London Youth Choirs (LYC) is preparing for its 10th anniversary showcase celebration, entitled RISE UP – Celebrating 10 Years of London Youth Choirs – will take place at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Tuesday 9 May 2023 at 7pm.

The entire LYC membership, comprising 10 choirs for children and young people aged 7-23 drawn from 31 London boroughs, will perform at the event alongside over 1,000 singers invited from schools across Brent, Ealing, Haringey, Lambeth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets, prepared for the concert at singing workshops provided free of charge by LYC.

The showcase’s celebratory programme will present the diversity of choral music in styles from classical to hip-hop. There will also be premieres of new pieces written for the occasion by London musicians Amy Bryce and Brenda Rattray, who workshopped their compositions with LYC members. The showcase will also feature special guest appearances by BRIT-nominated soprano and co-founder of the Kerslake Robshaw Foundation, Camilla Kerslake and percussion stars, O Duo, and a further mystery guest to be revealed on the night.

Supporting LYC’s founding commitment to access and inclusion, which most recently saw the charity make all auditions free of charge and pledge to double its offer of free places to families who need them, 500 free tickets are being offered to participating school pupils on free school meals, with a further 500 tickets offered at £10 for under-21s.

2023 marks just over 10 years since LYC was founded, inspired by the all-embracing spirit of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Further important initiatives alongside the Royal Albert Hall showcase include a £1 million 10th Anniversary Appeal, which will further expand LYC’s ability to provide transformative music education to young people across the capital, and provide a springboard for LYC’s second decade.

LYC Artistic Director, Rachel Staunton said:

“There could be no better place to celebrate LYC’s 10th birthday than the Royal Albert Hall, a great and inspiring space that has always welcomed the most diverse music and musicians. It is going to be an unforgettable night for everybody who has shared LYC’s journey so far, but most importantly for the young people who will walk out onto that incredible stage and raise their voices as one.”

LYC Executive Director, Nina Camilleri said:

“It is remarkable to think that there was no such thing as London Youth Choirs just 10 years ago. From the outset, LYC has been supported by those who shared our belief in the unique power of choral singing to bring young people together in one of the world’s most diverse cities. As we approach the Royal Albert Hall on 9 May our gratitude is with all the individuals and organisations who have helped us every step of the way.”

Matthew Todd, Director of Programming and Engagement at the Royal Albert Hall, said:

“We’re thrilled to be hosting LYC’s 10th birthday party. LYC share our passion for making the arts inclusive and diverse, and have been an instrumental part of our ‘My Great Orchestral Adventure’ concerts, which offers an introduction to classical music for young audiences. This special celebratory concert will showcase the range of their repertoire, while enabling people of all backgrounds to come and experience music together.”