A chorister whose singing talent was discovered at Dorchester Abbey has won the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition for 2023.
Twelve-year-old Belinda Gifford-Guy took the junior title on Sunday, after her rendition of Little Road to Bethlehem impressed the Songs of Praise judging panel. Belinda, who began her singing career at Dorchester before moving to Wells for a choir scholarship, will return to the abbey for the Nine Lessons and Carols service on 17 December.
Belinda said: “One of my first experiences of singing was in Dorchester Abbey junior choir. I was very young, about five or six. I loved the music we sang, especially at Christmas. I remember how it felt to wear the beautiful red cloak for the first time, it was quite heavy, but I loved it!
“Each year, I used to watch Young Chorister on television and dream of winning. This year I decided to take part. It was an amazing experience, nerve-wracking, exciting and emotional. I made good friends with other choristers, so many of them just like me. Some of the feelings while singing even helped me to feel closer to God. I wasn’t expecting to win at all, but when I did, it was a dream come true. I will never forget it and will always be grateful. I would love to be an opera singer when I’m older and I’m working each day towards my goal.”
Belinda made it through to the final alongside two other singers, following her performance of The Lord Bless You and Keep You in the semi-final. The final decision was made by the panel comprising Laura Wright, Wynne Evans and Ken Burton.
Announcing Belinda as winner, Ken said: “When I say that every single one of you as singers had something unique and something special and has a bright future ahead of you, then we all genuinely believe that. What stood out [about the winner] was the ability to really tell the story, which really endeared us to them.”
The Revd Jane Willis, Rector at Dorchester Abbey, said: “We are completely delighted that Belinda has won the BBC Young Chorister of the Year junior competition, having begun her singing career here at Dorchester Abbey and are so looking forward to welcoming her back here to sing at our Nine lessons and carols.”
Photo by Tricia Yourkevich.