Hertfordshire choir teams up with Gareth Malone for Christmas TV special

The 30-strong Hertfordshire Music Service’s choir joined Gareth and 120 other musicians to bring some Christmas cheer to staff, patients and their families at Watford General Hospital.

The concert, which was filmed last week, is due to be broadcast on BBC Two at 9pm on Christmas Eve.

Councillor Terry Douris, cabinet member for education, libraries and localism, said: “We are passionate about allowing every young person in the county access to Hertfordshire Music Service's high quality tuition. Whatever background young people come from or whatever musical experience they have, we want to welcome them and include them in the vast amount of lessons, ensembles, bands and choirs available.

“The educational and social benefits of music participation are widely proven - opportunities to appear on the BBC with Gareth Malone are the icing on the Christmas cake. We are very proud of the choir."

Hertfordshire Music Service’s HCYC is for young musicians passionate about singing together at the highest possible level.

It welcomes singers aged 13-18 from across the county, and rehearses weekly with director Tori Longdon.

The choir performs a huge variety of repertoire including choral works, gospel singing, musical theatre and contemporary commissions - and regularly appears at the BBC Proms and the Royal Albert Hall.