The competition gives composers, of all ages and experience, the chance to have their carol performed in King's College Chapel Cambridge, a week before Christmas. Competition entries are divided into four categories, namely:
For a community choir (open to composers of all ages)
For a full choir (composers aged 18 or under)
For a full choir (composers aged 19 or over)
For The King's Singers (open to composers of all ages)
The competition judges, chaired by Stephen Cleobury CBE (Director of Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge) supported by John Rutter CBE (composer, conductor and record producer) and David Hurley (member of The King's Singers) now face the considerable task of judging the entries and deciding upon the winners of each category.
Competition judges Stephen Cleobury CBE (Director of Music, Choir of King's College, Cambridge), John Rutter CBE (composer, conductor and record producer) and David Hurley (member of The King's Singers) photographed at King's College, Cambridge along with Chris Wingfield of Woodfines Solicitors, looking through some 332 compositions sent in for the 'Carol for Christmas Competition'.
The winning entries will be performed in King's College Chapel on 18th December. In the afternoon event, Stephen Cleobury, John Rutter and The King's Singers will work with the winning composers of the first three categories in a workshop environment. GRAMMY award winning ensemble, The King's Singers, will premiere the winning piece written for them in their evening concert on the same day when it is hoped the successful composer will be in attendance to be presented with the prize.
Commenting on the response to the competition, Woodfines' Cambridge based Partner Chris Wingfield said:
"When we started planning this competition a few years ago, we were unsure as to how many people it would attract. In the event, it has been very popular across the country attracting composers of all ages. the youngest composer is just 9 years and the oldest is 83. I am overwhelmed by the huge response rate."
Commenting on the judging process, Stephen Cleobury said:
"I am delighted that this competition has generated such interest. I am looking forward to seeing the original scores. To be associated with a competition that has generated such an outpouring of creativity is excellent although we do, of course, now have a major task judging so many entries!"
The competition is sponsored by Woodfines Solicitors and supported by Classic FM which has agreed to record the performances. Music publishers, Novello and Co., will consider the winning entries for publication.
Choirs taking part in the afternoon performances include; King's Junior Voices, CBSO Young Voices, the London-based Inner Voices and Quay Voices from the North East of England.
Tickets are now on sale for both the afternoon workshop and The King's Singers evening concert, and can be obtained from Concerts at Kings.
See www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/concerts-at-kings and www.acarolforchristmas.co.uk
For further information, please contact Patrick Cull or Stephen Bedford at Conical (01727 844000) or Claire Willis at ElevenTenths PR (07951 600362).
