Nottingham Girls' High School Choir Crowned National Champions
The Senior School Choir from Nottingham Girls' High School GDST has achieved a remarkable victory, securing the title of GSA Senior Choir of the Year 2026. This prestigious win occurred on Sunday, March 8, 2026, a date that coincidentally celebrated International Women's Day, adding symbolic significance to their success in a highly competitive field.
A Triumph in a Prestigious Competition
Organized by the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), this annual event invites both Junior and Senior choirs from member schools to compete for top honors. The competition process began with a preliminary round where choirs submitted video entries. From these submissions, the six best choirs were selected to advance to the live Final, which this year was hosted at St Helen and St Katharine School in Abingdon. The event received sponsorship from The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), underscoring its importance in the musical education calendar.
Judges and Performance Details
The final round was adjudicated by a panel of distinguished music experts: Dr Charlotte Exon, Director of Music at St Helen and St Katharine; Holly Mathieson, Artistic Advisor of Symphony Nova Scotia in Canada and an acclaimed conductor across opera, ballet, and symphonic repertoire; and Dr Charles Béquignon-Macdougall, ABRSM Consultant and Director of several choral foundations.
To clinch the victory, the Nottingham Girls' High School Choir performed two pieces: ‘Nella Fantasia’ by Morricone, arranged by Neaum, and ‘Dancing Song’ by Kodaly. Their rendition was praised for its beautiful vocal lines, clear diction, and animated delivery. One judge was so impressed that they simply wrote ‘Wow!’ after hearing ‘Dancing Song’, highlighting the exceptional quality of the performance.
Recognition and School Pride
This year's final was noted as the highest standard yet, with the school expressing thrill at competing against many other talented institutions. Congratulations were extended to Choir Director Freya Hales and the dedicated singers who gave their all. Mrs Chris Clarke, Director of Music at Nottingham Girls' High School, shared her pride, stating: "I'm absolutely thrilled with our girls' performance on Sunday. Not only did they impress the judges with their musicality and technique, most importantly it was their love and passion for singing that shone through. We are so proud of them."
The win not only showcases the choir's talent but also reinforces the school's commitment to excellence in music education, serving as an inspiration for students and the broader community.
