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.
| Class | FIRST | SECOND | THIRD |
| Class 1 Piano solo - school year 3 and under | Luke Sun | Callum Sun | Charlie James George An |
| Class 2 Piano solo - school year 4 and under | George An | Callum Lin | Ethan Plumptre Stanley O'sullivan |
| Class 3 Piano solo - school year 5 and under | Yuhan Feng | Walton Gan | Novem Li |
| Class 4 Piano solo - school year 6 and under | Brendan Trygstad | Walton Gan | Ethan Plumptre Noah Fawcett |
| Class 5 Piano solo - school year 8 and under | Alice Hobson | Savannah Ashton | Leo Asare Addo Yuhan Feng |
| Class 6 Piano solo -school year 10 and under | Oliver Plumptre | Charles Sun | Yuhan Feng |
| Class 7 Piano solo -school year 12 and under | Yuxuan Feng | Jing le Yang | Oliver Plumptre |
| Class 8 Piano solo Sonatina - school year 9 and under | Yuxuan Feng | Walton Gan | Yuhan Feng |
| Class 9 Piano Recital - school year 11 and under | Benedict Barrington | Oliver Plumptre | Dexter Cheetham |
| Class 10 Piano solo - open | |||
| Class 11 Piano solo Music Theatre and Film - open | Orla Saunders | Triele Tat | Alfie Crossley |
| Class 13 Piano solo Chopin - open | Le Gia Toai Nguyen | Rose Trygstad | Henry Yiu Wheat |
| Class 15 Piano Recital - open | Shubhan Iyer | ||
| Class 16 Piano Duet - school year 6 and under | Noah Fawcett Brendan Trygstad | Ada McCarthy Sophie Moorhouse | |
| Class 17 Piano Duet - school year 9 and under | Yhan Feng Yuxuan Feng | Leo Asare Addo Dexter Cheetham | Estee Mulumba Idha Mulumba |
| Class 18 Family Piano Duet - any ages | Yuhan Feng Yuxuan Feng | Rose Trygstad Brendan Trygstad | |
| David Cawthra Memorial Trophy | Dexter Cheetham | ||
| Eileen Bass Trophy | Oliver Plumptre | ||
| Class 19 String solo - school year 6 and unde20:26r | Stanley O'Sullivan | Sophie Watkins | Edward Watkins Brendan Trystad |
| Class 20 String Solo school year 9 and under | Mirth Tat | Rose Trystad Edward Hazelton | Clementine Melling Leofant Tat Brendon Trygstad |
| Class 21 String solo - school year 11 and under | Edward Hazelton | Eleanor Hanson | Rose Trygstad |
| Class 22 String solo - open | Isaac Cardow | Eleanor Turner | Lucy Hanson |
| Class 24 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 6 and under | Savannah Ashton | Ryan Chi | |
| Class 25 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 9 and under | Ayla Taylor | Amaya Mei Ho | Savannah Ashton Alannah Ashton |
| Class 26 Woodwind/Recorder solo school year 11 and under | Amaya Meltto | Alannah Ashton | |
| Class 29 Brass solo school year 11 and under | Yu Xin Wang | Kye Chen | |
| Class 30 - Brass solo open | Nathan Joseph | ||
| Class 31 - Solo Instrumentalists' Challenge | Nathan Joseph | Isaac Cardow | |
| Class 32 Two Instruments or Instrument and Voice | Triele Tat | Kate Luo | |
| Class 33 Small Instrumental Ensemble - school year 11 and under | Hanson Arts String Quartet | Hanson Arts Junior Strings | Hanson Arts String Quartet |
| Class 35 Large Instrumental Ensemble - all ages | Hanson Arts Juniors | Hanson Arts Strings | |
| Class 36 Ukulele Group - all ages | Hanson Arts Ukeleles | ||
| Class 37 solo - school year 5 and under | Emilia McLean | Pixie Pettigrew | Eva Merrett |
| Class 38 solo - school year 6 and 7 | Freya Low | Hermione Hollinson | Angela Jiang Florence Lee |
| Class 39 solo - school year 8 and 9 | Eleanor Hanson | Lexi Pygott | Mia Hopkins |
| Andrea Hampshire Trophy | Noa Senior | ||
| Class 40 Junior Singers' Challenge | Freya Low | ||
| Class 41 solo - school year 10 and 11 | Damien Stirling | Evie Rose Owen | Isla Jones |
| Class 42 solo - school year 12 and 13 | Poppy Bazlinton | Madeleine North | Toby Kershaw |
| Class 43 Young Singers’ English Song - school year 13 and under | Evie Rose Owen | Isla Jones | Eleanor Hanson |
