Nidus Childrens Choir (Community Choir)
Nidus Children’s Choir was formed in September 2006 after a group of eight very talented children aged 7 - 10 years entered the Abergavenny Eisteddfod with Panis Angelicus, sung in Latin. With only 3 short rehearsals they managed to win a Gold Medal. The response from judges and the audience was very positive so after the summer break, we decided to form an official choir with a junior group followed by a senior section in January 2007.
Nidus Children's Choir -November 2007 Some of the Children entertaining at Tredegar House Dec 07
The two choirs are usually separate but often perform together at larger concerts. The junior section and our trainee members reached the final in the Urdd National Eisteddfod in May 2007, where they sang in the Welsh language and again the juniors won another gold medal in Abergavenny in June 2007 with Gabriel Faure’s ‘In Paradisum.
Nidus Theatre Arts sponsored the choir for their first 12 months but as from September 2007, the choir became a stand alone community group with its own committee, constitution & bank account. Entry is open to anyone who is committed, enthusiastic and passes in entrance audition and applications are not restricted to students from Nidus Theatre Arts. There is no charge and Evelyn Nicholson, who trains the choir and also a tutor at Nidus Theatre Arts (see CV), gives her time freely.
We meet weekly on Saturdays to rehearse. There are many performance opportunities, the children receive excellent choral training and the choir is featured in the Sparklers Children’s Agency for hire. Some members were featured on S4Cs Wedi 3 recently where they performed Panis Angelicus. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact heidi@nidustheatrearts.co.uk
The World Choir Games, Graz, Austria 2008
The Nidus Children’s Choir qualified to compete in the World Choir Games in July (formally known as the Choir Olympics) where they were the only choir representing Wales, UK. Our 28 strong team aged between 8 & 16 years travelled by coach with 30 parents/supporters to Austria. Their Games repertoire included pieces in Welsh, English & Russian and their performances in the competition and the friendship concert was outstanding and very well received as were their impromptu concerts in the hotel 'lobby' and 'Stadhalle' foyer. The week long trip was a wonderful experience for everyone and every part of it, from the Parade through the centre of Graz (which was lined with people cheering the choirs & took us to the huge opening ceremony), to the awards ceremony on our final morning was fantastic. We even found time for a day at a local water park which was great fun.......the wall to wall sunshine and high temperatures just added to an unforgettable week. To be awarded a SILVER DIPLOMA at our first event against over 60 children's choirs from all over the world was a fantastic result. Roll on China in 2010!
Cor Cymru '09, The International Eisteddfod, Llangollen '09 &The World Choir Games, China 2010
We are planning to enter the above compeitions and the committee are constantly fundraising to buy music and for these projects. The choir is also seeking sponsorship to help us achieve even higher results. If anyone is interested in sponsoring or hiring the Choir, please contact us as soon as possible heidi@nidustheatrearts.co.uk