A performance featuring hundreds of young people from across North Lincolnshire has been met with widespread acclaim.
On Sunday 17 July the Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir delivered a world premiere performance of ‘Dragon Songs’ at St. Paul’s Church in Ashby to a packed audience.
The choir, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, was handpicked by Britten Pears Arts to bring Andy Shepherd’s best-selling children’s books to life.
Now Joanna Lee’s songs and accompanying resources have been made freely available to schools across the country via the Friday Afternoons website, benefiting thousands of children.
In North Lincolnshire, they will be used as part of the region’s ‘Year of Reading’, as the council celebrates 10 years of its incredibly successful Imagination Library scheme with a series of special events.
Daniel Fields, Musical Director of Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir, said:
“On behalf of all of the choristers, staff and chaperones at Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir, I can honestly say the World Premieres of ‘Dragon Songs’ was the most special afternoon.
Members of Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir performing at St. Paul’s Church in Ashby
“The choir has a long and distinguished reputation as one of the country’s leading youth choirs and as we head towards our centenary celebrations in 2023, we do so now having re-affirmed why open access youth choral music is so important.
“I would urge all schools and choirs to look out for this fantastic new set of pieces on the Friday Afternoons website and try them with your young people; they will love them!”
A former BBC Choir of the Year, the Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir is one the country’s oldest continually running youth choirs.
Its conductors are passionately committed to providing the best possible musical opportunities for young people across North Lincolnshire.
If you know a young person aged three to 19 who would like to try singing and join a rehearsal please contact the choir.
To find out more visit the Scunthorpe Co-operative Junior Choir’s website or Facebook page.
