THE city was alive with the sound of music when hundreds took to the Empire Theatre stage for The City Sings annual school choir competition.
This is the 10th year of the musical extravaganza, and the theme for the occasion was Disney songs.
Stephen Auster, who organised the event, said: “East Herrington Primary School really wowed the audience when they sang Elton John’s Can You Feel The Love Tonight, from the Lion King.”
The school was overall winner, taking the Dr Gilbert Trophy, and tickets to see Cats at the Sunderland Empire in June.
It also took the title of the top primary school choir in the first half of the show.
Sunderland music education hub leader Stephen said: “East Herrington Primary School won the competition because of its excellent song choice, although Castletown Primary School came a very close second.” About 550 singers and 12 choirs took part in the night.
Sunderland celebrity chef Stacie Stewart – BBC Masterchef finalist and star of ITV’s Food Glorious Food – joined the judging panel.
Red House Community Choir won the open category during the second half of the show, for those aged 11 and older.
Their song choices included Chim Chim Cher-ee, from Mary Poppins.
“It was very interesting to see members of Red House community getting involved,” said Stephen.
“There was a real mix of adults and children working together, and the evening ran like clockwork.
“The quality of singing was of a very high standard.
“The night was brilliant and once again it was another full house. We enjoyed another brilliant night of wonderful music making.”
Nicola Hair, music teacher at East Herrington Primary School, led the winning choir.
“Everyone who took part in the event was excellent,” she said.
“The evening was a wonderful showcase of the commitment and hard work of all the children and staff involved.
“We are very proud of the children and families who thoroughly enjoyed the whole event.
“The children were tired but delighted this morning, and we had an assembly to show the trophy off. We will be taking part next year.”
Comments