A sparkling evening of singing at the Isle of Wight Music Festival on 8 th March saw Solent City Chorus take home winners’ trophies in the Male Voice Choir, Barbershop Male Voice Choir and Small Barbershop Group classes. Not only that, but Solent achieved an “Outstanding” mark in every class they entered.

Judge Rosanna Whitfield - a vastly experienced conductor, composer and musical adjudicator – was especially impressed by the guys’ singing in the Male Voice Choir category, where she remarked on how our total commitment drew her in to the soul of “Love Letters”. She also commented on the glorious warmth of the final bars in “A Million Dreams”, in the Barbershop class.

Solent were particularly successful in the Small Barbershop Group class, where two groups drawn from the chorus – and christened the Ferrets and the Polecats for the evening – took first and second places against stiff competition. “A wonderful sound”, “stylish” and “quite magical” were just some of Ms Whitfield’s comments.

A really wonderful evening, with so much talent and musicality on display. Particular thanks go to our great pals from Wight Harmony for hosting the evening. Not only did they share the Barbershop Male Voice Choir first prize with us, but they also just pipped us to trophies in two other classes.