| Class 44 Young Singers' Rosebowl | Damien Stirling | ||
| Louise Hinchliffe Trophy | Isla Jones | ||
| Class 45 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 4 and under | Noa Senior | Pixie Pettigrew | Poppy Greenwood Imoge Owen |
| Class 46 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 5 | Finley Christian | Eva Merrett | Hannah Holt |
| Class 47 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 6 | Finnlay Poole | Isobel Gleich | Jessica Copley |
| Class 48 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 7 | Sienna Hinson | Jensen Pearson Aora Bradley Angela Jiang | Florence Lee Lenny Paskin Sophia Taylor Alice Holt |
| Class 49 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 8 | Clementine Melling | Amber Oldham | Phoebe Hollinson |
| Class 50 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 9 | Lexi Pygott | Libby Stirling | Isabelle Cowie |
| Class 51 The Magic of Walt Disney - school year 10 and 11 | Evie Rose Owen | Damien Stirling | Aurelia Grundy |
| Class 52 The Magic of Walt Disney - school years 12 and 13 | Poppy Bazlinton | Ellen Malson | Madeleine North |
| Class 54 Music Theatre - school year 5 and under | Finley Christian | Pixie Pettigrew | Poppy Greenwood |
| Class 55 Music Theatre - school year 6 and 7 | Eden Stockill | Georgia Potts | Finnlay Poole Florence Lee |
| Class 56 Music Theatre - school year 8 | Clementine Melling | Mia Hopkins | Amber Oldham Mollie Moorhouse |
| Class 57 Music Theatre - school year 9 | Theah Atkin | Lexi Pygott | Eleonor Hansen |
| Class 58 Music Theatre - school year 10 | Evie Rose Owen | Sarah Carr | Isabelle Payne |
| Class 59 Music Theatre school year 11 | Damien Stirling | Imani Collier | Eva Henman |
| Class 60 Music Theatre - school year 12 and 13 | Ellie Klemm | Ellen Malson | Poppy Bazlinton Madeleine North |
| Class 61 Unaccompanied Folk Song- school year 11 and under | Isla Jones | Nellie Bee Bella Bradbury | Lilian Carmo |
| Class 62 - Pop Ballad - age between 14 and 17 inclusive | Aurelia Grundy | Evie Rose Owen | Leah Spence |
| Class 63 Young Singers' Vocal Recital - school years 10 to 13 | Evie Rose Owen | Madeleine North | Emily Richmond Poppy Bazlinton |
| Class 64 Stephen Sondheim | Georgie Lindley | Karen Wilson | Richard Buxton |
| Class 65 Soprano solo | Elodie Smith | Poppy Bazlinton | Lydia Lythgoe |
| Class 66 Mezzo-soprano or Alto solo | Sophie Iliaifar | Georgie Lindley | |
| Class 67 Tenor solo | Colin Shires | ||
| Class 69 Oratorio or Sacred Work solo - age 17 and over | Claire Helm | Colin Shires | |
| Class 70 Operatic solo - age 17 years and over | Sophie Iliaifar | Lydia Lythgoe | Elodie Smith |
| Class 71 British Composer solo - age 17 years and over | Colin Shires | Sophie Iliaifar | Claire Helm |
| Class 72 French Melodie or German Lieder - age 17 years and over | Sophie Iliaifar | Lydia Lythgoe | Richard Buxton |
| The Rose Bowl Classes 65 to 73 | Sophie Iliaifar | Lydia Lythgoe | Elodie Smith |
| Class 74 The Magic of Walt Disney - age 17 years and over | Georgie Lindley | Isobelle Goodall Munroe | Emma Kershaw |
| Class 75 Pop Ballad - age 17 years and over | Georgie Lindley | Isobelle Goodall Munroe | Emma Kershaw |
| Class 77 Music Theatre - age 17 years and over | Isobelle Goodall Munroe | Georgia Walsh | Richard Buxton |
| Class 78 Light Opera - age 17 years and over | Claire Helm | Emma Kershaw | Georgie Lindley Karen Wilson |
| Class 79 Vocal Recital - age 17 years and over | Lydia Lythgoe | Sophie Iliaifar | |
| Class 81 KS2 workshop performance | Lindley Junior School | ||
| Class 82 Junior Choir Hymns and Sacred Songs school year 6 and under | Lindley Junior School | ||
| Class 83 Junior Choir - Previous non-winners - school year 6 and under | Lindley Sings | Hill House Junior Choir | Bradshaw Year 6 Choir |
