Barnsley Singers has won a category and two Golden Diplomas at the INTERKULTUR Hull International Choir Competition 2025, held in Hull from 2 to 6 May.
Our results
- Mixed Choirs (Difficulty II): Golden Diploma, Level II, with a score of 21.58, and Category Winner
- Pop, Jazz and Gospel: Golden Diploma, Level I, with a score of 21.33
INTERKULTUR competitions award diplomas against an international standard, so a Golden Diploma reflects the quality of the singing itself. Winning the Mixed Choirs category as well made it a week we’ll keep in our hearts for the rest of our lives.
What we sang
Our programme included The Water is Wide, arranged by our Musical Director Luke Mather, and Modimo, a traditional Sesotho and isiZulu song arranged by M. Barrett.
A week to remember
Hull brought together choirs from across the world. Alongside the competition, the weekend included a friendship concert with other choirs and the awards ceremony and closing concert on the Monday evening. It was brilliant to share the stage with AFO Choir, who won a Gold Diploma and a special prize in the pop category. We’ve learnt so much from them about what is possible on stage.
What a moment for our special town, this success belongs to all our members, past and present. It also belongs to all our volunteers, supporters and those who have helped us along the way, you all know who you are.
Luke Mather and Rob Cooper, Musical Director and Assistant Director, writing on Facebook after the results
We made friends from across the world, and the week renewed and strengthened the bonds within our own choir too.
Thank you
Thank you to INTERKULTUR and everyone in Hull who made the competition possible, and to our volunteers and supporters, who have helped us every step of the way.
Rehearsals start again this week. It’s a moment to celebrate together, and a chance to kick on to greater heights.
Hearing about our competitions and fancy singing with us? Barnsley Singers rehearses on Tuesday evenings at Barnsley Sixth Form College. There’s no audition, and you don’t need to read music. Find out about joining.