Yorkshire’s got talent in chorister final

Three young singers from Yorkshire will battle it out today to be crowned BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year.

Peter Aksamit-Hollingworth, who sings at York Minster, and Joy Sutcliffe and Sophie Reed, from Ripon Cathedral, are among eight finalists in the running for the coveted title.

They will each sing two short pieces before a panel of judges at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London’s Trafalgar Square in today’s final, which will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 at 8pm on Thursday.

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Peter Aksamit-Hollingworth, a year eight pupil at the Minster School, only joined the Minster Choir last year.

Robert Sharpe, director of music at York Minster, said: “We are extremely proud of him for progressing so far in this competition. He has got a beautiful voice, so we wish him the very best of luck.”

Andrew Bryden, director of music at Ripon Cathedral, said he was thrilled for Joy Sutcliffe, 14, and Sophie Reed, 15.

“I’m not at all surprised by their success, which is the result of them putting in a lot of hard work over many years,” he said.

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Around 1,000 choristers entered the competition, which is open to singers aged 11 to 17 who sing regularly with their choir in services. The winning boy and girl will each receive a trophy and vocal tuition.