Last Choir Standing
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The Great Choir Debate
Question 8 - Is the world of choral singing competitive?
Jonathan Ansell: "I think singing can be competitive yes... It's all about having fun and I don't think there's anything wrong in a competitive event involving choirs. To be honest, I feel it can be good for the group dynamics for everybody to really focus and aim for the winning post."
Stephen Bowman: "Yes absolutely. Choir competitions aren't anything new; this programme just makes them a little more glamorous! It's a great way to push people."
Dominic Tighe: "Yep – and that's fine as long as it's healthy competition and they don't start killing each other!"
Zoe Salmon: "Yes... and why not? Maybe it should be an Olympic sport?!"
John Partridge: "I don't think there's anything wrong in having a competitive spirit. Good competitions, clean fighting... it's all good fun!"
Mike Brewer: "Ah... that's a difficult one. My whole work is based on collaboration and sharing, not competition. But as in all activities we are competitive beings and if handled well it can bring out the best in people. I don't like cut-throat competitions because it's not that important to come first - but what is wonderful is the adrenaline and the sharing. It can give choirs a focus, but my main focus in choral music is bringing people together."
Your Comments
There will always be competition but organisers should always keep them healthy. It keeps choirs adjusting to the changing tastes and pushing themselves to limits. One good example is the Amabile Choir that won the radio competition...because radio is not a visual medium. When they joined the contest, it was a given they were there to win but could not live up to the expectations. They looked and sounded "too old" for their age. No vibrancy whatsoever. Choirs are supposed to move and inspire the audience. When they were put on TV, they did not make any adjustments. Amabile should join again next year...work on their strengths and make it enjoyable. Competition is good...we see how choirs can grow.
I have been all around the world to Choir Competitions. It is wonderful to be together with all the other choirs and see the different styles of singing. Very beautiful and colourful!
Yes it is and why not?
Cantamus Girls Choir are clear winners in any Choir Competition - they are phenomenal and have been since 1968. They are the best - they did not enter this competition and you all missed a real treat listening to them!
I sang with a small choir in the Leith Festival, which is competitive. I loathed it and didn't go back for a second dose. The best part was when all the choirs in the small choir cagegory came together and sang as one choir - then it was inspiring. I think "exhibitions" are better than competitions which tend to be cut-throat. I get a bit tired of seeing the tears of disappointment on the faces of the losers who've put just as much work and effort in as the winners. And please don't anybody tell me judges aren't prejudiced - just listen to Suzi Digby's comments on Amabile!!
All (or almost all) Scots Gaelic Choirs compete in the Annual Royal National Mod (Festival of Gaelic culture)
There are two days of adult choral competitions, out of the 7 days of competitions that take place. Both days are fiercely competitive and the major competitions, the Lorn Shield and the Lovat and Tullibardine Shield are regarded as prestigious awards for the winning choirs. Whilst participants enjoy the taking part, there's something special about singing with a winning choir.
Competition is a good thing - it helps you strive to improve and be better, and that is ALWAYS a good thing :-) As long as the judges give good feedback that is constructive and relevant, I think competition is a good thing!
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I think regular competition keeps singing and performance levels at a good standard. Our barbershop chorus also competes at national (barbershop) level and it is great to communicate with members of other choruses from all over the country.
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