
Class 125 Poetry Writing openRichard Barter  
Class 127 Dialect Poetry WritingChristine GoodwinDavid Bailey 
Young Musician of the Year 2024Megan HumphriesToby Johnson JonesSophie Iliaifar

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