The original and largest network of part-time performing arts schools for 4-18 year olds

On Sunday 18th July 2010 over 350 students from nine regional choirs had the chance to sing at the prestigious Birmingham Symphony Hall in the Stagecoach National Choir Festival. They joined together in a spectacular evening of song and music led by guest conductor Paul Leddington Wright, together with the City of Coventry Youth Orchestra conducted by Brian Chappell.

For exclusive footage from the Choir Festival visit Stagecoach.TV

Each of the choirs gave of their best in a diverse and impressive programme ranging from traditional songs to those from musicals, including original work.

The Festival included the following Stagecoach Regional Choirs:

• The Devon and Cornwall Choir with 'Wayfaring Stranger' and 'Violently'
• The Midlands Choir with 'Pokare Kare Ana', 'On The Back Of An Eagle' and 'Dixieland Song'
• The North East Choir with 'Music', 'It's A Musical World', 'Don't Take Away The Music', 'You Can't Stop The Beat' and 'The Sound of Silence'
• The North West Choir with 'Over The Rainbow' and 'Medley from Cats'
• The Northern Choir with 'Summertime' and 'Yo Le Canto Todo El Dia'
• The South West Choir with 'Seasons of Love', 'Confutatis', 'Shoshone Love Song' and 'Joyful, Joyful'
• The South West London Choir with 'Siyahamba' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
• The Surrey Choir with 'Doors' and 'A Nightingale Sang'
• The Three Counties Choir with 'Both Sides Now' and 'Tintinnabulum'

Supported by the City of Coventry Youth Orchestra, Stagecoach students sing at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

At the end of the evening the cup for the Most Highly Commended Choir was awarded to the Surrey Choir, and rousing massed choir performances of 'Swinging with the Saints' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' rounded off this wonderful display of talent from Stagecoachers across the country.