Friends reunited as South African choir flies in for town concerts

TWO choirs – one from Barnsley and one from South Africa – were in perfect harmony when they performed a series of spectacular concerts over the weekend.

Barnsley Youth Choir – widely regarded as one of the best emerging choirs in the world – teamed up with their old friends from Tuks Camerata, seen by many as the best in the world.

Tuks Camerata were led by their world-famous conductor, Dr Michael Barrett, for the concerts at Emmanuel Church, Huddersfield Road.

Mat Wright, artistic director of BYC, said: “We’ve got a close friendship with Tuks Camerata – they’re one of the very best choirs in the world.

“We sang together in 2017 and stayed in touch, and in 2019 we went to South Africa to perform there which was really exciting.”

The two choirs worked together during the pandemic, recording virtual pieces.

Mat added: “Tuks Camerata are high in demand and only tour internationally once every three years, so this is very unlikely to ever happen again.”

During the choir’s time in Barnsley, they performed alongside more than 400 children and young people of BYC at the premiere of ‘I Was Love’, composed and conducted by one of the world’s leading composers and Grammy Award-nominated Jake Runestad.

“Jake’s the next big thing – he’s one of the hottest things in the world right now when it comes to choral singing,” Mat added.

“To have him with us was incredible because he works with some of the best choirs in the world, and he was prepared to come to Barnsley.

“Throughout the visit, their impact has been significant – our young people have been inspired by them and have learned so much.”

Long-standing supporter of Barnsley Youth Choir, Barnsley Central MP

Dan Jarvis, praised what he described as ‘an unforgettable’ weekend of performances.

He said: “It was a truly wonderful weekend of concerts.

“It was a great honour to welcome guests from South Africa and the USA and such an amazing privilege to have the premiere of the phenomenal ‘I Was Love’ right here in Barnsley.

“It was an unforgettable weekend of world-class singing and I couldn’t be more proud of Barnsley Youth Choir.”

‘Tuks Camerata are high in demand and only tour internationally once every three years, so this is very unlikely to ever happen again...’