Music: Hungarian choir in Lindley for concert with Huddersfield Singers

Jun 19 2009 by Val Javin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THERE’S a big weekend ahead for Huddersfield Singers and for an all-girl choir from Hungary, the Aurin youth choir.

The two share a stage tomorrow (June 20) at St Stephen’s Church in Lindley where they will also be joined by another young musical talent, trombonist Nick Walker, a big success at this year’s Mrs Sunderland music competition.

Nick was one of the finalists in the Kirklees Young Musician competition.

The Singers were formed in the 1870s by leading architect Ben Stocks with an eye to the competition circuit of the day. When that early choir won a £70 contest prize in Manchester, their skill was proved beyond doubt.

Today, under the baton of Philip Honnor, the choir is noted for its musical talent and its diverse programme, both illustrated perfectly by its choice of music for tomorrow’s 20th century choral music themed summer concert.

They will sing 20th century choral music including work by John Rutter, Bob Chilcott and Richard Rodney Bennett. Expect music that is lively, often humorous, and sometimes poignant.

Its guests, members of the Aurin youth choir, have had Eisteddfod success and earlier this year, added to their reputation by taking gold at the Budapest International Youth Choir competition under its conductor Laszlo Duranyik.

Forty-six teenage singers, aged between 15 and 19, plus six of their staff, are in Huddersfield from Hungary and some are being hosted by local families.

The girls have a packed few days ahead of them with concerts and workshops already in their diaries.

This is a choir which has a considerable international reputation and is one of the top girls’ choirs in the world.

In addition to the concert with Huddersfield Singers, the girls will also appear at Christ Church New Mill on Tuesday, June 23 where they will sing as part of the Holmfirth Music and Art Festival.

Their hosts for this part of their trip are Holmfirth High School

Penny Prescott, a member of Huddersfield Singers and a Kirklees Music School teacher, suggested inviting the Aurin choir after visiting their school in Keskemet in Hungary and being impressed by their work and the positive effect music has on them.

Kirklees Arts in the Neighbourhood and Kirkburton Parish Council have supported an arts project at Shepley village hall on Sunday which will include singing workshops.

The sessions are at 11am for four to seven year olds and 1.30pm for eight to 12 year olds. Both sessions last for 45 minutes and there is a nominal £1.50 charge. To check if places are still available, call Penny on 01484 602574.