“Better than anything else you’ve ever done in your life”: Bradford teen on the life-changing power of Gabrieli Roar

This summer, Rowan will be among 200 teenagers from across the UK taking part in Gabrieli Roar’s annual residential course. The young singers will spend the week training with some of the UK’s finest vocal coaches, culminating in a spectacular performance of Haydn’s The Seasons alongside Gabrieli’s professional musicians at Ely Cathedral on 23rd July.

Gabrieli Roar is run by the internationally renowned classical music ensemble Gabrieli and their Artistic Director, Paul McCreesh. Working in partnership with youth, school and church choirs from across England, Roar gives teenage singers like Rowan the opportunity to sing major works of the choral repertoire alongside professional singers and a large professional orchestra.

Rowan’s love of singing began aged seven, when she joined the Bradford Catholic Youth Choir and she also sings as part of the Diocese of Leeds. She said, “I’ve been singing in a choir since I was a child, but taking part in Roar is a whole new experience. To sing alongside professional musicians, with period instruments and a huge massed choir of young singers, is phenomenal. Each piece that we sing is delightful and challenging in its own way, and I love the cathedrals we get to perform in for the concerts.”

Rowan’s involvement with Roar hasn’t just improved her confidence when it comes to singing - it’s changed her life in a myriad of positive ways. She said: “Roar has challenged my singing skills in ways that I didn’t think were possible. The difference between my abilities at the start in 2022 vs now is huge! It might seem daunting, but once you’re at the residential course and you hear the other young singers and professional musicians singing, it’ll be better than anything else you’ve ever done in your life!

"Some of my fondest memories are at the residential courses and I hold them dear to my heart. I have made friends for life - people who live at opposite ends of the country but who I still speak to every day. The atmosphere is amazing and I look forward to all of the social aspects alongside the singing and workshops. The annual Sports Day and Talent Shows are personal favourites of mine. I look forward to attending every year. It feels like coming home.”

For teachers and choir leaders, being a part of Gabrieli Roar has also been hugely beneficial to their young singers. Lewis Edney, Head of Music at Bishop Wordsworth’s School, has been involved in Roar projects for several years. He said:

“There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by involving your school choirs in Gabrieli Roar. A lot of teachers feel they haven’t got time to teach their choir a massive piece of music - but actually, it’s okay. The students will have a huge amount of time during the residential course to sing alongside Gabrieli’s professional singers and familiarise themselves with the music. The children have an amazing time, there are no audition requirements and there isn’t a lot of additional work for me to make it happen. It’s also great value for money. It really is a no-brainer!”

The full Gabrieli Roar residential course costs under £300 - and to ensure no young singer misses out, generous bursaries and fully funded places are available for those who need financial support.

Gabrieli welcomes enquiries from teachers, school leaders and choir leaders who are interested in getting their choirs involved in Roar.