| Class 84 Junior Choir- Christmas/Festive school year 6 and under | Bradshaw School | Lindley Junior School | |
| Class 85 Junior Choir -Open to all - school year 6 and under | Lindley Junior School | Bradshaw School | Lindley Junior School Boys |
| Class 86 Young People’s Choir - school year 9 and under | Huddersfield Choral Youth Choir | Lindley Junior School Choir | Rastrick High School Junior Choir |
| Class 87 Young People’s Choir - school year 11 and under | Huddersfield Choral Youth Choir | Rastrick High School Senior Choir | Argyle Voices |
| Class 88 Young People Choir 21 years and under | Huddersfield Choral Youth Choir | Huddersfield Choral Vocalise | Hillhouse Senior Ensemble |
| Class 89 Local Choirs. Open to any adult/mixed choir which is based in Kirklees. | Lindley Community Choir | Denby Dale Ladies | Skelmanthorpe MVC New Mill MVC |
| Class 90 Adult/Mixed Age Choir - Christmas/Festive | Songbirds | Marsh Ladies | Skelmanthorpe MVC |
| Class 91 Adult/Mixed Age Choir | Marsh Ladies | Bolsterstone MVC | Pitch and Mix |
| Class 92 Adult/Mixed Age Small Choir - up to 20 voices | Sonority | Songbirds | |
| Class 93 Adult/Mixed Aged Female Voice Choir 21 voices and over | Peterborough Voices | Denby Dale Ladies Decibellas | |
| Class 94 Adult/Mixed Aged Male Voice Choir - 21 voices and over | Peterborough MVC | Colne Valley Male Voice Choir | Skelmanthorpe MVE Bolsterstone MVC |
| Class 95 Adult/Mixed Aged Mixed Voice Choir - 21 voices and over | Peterborough Sings! | Lindley Community Choir | |
| Class 96 Choir Programme - open to choirs in classes 89 to 95 | Peterborough Voices | Colne Valley Male Voice Choir | Sonority |
| Huddersfield Centenary Trophy | Peterborough Male Voice Choir | ||
| Class 97 Choir Challenge | Peterborough Sings! | ||
| Class 98 verse speaking - school year 4 and under | Ain Fatima | Albie Miners | Marnie Foster Dua Fatima |
| Class 100 Verse Speaking - school year 9 and under | Bridget Thomas | Olivia Haines | Bradley Henderson |
| Class 101 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 4 and under | Orla Keady | Darcie Moss Marnie Foster | |
| Class 102 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 6 and under | Harper Monkhouse | Charlotte Hellmich | |
| Class 103 Humorous Verse Speaking - school year 9 and under | Alfie Kenefick | Bridget Thomas Mollie Moorhouse | Ted Edmonds |
| Class 104 Prepared reading - school year 4 and under | Ain Fatima | ||
| Class 106 Prepared reading - school year 9 and under | Bridget Thomas | Olivia Turner | Callum Markham |
| Class 109 Story telling school years 7 to 10 | Bella Bradbury Ted Edmunds | ||
| Class 110 solo Acting school year 6 and under | Kate Luo | Matilda Smith | Marnie Foster |
| Class 111 solo Acting school year 9 and under | Bridget Thomas | Mollie Moorhouse | Harrison Turner-Hazel |
| Class 112 solo Acting school year 11 and under | Martha Showell-Nicholas | Sarah Carr | Molly Gray |
| Class 113 solo Acting - Shakespeare school year 11 and under | Martha Showell-Nicholas | Sarah Carr | Bella Bradbury |
| Class 115 solo Mime - school years 7 to 9 | Kitty Edmonds | ||
| Class 117 Bible reading open (excluding performers in Class 100) | Julia Tum | Richard Barter | |
| Class 118 Prepared reading - open | Richard Barter | Sarah Carr | David Cullis |
| Class 119 Prepared poetry reading - open | David Cullis | Richard Barter | Sarah Carr |
| Class 120 Sight reading - open | David Cullis | ||
| Class 122 solo acting - open | David Cullis | Richard Barter | Karis Jacob Abigail Lewis |
| Class 123 Dramatic solo - Shakespeare open | Karis Jacob | Richard Barter | David Cullis Abigail Lewis |
| Class 124 Dialect speaking open | Alan Walker | Carol Walker Glynis Hallsworth Christine Goodwin | Charmaine Straker Purvis |
