Young Performers from Leeds shine on stage with Nadia Eide in two magical Christmas concerts

Specially selected to be a part of Nadia’s nationwide ‘Winter Light’ Christmas tour, the young performers aged six to eighteen took to the stage alongside the star to sing various festive favourites in front of a packed audience of hundreds of people.

The show kicked off with “I Believe in Father Christmas”, and other songs included “Walking in the Air”, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “What Christmas Means to Me”. Highlights also included solo lines in “Electricity” (from Billy Elliot) and an audience singalong of “White Christmas”.

The performance was the culmination of weeks of rehearsals, during which the young performers worked with expert singing teachers to learn harmonies and perfect the songs, as well as produce their own choreography.

Principal Laura Nicholson of PQA Leeds North & Bardsey and PQA Leeds East said: “Being specially selected by Nadia Eide to join her to perform in not one but two of the most stunning of venues in Yorkshire has been a magical and joyful experience for our students and their families. PQA is all about allowing students to be themselves and to shine - and they certainly shone bright across two extraordinary nights.”

One of the young performers from PQA Leeds North and Bardsey, Rosie, age eight, said: “This was the best night ever! I can't believe I got to meet Nadia and to sing with her. I was nervous at first but now I want to do it all again.”

A parent of one of the young performers commented: “This is my son’s first performance with PQA. I didn't know what to expect, but I am blown away by how confident he was - what a truly amazing night.”

Nadia shot to fame after reaching the finals on The Voice in 2021, notably impressing Tom Jones, Olly Murs, Anne-Marie and will.i.am.

The Scandinavian-born singer combines classic opera with musical theatre, crossing over to mainstream media, and has performed at major venues across the UK, including Windsor Castle, London’s O2 arena and Wembley stadium.

The collaboration between Nadia Eide and PQA is part of a series of special performances across the UK involving hundreds of young performers in total. It gives young people the opportunity to experience a professional performance in their local area.

Principal Laura Nicholson, together with her team of professional teachers, is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space where young people can learn the latest techniques in performing arts while being encouraged to be themselves and shine.

Performing arts at PQA isn’t just about singing and dancing - there are also opportunities for young people to explore comedy, story writing, TV and filmmaking, offering a rich variety of creative pathways.

For those interested in booking a free session at PQA Leeds North & Bardsey, visit www.pqacademy.com/academies/leeds-bardsey/.