Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus have been shortlisted in the top ten for a national carol competition.
Sunday, 15th December 2019, 10:00 am
Updated Wednesday, 18th December 2019, 12:40 pm
Run by Making Music UK and Classic FM, the festive competition invited performers to submit a performance to be played on the popular classical radio. With more than 5.7 million listeners tuning in every week, Classic FM is the biggest classical music radio station in the world.
The competition is part of Classic FM’s 11-year partnership with Making Music UK, which regularly offers member groups the chance to submit recordings for live broadcast.
The shortlisted carols have been broadcast in the lead-up to the festive season on the station’s Drive programme. The winning five were then being played all this week on the show.
Resident chorus at Sheffield City Hall, the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, won through to the top 10 for the competition.
The Philharmonic Chorus teamed up with Black Dyke Band for a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night.
The duo often perform this work at their annual Christmas concerts at Sheffield City Hall, with this year’s event, which took place on December 14, proving no different.
The carol, composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847, reflects how the birth of Jesus has impacted on humanity.
Many popular artists who have covered the carol include Nat King Cole in 1960, Patti LaBelle (1990), Mariah Carey (1994), Josh Groban (2002) and Idina Menzel this year.
During the first three weeks of December, Classic FM listeners were also invited to vote for their favourite-ever Christmas carol – and O Holy Night has held the top spot since 2016.
This year’s results will be revealed on Christmas Day between 1pm and 3pm.