Matilda Wale was crowned Supreme Champion last year in the annual music festival.
This week sees hundreds more hopefuls showcasing their talents in the 110th Swindon Music Festival, beginning at Christ Church, in Old Town, before moving to the Arts Centre, in Devizes Road.
It runs until Saturday, March 30 and music fans, for as little as £2, can enjoy entries from choirs, vocal solos, duets, groups, piano, strings, woodwind, guitar, ensembles, brass, keyboard, church organ and harp.
Matilda is no stranger to the festival having scooped the Junior Vocal Championship in 2015. The soprano was also on the Wyvern Theatre stage earlier this spring, singing as part of the Schubert-inspired Swindon Recital Series.
The festival was set up in 1909 as a one-night choir festival at the Mechanics Institute. It was the brainchild of R G Cripps, who wanted to launch a festival in his home town after enjoying an eisteddfod. It is affiliated to the British and International Federation of Festivals.
The adjudicators this year are organist, pianist, harpsichord player and teacher Gary Sieling, pianist Caroline Clemmow, opera singer Yvonne Patrick and Swindon’s own concert pianist, Paul Turner is the accompanist
Chairman of the festival Geoff Waters said: “I must stress how privileged we are in Swindon to enjoy the quality of music to which we have become accustomed. Thanks must go to the many excellent teachers, both private and in schools who develop and encourage the amazing musical talent, vocal and instrumental that we are fortunate to have in this area.’’
Along with daily classes at £2 daytime tickets, £3 evening, there are the three championship events costing £5 entry.
For more details visit swindonmusicfestival.co.uk
- Flicky Harrison
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