Chorister in semi-final of BBC competition

Norwich Cathedral chorister Alice Platten is celebrating reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition. Fourteen-year-old Alice is one of just 10 choristers across the country in the running for the coveted accolade after impressing judges with her audition performances of Ex ore innocentium by John Ireland and The little road to Bethlehem by Michael Head.

The talented Norwich School pupil will compete in the semi-finals in September and as part of this she will have the chance to enjoy a masterclass with singing superstar and former chorister Katherine Jenkins.

The competition, which is run jointly by BBC Radio 2 and Songs of Praise, will be broadcast on both radio and television later in the year.

Alice said: “I was really shocked to get the call from the BBC. I am really looking forward to following in the footsteps of previous Norwich choristers and being involved in the programme, especially being able to meet Katherine Jenkins with the other choristers for a masterclass.”

Ashley Grote, Norwich Cathedral’s Master of Music, said everyone at the Cathedral was incredibly proud of Alice.

“For Alice to have been selected as one of the final five girls in this year’s BBC Young Chorister of the Year is a tremendous achievement,” he said.

“A number of Norwich choristers submitted video entries which, without exception, were all excellent, but Alice’s entry particularly stood out and I am not surprised the judges were impressed by her.

“She is a natural performer who is not only a very accomplished singer for her age, but also an engaging performer who smiles at her audience! I am delighted that Norwich will be represented in the final stages of this prestigious competition.

“It reflects the outstanding calibre of the boys and girls were are fortunate to have in the choir here.

“Life has been challenging for them all since coronavirus struck earlier in the year, and I am greatly looking forward to being able to get them back to singing during the course of the term ahead.”

Alice, who is the daughter of Norwich Cathedral’s Canon Precentor, the Revd Canon Aidan Platten, has been a chorister at Norwich Cathedral for the last three years and previously sang in the choir of St Mark’s Hamilton Terrace in London. She also plays the violin and piano and is about to start her GCSE music course. As well as enjoying music, Alice also loves drama, reading and the outdoors.

Five girl choristers and five boy choristers nationwide will be taking part in the BBC Young Chorister of the Year semi-finals and will be given the chance to work with either Katherine Jenkins or Aled Jones. Three girls and three boys will then progress to the final where one young singer will be crowned BBC Young Chorister of the Year and one will be given the Highly Commended accolade. The winner will appear on Songs of Praise and have the chance to take part in BBC Radio recordings.