BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir included in Songs of Praise competition
The BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir have reached the final of the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year awards which will be broadcast on BBC1 over two weeks, Sunday 22nd January and Sunday 29th January.
The fresh, energetic group brings a contemporary sound to traditional Gospel. Each group member is currently studying with us at BIMM Institute Birmingham, ranging from Vocal performance students to Songwriting and Music Business students. We are incredibly proud of all their hard work to get to this point, especially since they only formed a year ago. Their commitment to their craft is unmatched. It’s hard not to be moved by their talent, powerful delivery and emotive vocals.
Conducted by Vocal lecturer Jerome Bucknor, the group will perform their rendition of Never Alone by Tori Kelly and Abide with Me (traditional hymn) on the show that airs over the course of the next two Sundays.
Guest conductor Ken Burton attended BIMM for a special rehearsal with the students, and on the day, they performed for TV judges Gareth Malone, Guvna B and Mica Paris.
BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir member Lottie Blogg had this to say:
“We’ve only been going for a year, so to be given an opportunity like this was amazing and has opened our eyes to the endless opportunities available to us. I think the best part of the day was just getting up on the stage and singing our hearts out together for something we had worked so hard for, knowing that we should be so proud of ourselves for getting that far.”
Conductor and Vocal lecturer Jerome Bucknor added:
“Being a part of Songs of Praise: Gospel Choir of the Year 2023 is a powerful and affirming experience for all of the choir members. After 6-8 weeks of preparation and sacrifice, it will be great to hear and feel the response from the audience and judges. We are the smallest choir in the competiton but will still make a massive impact.”
BIMM Birmingham principal Antony Greaves added:
“The gospel choir is a great example of how our incredibly talented students can create their own projects and societies at BIMM Institute. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and will be cheering them on from the sidelines.”