| Class 125 Poetry Writing open | Richard Barter | ||
| Class 127 Dialect Poetry Writing | Christine Goodwin | David Bailey | |
| Young Musician of the Year 2024 | Megan Humphries | Toby Johnson Jones | Sophie Iliaifar |
The 2024 Festival Timetable of Classes, Workshops and Showcases
| Sunday 4 February | |
| Concert Hall | Choral Workshop |
| Wednesday 14 February | |
| Concert Hall | Timothy Barratt |
| 9.30 am | Class 5 Piano Solo - year 8 and under |
| 11.00 am | Class 6 Piano Solo - year 10 and under |
| 11.50 am | Class 7 Piano Solo - year 12 and under |
| Reception Room | Rebecca Vines |
| 9.30 am | Class 98 Verse Speaking - year 4 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 100 Verse Speaking - year 9 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 101 Humorous Verse Speaking - year 4 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 102 Humorous Verse Speaking - year 6 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 103 Humorous Verse Speaking - year 9 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 104 Prepared Reading - year 4 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 106 Prepared Reading - year 6 and under |
| 9.30 am | Class 109 Story Telling - years 7 to 10 |
| Concert Hall | Rebecca Vines |
| 2.00 pm | Class 110 Solo Acting - year 6 and under |
| 2.00 pm | Class 111 Solo Acting - year 9 and under |
| 2.00 pm | Class 112 Solo Acting - year 11 and under |
| 2.00 pm | Class 113 Solo Acting Shakespeare - year 11 and under |
| 2.00 pm | Class 114 Solo Mime - year 6 and under |
| 2.00 pm | Class 115 Solo Mime - years 7 to 9 |
| Reception Room | Timothy Barratt |
| 2.00 pm | Class 1 Piano Solo - year 3 and under |
| 2.10 pm | Class 2 Piano Solo - year 4 and under |
| 3.10 pm | Class 3 Piano Solo - year 5 and under |
| 4.00 pm | Class 4 Piano Solo - year 6 and under |
| Concert Hall | Timothy Barratt |
| 6.30 pm | Class 8 Piano Solo Sonatina - year 9 and under |
| 7.40 pm | Class 11 Piano Solo - Music Theatre and Film - Open |
| 8.10 pm | Class 13 Piano Solo Chopin - Open |
| 8.40 pm | Class 15 Piano Recital - Open |
| Thursday 15 February | |
| Concert Hall | Timothy Barratt |
| 9.30 am | Class 16 Piano Duet - year 6 and under |
| 9.40 am | Class 17 Piano Duet - year 9 and under |
| 10.00 am | Class 18 Family Piano Duet - any age |
| 10.15 am | Class 9 Piano Recital - year 11 and under |
| Reception Room | Rebecca Vines |
| 9.30 am | Class 117 Bible Reading - Open |
| 9.50 am | Class 118 Prepared Reading - Open |
| 10.20 am | Class 119 Prepared Poetry Reading - Open |
| 10.40 am | Class 120 Sight Reading - Open |
| 10.50 am | Class 122 Solo Acting - Open |
| 11.20 am | Class 123 Dramatic Solo Shakespeare - Open |
| 11.40 am | Class 124 Dialect Speaking - Open |
| 11.40 am | Class 125 Poetry Writing - Open |
| 11.40 am | Class 126 Dialect Prose Writing - Open |
| 11.40 am | Class 127 Dialect Poetry Writing - Open |
| Friday 16 February | |
| Concert Hall | Rosie Whitfield with Jane Robertson |
| 9.30 am | Class 19 String Solo - year 6 and under |
| 10.15 am | Class 20 String Solo - year 9 and under |
| 10.55 am | Class 21 String Solo - year 11 and under |
| 11.35 am | Class 22 String Solo - Open |
| 2.00 pm | Class 24 Woodwind Solo - year 6 and under |
| 2.10 pm | Class 25 Woodwind Solo - year 9 and under |
| 2.40 pm | Class 26 Woodwind Solo - year 11 and under |
| 3.00 pm | Class 28 Brass Solo - year 6 and under |
| 3.20 pm | Class 29 Brass Solo - year 11 and under |
| 3.40 pm | Class 30 Brass Solo - Open |
| 4.00 pm | Class 32 Two Instruments |
| 4.10 pm | Class 31 Solo Instrumentalists' Challenge |
| 6.30 pm | Class 33 Small Instrumental Ensemble - year 11 and under |
| 7.30 pm | Class 35 Large Instrumental Ensemble - all ages |
