St George’s College Chamber Choir has won a prestigious title after an electrifying performance in front of a 2,000-strong Barbican audience.

It was declared the winner of the senior section of the Barnardo’s Choir of the Year Competition 2012. Just six UK schools were selected to compete in the finals, which took place on Tuesday, March 6, at Europe’s largest enclosed arts centre.

The chamber choir performed two gospel songs, All my trials and Ev’ry time I feel the spirit.

Tansy Castledine, director of music at St George’s, said: “It was such a wonderful experience and an incredible day for the children.

“The opportunity to enjoy the singing from all of the choirs was heart-warming and inspiring, and singing together as a community in support of Barnardo’s at the end of the day was really uplifting.

“I’m thrilled at the choir’s achievements and couldn’t have wished for them to sing any differently on the day; they work incredibly hard at an unrelenting pace throughout term, and thoroughly deserve their win.”

Future projects for the choir include concert tours to Rome and Belgium, a new CD which will be launched in the Autumn, and performing under the Barnardo’s banner at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday, April 23.

The choir has also reached the semi-finals of the 2012 BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year competition which is aired on Sunday, April 22, and judged by Russell Watson, Suzi Digby and David Grant.