The 2009 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod competitions have concluded, with the Pavarotti Trophy for Choir of the World being awarded to The Westminster Chorus. The Eisteddfod includes choral, solo, instrumental, and dance competitions. Video of the competitions can be seen here.
posted by Balonious Assault on Jul 11, 2009 - 6 comments

The Funky Fresh Senior Choir, also known as the FBC Senior Adult Choir. (via Neatorama) [more inside]
posted by WCityMike on Nov 15, 2008 - 10 comments

Since these posts seemed to bring back happy memories/warm fuzzies for so many former/current choir kids, here is Hear the Choirs Sing, a massive collection of contemporary and sacred choral works from all around the world. And, if while singing along, you realize you've forgotten your part, check Choral Wiki for links to sheet music.
posted by chara on Mar 28, 2008 - 20 comments

Before testosterone coursed through their bodies and caused corruption they were The Sopranos. Frankie, Bobby 'MoFoChild' Breen, Frankienoinfo, Graham 'Freeda' Payn, Donnie 'Alleluja, Jackie [sans kilt], Master Joe Peterson and Joselito was a cutie too.
posted by tellurian on Oct 5, 2007 - 9 comments

First we had Scala. Now please allow me to introduce their antithesis... The Zimmers. Old People Rock.
posted by miss lynnster on Apr 15, 2007 - 19 comments

Moving an 100 year old church - via the power of rock (YouTube page) Watching a show about buildings being moved by truck, my attention drifted towards the captivating music, from composer Daniel Pemberton. One of the gems on his MySpace page is this clip in which a 40-strong choir leads an 100-year old church as it is moved down a road, to a soundtrack akin to the Beatles or Polyphonic Spree. It's bizarre and certainly not your normal documentary fare.
posted by skylar on Jan 30, 2007 - 14 comments

Castrati were the superstars of centuries gone by! (bonus link: Countertenor jokes)
posted by furtive on Dec 8, 2006 - 13 comments

If you overdosed on being thankful yesterday, the Birmingham Complaints Choir or the Helsinki Complaints Choir might be an antidote. (YouTube alert) More on complaints choirs.
posted by madamjujujive on Nov 24, 2006 - 24 comments

"He teaches the students to read the music from within themselves." The annual Pop Concert at Dondero High School was a beloved institution from 1971-2006. Under the direction of music instructor Rick Hartsoe, the A Capella Choir and student instrumentalists presented 20 popular songs per concert: "ten full choir pieces chosen for their harmonic and instrumental interest, and ten solos of the students' choosing." Pieces from the last ten years included such unconventional classics as Maroon 5's "This Love," System of a Down's "Chop Suey" and "Down In A Hole" by Alice In Chains. Also included were works by Stevie Wonder, Boston, Weezer, P.O.D., Norah Jones, The Doobie Brothers and many more. Every Pop Concert ended -- perhaps appropriately -- with "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In" from Hair.

March 2006 saw the last Pop Concert performed at Dondero High. Mr. Hartsoe has announced his retirement. And due to consolidation with a neighboring school, Dondero High itself is closing at the end of this school year. Thankfully, eight of those Pop Concerts (from 1995 to 2005) are available as downloadable 2-CD sets from Comfortstand (previously mentioned). Yes, for free. Convinced yet? Basically, if you were blown away by the likes of The Langley Music School Project (previously mentioned), this might just be right up your musical alley.
posted by grabbingsand on Apr 13, 2006 - 19 comments

Flashmob - The Opera.
There will be something like 200 people on site, including a 62-piece orchestra, a choir of singing policemen and a chorus of football fans... and all while it's 'business as usual' at the station. It's not the first place you'd think of doing a live opera!
Despite some alleged security worries it went ahead at Paddington Station and has been broadcast complete with the flashmob singing Nessun Dorma.
Gloriate!
posted by i_cola on Oct 6, 2004 - 7 comments