| 8.00 pm | Class 36 Ukulele group - all ages |
| Saturday 17 February | |
| Concert Hall | Steven Roberts with Jane Robertson |
| 9.30 am | Class 45 Walt Disney - year 4 and under |
| 10.20 am | Class 54 Music Theatre - year 5 and under |
| 11.35 am | Class 46 Walt Disney - year 5 |
| Reception Room | Gaynor Keeble with Jonathan Fisher |
| 9.30 am | Class 65 Soprano Solo - Open |
| 9.50 am | Class 66 Mezzo-Soprano or Alto Solo - Open |
| 10.10 am | Class 67 Tenor Solo - Open |
| 10.20 am | Class 69 Oratorio or Sacred Work Solo - age 17 and over |
| 10.45 am | Class 70 Operatic Solo - age 17 and over |
| 11.45 am | Class 71 British Composer Solo - age 17 and over |
| Old Court Room | Rosie Whitfield with Chris Pulleyn |
| 9.30 am | Class 48 Walt Disney - year 7 |
| 11.00 am | Class 56 Music Theatre - year 8 |
| 12.10 pm | Class 49 Walt Disney - year 8 |
| Concert Hall | Steven Roberts with Jane Robertson |
| 2.00 pm | Class 47 Walt Disney - year 6 |
| 2.55 pm | Class 55 Music Theatre - years 6 and 7 |
| Reception Room | Gaynor Keeble with Jonathan Fisher |
| 2.00 pm | Class 72 French MΓ©lodie or German Lieder - age 17 and over |
| 3.15 pm | Class 73 The Rose Bowl |
| 4.10 pm | Class 60 Music Theatre - years 12 and 13 |
| Old Court Room | Rosie Whitfield with Chris Pulleyn |
| 2.30 pm | Class 57 Music Theatre - year 9 |
| 3.45 pm | Class 50 Walt Disney - year 9 |
| Concert Hall | Steven Roberts with Jane Robertson |
| 6.30 pm | Class 74 Walt Disney - age 17 and over |
| 7.15 pm | Class 77 Music Theatre - age 17 and over |
| Reception Room | Rosie Whitfield with Jonathan Fisher |
| 6.30 pm | Class 62 Pop Ballad - age 14 to 17 |
| 8.40 pm | Class 75 Pop Ballad - age 17 and over |
| Old Court Room | Gaynor Keeble with Chris Pulleyn |
| 6.30 pm | Class 63 Young Singers’ Vocal Recital - years 10 to 13 |
| 7.25 pm | Class 79 Vocal Recital - age 17 and over |
| 7.45 pm | Class 64 Stephen Sondheim |
| 8.30 pm | Class 78 Light Opera - age 17 and over |
| Sunday 18 February | |
| Concert Hall | Murray McLachlan with Jonathan Fisher |
| 10.00 am | Young Musician of the Year |
| Reception Room | Rosie Whitfield with Jane Robertson |
| 10.00 am | Class 51 Walt Disney - years 10 and 11 |
| 12.20 am | Class 52 Walt Disney - years 12 and 13 |
| Old Court Room | Steven Roberts with Chris Pulleyn |
| 10.00 am | Class 37 Solo - year 5 and under |
| 10.40 am | Class 38 Solo - years 6 and 7 |
| 11.40 am | Class 39 Solo - years 8 and 9 |
| 12.35 pm | Class 40 Junior Singers' Challenge |
| Concert Hall | Murray McLachlan with Jonathan Fisher |
| 2.30 pm | Young Musician of the Year |
| Reception Room | Rosie Whitfield with Jane Robertson |
| 2.30 pm | Class 58 Music Theatre - year 10 |
| 4.00 pm | Class 59 Music Theatre - year 11 |
| 5.00 pm | Class 61 Unaccompanied Folk Song - year 11 and under |
| Old Court Room | Steven Roberts with Chris Pulleyn |
| 2.30 pm | Class 41 Solo - years 10 and 11 |
| 3.30 pm | Class 42 Solo - years 12 and 13 |
| 3.50 pm | Class 43 Young Singers’ English Song - year 13 and under |
| 4.30 pm | Class 44 Young Singers’ Rose Bowl |
| Monday 19 February | |
| Old Court Room | |
| Morning | Toddler Workshop |
Concert Hall Evening | Festival Dance Showcase |
| Tuesday 20 February | |
| Concert Hall | |
| Morning | Reach for the Stars Workshop |
| Afternoon | Tea-Dance |
Thursday 22 February Concert Hall | |
| Morning | Key Stage 2 Workshop |
| Evening | Key Stage 2 Concert |
| Friday 23 February | |
| Concert Hall | Andrew Padmore |
| 9.30 am | Class 81 Key Stage 2 workshop performance |
| 9.40 am | Class 82 Junior Choir - year 6 and under - hymns or sacred song |
| 9.55 am | Class 83 Junior Choir - year 6 and under - previous non winner |
| 11.30 am | Class 84 Junior Choir - year 6 and under - Christmas/Festive |
