We are absolutely delighted to announce that Jake Thomson, a chorister of St Mary’s Cathedral Choir and pupil of St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh reached the final of the highly prestigious BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2021 competition.
For the second year running, Songs of Praise and Radio 2 joined together to celebrate the contribution made by young people to choirs and music groups across the UK and find the BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2021.
6 young singers (three boys and three girls) were selected for the televised finals by a panel of esteemed music directors from the world of choral and church music and music producers from TV and radio.
Jake was thrilled to be selected and delighted to have a mentor session with soprano singer, Songs of Praise presenter and former Chorister of the Year, Laura Wright, an opportunity offered to all six of the finalists.
Each finalist sang a sacred song in their respective heats in Salisbury Cathedral.
In the boys’ final broadcast on Sunday December 5th, Aled Jones introduced all the finalists who performed in front of judges Lesley Garrett, Howard Goodall and David Grant. Jake impressed the judges with his performance of Peter Warlock’s 'Bethlehem Down'
12 year old chorister Jake is the youngest finalist and flew the flag for Scotland. The final was boadcast on BBC1's Songs of Praise Sunday 5th December at 12.30pm.
Jake says, “I am absolutely delighted to have made it to the final to sing the beautiful song 'Bethlehem Down' in such an amazing Cathedral, the whole experience has been wonderful, I have made great friendships and lovely memories"
Photo: BBC/Yourkevich.