The Bournemouth Symphony Youth Choir started life in 1997 as the Dorset Youth Choir, as the result of a joint project between the Dorset Music Service, the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The project was launched with two major choral workshops for schools led by Neville Creed, the Choral Director of the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus at the time.

Following an audition process regular rehearsals began in September 1997. The choir’s first public appearance was at the annual Christmas Carol concert with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta. They have since then sung many times with the Bournemouth Orchestras and the Chorus. Among the works performed have been concert performances of Tosca, Britten’s Spring Symphony under Richard Hickox, family Adventure Concerts, and several performances of Orff’s Carmina Burana, one of which, in 1999, was with the Malcolm Sargent Festival Choir.

They have also given concerts with the Dorset Youth Orchestra, including Holst’s Planets suite and Vivaldi’s Gloria, and, along with other Dorset County music groups, they took part in a special Millennium Celebration concert in the Royal Albert Hall at Easter 2000. They also give frequent concerts on their own locally to raise money for various charities.

Their 2006/7 season saw a number of commitments over the Christmas period, including participating in the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus’ annual carol concert and carols at Bournemouth Football Club. A major BSO project focussed on Orff’s Carmina Burana including a performance broadcast live on Radio 3, followed by a recording session with Naxos.

The 2007/8 season includes Mahler 3 with the BSO under the direction of Marin Alsop, also to be broadcast on Radio 3, The Armed Man, Carols with the BSC, Singalong Carols with the BSO/BSC and the Kokoro Day of American Music.

Rehearsals currently take place on a Monday evening. Members are aged between 8 years and 18 years.

The Bournemouth Symphony Youth Choir is always interested in recruiting young, enthusiastic singers. For further information please contact the Chorus’ administrative secretary, Sue Gosling, at sgosling@waitrose.com Tel. 01202 518361