A capella jazz ensemble Blue Fever have been named the best choir in the country.
The Abu Dhabi-based ensemble took the title after beating off competition at the second ever ChoirFest Middle East.
Following a live performance to a packed house at Dubai College, the Dubai English Speaking College were also victorious, winning the 2014 Choir of the Year for the School Division.
Designed to bring together and help develop vocal talents across the UAE and the Middle East, the annual ChoirFest Middle East 2014 took place from March 20-22.
The three-day event was launched with a stunning performance from the UK’s The Prince Consort, who performed an intimate evening of Opera on the Beach at Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
With a lively and informal approach, the quintet performed pieces by Schuman, Gershwin and more in a lively and accessible manner. Meanwhile earlier in the day, over 1000 primary and secondary school students from across the UAE gathered for a day of musical education from the group.
The event came to a close on March 22 when six choirs, from a total of 12 entrants went head-to-head for the Choir of the Year title onstage at Dubai College.
Hot on the heels of winners Blue Fever was the American University of Sharjah’s Nassim Al Saba, named the runner-ups.
Meanwhile Voices of Harmony were recognised as the ‘Most Dynamic Choir’ of the competition by Abu Dhabi Classical FM Radio, and Nassim Al Saba were also granted The Patron’s Choice Award.
For more information on ChoirFest Middle East, to see videos and images from this year’s festival, and to find out how to become involved with ChoirFest Middle East 2015, see www.choirfestme.com or follow the event on facebook at www.facebook.com/TheScoreAE
