Many congratulations to Kent Gospel Choir, who won the 11th University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition at the weekend!
Pictured here in Colyer-Fergusson, the Choir travelled to Croydon to compete in this year’s final, one of seven choirs competing for the trophy. The choir fought off competition from Warwick, University of Birmingham, the BIMM Institute, UCL, Keele, Durham and our neighbours, Canterbury Christ Church, to lift the trophy on Saturday night at Oasis House.
Every Monday evening, Colyer-Fergusson resounds to the sound of the choir rehearsing in the concert-hall and various practice rooms each week, and it’s fantastic to see all the group’s hard work pay off as they are crowned this year’s winners in the eleventh year of the competition. The choir comprises students from across the university, taking part as part of many extra-curricular music opportunities at the University alongside their course of studies.
“UGCY was an unforgettable experience, and being a part of KGC made my first year of university incredible!” reflects one of the choir, Favour Joseph. “I am so grateful to be part of a choir that feels like a family and where God is at the centre of our music and lives, and I can’t wait for what we are going to do next. I’ve made so many memories that I will cherish, like our shared laughter during rehearsals, how supportive the other university choirs were, witnessing the amazing talents of the other choirs and just seeing how we were all unified by our love for gospel music.
Our choir’s dedication and hard work paid off and We poured our hearts into the performance, from the choreography to our harmonies. I’m so proud that we were able to bring home the trophy. However, our achievement was not entirely our own; all praise must go to God. ”
The choir has worked hard: many congratulations on their success!
Directed by Floriane Peycelon, the players gave a spirited reading of Arensky’s Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky (a theme most often heard in the carol ‘A Crown of Roses’), followed by a performance of John Woolrich’s evocative Ulysses Wakes, featuring postgraduate Music Performance Scholar reading Chemistry, Kira Hilton, as soloist.
The String Sinfonia is back in action on Friday 31 March in Colyer-Fergusson Hall; more details 
Last Wednesday I had a fun day, full of music, which I was able to be a part of thanks to being part of the University String Sinfonia. The Glyndebourne touring orchestra visited Canterbury and put on a lunchtime concert in the Colyer-Fergusson hall which was incredible to watch. After the concert I was then part of the workshop where some musicians from the orchestra coached the String Sinfonia as part of their Pit Perfect scheme. I play the cello and so was lucky enough to sit next to one of the pro cellists who was so lovely and friendly! The professionals from Glyndebourne gave us great advice which we all took on board and will definitely use in our playing in the future.
After the concert, I had the opportunity to participate in an improvisation workshop with the duo, where we created a fusion that revolved around the pentatonic scale. We explored the different ways in which our instruments could make non-melodic sounds, and I was able to use the body of my guitar to create amazing percussive lines alongside the other instruments.