| 12 noon | Class 85 Junior Choir - year 6 and under |
| 6.30 pm | Class 86 Young People's Choir - year 9 and under |
| 7.15 pm | Class 87 Young People's Choir - year 11 and under |
| 8.25 pm | Class 88 Young People's Choir - age 21 and under |
| Saturday 24 February | |
| Concert Hall | Andrew Padmore |
| 9.00 am | Class 89 Local (Kirklees) Choirs |
| 10.40 am | Class 90 Adult/Mixed age Choirs - Christmas/Festive |
| 11.50 am | Class 91 Adult/Mixed age Choirs |
| Reception Room | Martin Wallington |
| 12.00 noon | Class 92 - Adult/Mixed age Small Choirs (up to 20 voices) |
| Concert Hall | Martin Wallington |
| 12.50 pm | Class 93 Adult/Mixed age Female Voice Choirs (21 voices and over) |
| 1.30 pm | Class 94 Adult/Mixed age Male Voice Choirs (21 voices and over) |
| 2.10 pm | Class 95 Adult/Mixed age Mixed Voice Choirs (21 voices and over) |
| Andrew Padmore | |
| 2.40 pm | Class 96 Choir Programme - open to choirs in classes 89 to 95 |
| 7.30 pm | Class 97 Choir Challenge |
Concerts
Festival DATES 2024
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
Workshops
Classes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 8 Piano solo Sonatina - school year 9 and under
Entries Closed
Fee: £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
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
Class 11 Piano solo Music Theatre and Film open
Entries Closed
Fee: £10
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
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
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
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
Class 16 Piano Duet school year 6 and under
Entries Closed
Fee: £9
Class 17 Piano Duet school year 9 and under
Entries Closed
Fee: £9
Class 18 Family Piano Duet - any ages
Entries Closed
Fee: £9
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 31 Solo instrumentalists' Challenge
Qualifying winners of classes 10, 22, 27 and 30 will play their winning pieces
Entries Closed
Fee: £0
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 40 Junior Singers' Challenge
Qualifying winners of classes 37, 38 and 39 will sing their winning pieces
Entries Closed
Fee: £0
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
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
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
Class 44 Young Singers' Rosebowl
Qualifying winners of classes 41, 42 and 43 will sing their winning pieces
Entries Closed
Fee: £0
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
* 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 73 The Rose Bowl
Qualifying winners of classes 65 to 72 will sing their winning pieces
Entries Closed
Fee: £0
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 86 Young Peoples 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
Class 87 Young Peoples 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
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
*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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 114 solo Mime - school year 6 and under
Entries Closed
Fee: £9
Class 115 solo Mime - school years 7 to 9
Entries Closed
Fee: £9
Class 116 solo Mime - school year 10 to 13
Entries Closed
Fee: £9
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Class 126 Dialect Prose Writing open
Entries Closed
Fee: £10
Class 127 Dialect Poetry Writing
Entries Closed
Fee: £10
YOUNG Musician Of The Year
The Young Musician of the Year contest is intended for young musicians of a high standard (at least grade 8 or equivalent), including those aiming towards or just beginning a professional career in music. Instrumentalists or singers are welcome. The prize money should be used for their musical development.
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