One of our sopranos went to a choral workshop led by Bob Chilcott and sat next to Eloise Toone. Eloise shares our enthusiasm for choral singing and sings with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain (18-25 age group). She has kindly penned a postcard about an amazing experience she had in September….
On Saturday 13th September, I was given the incredible opportunity to sing in the Last Night of the Proms with the National Youth Choir, alongside Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor, performing Bohemian Rhapsody to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
We were initially emailed about the opportunity, and once selected we found out what we’d be performing. We went into rehearsals at BBC Maida Vale on the Wednesday, where we were told that we’d be singing with special guests, but we didn’t find out who until the press release on Friday morning. Needless to say, we were all very excited!
There was a real buzz amongst the crew and performers – everyone seemed so thrilled to be part of the night. Because we’d all grown up singing along to Bohemian Rhapsody, I didn’t feel as nervous as I would expect, and I was really able to take it all in.
It was a massive honour to get to speak to Sir Brian and Roger afterwards, and to say how influential their music had been to all the members of the choir. We also spent time talking to our soloist, Sam Oladeinde, who was so kind and talented, and I even got to speak briefly to Elim Chan (conductor) and Louise Alder (soprano), and to get a picture with Bill Bailey!
Watching the performance back and seeing myself up close on TV was truly a pinch-me moment, and the joy of the whole experience is something I’ll keep with me for a long time.
You can find this fantastic performance on iPlayer, BBC Proms. Click ‘Must Watch Tracks’ and find ’13. Bohemian Rhapsody’.
Buy a ticket for our next concert – including Parry’s Songs of Farewell Click here
Interested in joining the choir? Click here
Become a Friend of NCS Click here