Ysgol Glanaethwy second in Last Choir Standing

Sep 3 2008 By Daiel Bissett

IT was a case of so near, yet so far, for Ysgol Glanaethwy as they narrowly missed out on being crowned winners of BBC One’s Last Choir Standing.

Thousands tuned into the nail-biting finale of the BBC1 show on Saturday night and watched as the Bangor-based choir were edged out by Cardiff choir Only Men Aloud!

Fellow finalists Revelation were knocked out in a public vote which cleared the way for an all-Wales showdown.

In a predictably nerve-wracking clash, votes poured in for Glanaethwy, but it was the Cardiff songsters that hit the right note at the end.

Co-founder of Ysgol Glanaethwy, Rhian Roberts said: "Spirits in the choir are so high even though we lost, obviously we’re a bit disappointed, but it was fantastic to go head-to-head with another Welsh choir.

"I would like to thank everyone who supported us and we’ve already been invited to sing at a concert with Russell Watson on Saturday, which is great."

The biggest ever choral battle kicked off with all three choirs performing I’m Still Standing by Elton John.

Ysgol Glanaethwy then sang Try A Little Tenderness, All That Jazz and O Fortuna.

The panel said their performances were "full of energy and fun and dazzling".

The three choirs played a part in the Olympic experience when they performed at the London 2012 party in front of Buckingham Palace, singing Shine by Take That.

Ysgol Glanaethwy, with members from Caernarfon, Anglesey and the surrounding area, also returned home to Bangor last week to a warm reception from friends and family.

They received a personal message from the mayor of Bangor, Cllr John Wynn Jones, and took part in the Faenol Festival after Bryn Terfel extended them a special invitation.

Heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones paid tribute to both finalists on their achievements.

"Both choirs have shown tremendous talent and determination throughout the series which has been a great showcase for Wales and Welsh talent.

"It has also shown what the young people of our nation can achieve when presented with such opportunities.

"It wouldn’t have been possible, however, without the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of Tim Rhys-Evans, Cefin Roberts and the staff at Ysgol Glanaethwy.

"They are not only playing their part in keeping the great Welsh choral tradition alive but they’re also inspiring a new generation of singers – many of whom have already performed on the stage of the Urdd and National Eisteddfodau."