Guildford Singer Wins 2021 BBC Chorister Of The Year

Published on: 16 Dec, 2021
Updated on: 18 Dec, 2021

A member of the Guildford Cathedral Girl Choristers has won the BBC Radio 2 and Songs of Praise Young Chorister of the Year 2021.

Guildford chorister, Ruby, shows her delight at winning the 2021 BBC Chorister of the Year. Credit BBC

Ruby said on winning the final: “I still can’t believe I won. I feel very lucky and have loved every minute. I’m so excited for the future. Huge thank you to all those who have supported me, especially Katherine Dienes-Williams.“

The final, held in Salisbury Cathedral, was broadcast on BBC 1 at 12.30 pm on Sunday, December 5 and on BBC Radio 2 at 7pm.

Ruby singing in Salisbury Cathedral in the 2021 BBC Chorsiter of the Year competition. Credit Tricia Yourkevich BBC copyright.

The programme was hosted by Songs of Praise presenter, Aled Jones, with a panel of expert judges, Lesley Garrett, Howard Goodall and David Grant.

In summing up the competition, the judges gave Ruby glowing comments. David Grant said: “It was translucently brilliant”. Lesley Garrett said: “She’s got this fantastically free, powerful, gorgeous lyric sound.”

Howard Goodall, on making the announcement that Ruby was the winner, said: “In a very, very tight field we felt that this singer gave a performance that was truly outstanding and flawless.”

Katherine Dienes-Williams, organist and master of the choristers of Guildford Cathedral, said: ‘We are all hugely proud of Ruby and are delighted to celebrate her fabulous achievement. Congratulations to her and to all the competitors and thank you to all who have supported her on this journey.”

In the competition, Ruby sang The Shepherds Sing by composer and former Kings singer, Bob Chilcott, who had made a special arrangement of the piece for her.

Ruby will be singing The Shepherds Sing at the cathedral’s lessons and carols services on Sunday, December 19 at 6pm, and at 4pm on Christmas Day.

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