On Saturday 24th November, Soul Symphony Choir, led by Joanne Miller, took part in the Beckenham Festival, competing against four other choirs from across Kent … and won the Festival Trophy.

Soul Symphony were entered into two separate classes within the festival, Gospel Choir and Open Community Choir and came first in both classes. In the Gospel Choir class they sang ‘Asante Sana Yesu’ a cappella and in Swahili and ‘Total Praise’ by Richard Smallwood. The festival adjudicator, Jane Wilkinson, commented that ‘Total Praise’ had “an atmospheric opening,” and the final crescendo of blended voices made the hairs rise on the backs of people’s necks. In the Community Choir class, the songs were ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay and ‘Let the Sunshine’ by Labyrinth, both arranged by Mark De-Lisser. The choir was accompanied by Giles Holland.

Jane Wilkinson also commented that Soul Symphony came across as a “truly inclusive choir.” She was impressed by “the expressive soloist and clear articulation of all participants.” She felt that the performances were “incredibly warm” and that the choir sang out with an “easy tone that is enjoyable to listen to,” along with “joy and commitment.”