Scottish chorus group makes history by placing sixth in the world

A Scottish chorus group has made history by placing sixth in the world – the highest ever placement for a UK chorus.

Edinburgh based Forth Valley Chorus competed in the annual Sweet Adelines International Barbershop competition, held in Louisville, Kentucky, earlier this month.

The group went up against 32 choruses from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the UK.

It was their highest ever placement in the competition, having achieved tenth place in 2019.

For their final package, Forth Valley Chorus, which was formed in 1987, started their stunning set with a rendition of Black Horse and a Cherry Tree, originally written and sung by Scottish artist KT Tunstall. 

Then, they performed the powerful ballad You’ll Never Walk Alone, followed by a medley of Scottish tunes, from Wild Mountain Thyme, the Skye Boat Song, Mairi’s Wedding as well as Suddenly I see, also by KT Tunstall.

With a roaring standing ovation after every song, the competition presenters described the performance as ‘like being transported to the Highlands.’ 

Chorus director, David Sangster, said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled with this result.

‘Only recently, we could never have dreamed of such an outcome. The standard of the contest was exceptional, one of the best ever. 

‘For us to finish as high as sixth place is just amazing.

‘But it’s not just about our placement and scores. What was truly overwhelming was the response of the audience. 

‘The number of people coming up to me, and other members was incredible. 

‘I had people shaking my hand, still red-eyed, telling me about their Scottish ancestry and how our music had warmed their hearts. It was so moving.

‘We have members from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, USA, Canada, Germany, Brazil in the Chorus, but we all make Scotland our home, singing barbershop, jazz, pop and other styles.

‘All our members sing our Scots- flavoured music with pride and joy. 

‘Now we look forward to the next challenge, believing just that little bit more in ourselves and proud to bring our piece of Scotland to the world.’

Read more on Scottish Field’s News pages. 

Plus, don’t miss the December issue of Scottish Field magazine.