Famous north-east musical maestros are warming up to judge a special choral competition to uncover the region’s sweetest sounds.
Singer Fiona Kennedy Clark OBE, internationally-renowned composer Paul Mealor and Dr Roger Williams MBE, former master of chapel and ceremonial music at the University of Aberdeen, will be the star judges of the inaugural charity competition to find local choirs that can hit the right notes.
Each group that signs up will be mentored by a team of experienced professionals on their musical journey, before they take part in a mass concert and competition in front of 900 spectators at the Beach Ballroom next May.
Come the final show, they will be judged by the trio of famous faces to find the region’s most angelic voices.
All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to local social care charity, VSA.
Yesterday, organisers urged friends, families and even work colleagues of all singing abilities to form groups of between 12 and 15 to take part.
They can learn two songs which can include anything from Mozart to Madonna, and can be sang with or without musical accompaniment.
Ms Kennedy said she hoped people who perhaps had not sung in many years could rediscover their love of choral music.
She said: “The mentors will take the choirs through the whole process up to the final performance with sessions maybe about once a week.
“This is all about the joy of singing and getting together.
“I think particularly for people who sing quietly by themselves and have never taken that step forwards to be part of a choir – this might be the push they need.”
Former director of music at Albyn school, Laura Pike, will be one of the mentors.
She said: “I think Aberdeen in general needs a bit of teamwork in general with the downturn in the oil industry.
“We hope this competition can maybe help lift morale in some parts of the city.”
Mr Mealor said: “I think this is a great, unique idea and I hope it gets more people singing.”
Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact VSA on 01224 358135.