Building on their recent success at the Interkultur international choir competition held in Kingston Upon Hull (the first time in the UK) at the end of April the Cornwall Youth Choir (CYC) are back on a fundraising mission and were seen out and about in the community busking at Asda in St Austell .

Cornwall Youth Choir has acquired members who are located from all over Cornwall, stretching from Bude to the Lizard.

CYC achieved stunning results including two gold diplomas, one for winners in the mixed choir category and the second for Pop, Gospel and Jazz category.

In addition, a unique and special award was made in recognition of the contribution the choir made to raise awareness of environmental issues through choral art.

This accolade is particularly impressive as it is the very first choral competition that CYC have competed in other than the Cornwall music festival this March and is the first time this international competition has been hosted in the UK.

There was a total of 27 choirs from 10 nations represented. CYC is an inclusive choir and consists of singers and include young people aged 13 to 18 along with supporting alumni.

Most noteworthy is, that despite times of economic challenge, the fundraising for this event was remarkably achieved by the singers themselves along with parent volunteers and also invaluable support with rehearsals and admin from ASONE Music Hub.

Local councils and companies from within the county were also generous donators.

Choir Director, Angela Renshaw said: “We’ve come away from this competition a different choir. What an experience! Total joy, exhilarating to perform and make new choir friends from around the world”

Competing with international choirs is visionary as it not only enabled a unique experience but gave an opportunity to raise the overall standard, lift expectation and aspiration within the choir and inspire future development.

The choir is now looking to develop further with more opportunities, celebrating its achievements and launching Cornwall’s youth choir to a level not previously achieved. Ambitious plans are afoot for the future of the choir and they are excited to build on this success.

For more information on how to join the choir or for donations or to express an interest in corporate sponsorship visit: https://cornwallyouthchoirs.co.uk/ or https://m.facebook.com/cornwallcountychoirs

The choir will next be singing at the Royal Cornwall Show 2023.