AN ‘OVERJOYED’ student from Rugby School has lifted the winner’s trophy in the 2022 BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition.
Gifted Naomi Simon, 16, whose versatile repertoire includes every genre from rock to choral, was determined to go for the trophy again after making the semi-finals last year.
She beat five other talented choristers in the final on Sunday (December 11), becoming the second female chorister from the school to win the competition in the past six years.
Naomi, who joined the school as a boarder in 2020 on a Music Scholarship from The Minster School in York, said she was happy to have reached the semi-finals last year – but knew she had more to give.
Jubilant Naomi lifted the trophy at the final in The Monastery, Manchester. Picture by Tricia Yourkevich.
“I felt I hadn’t shown all I could do,” she said. “I also changed my piece to ‘Mary Did You Know’ quite late – I really connected with this on an emotional level and it shows there can be different sounds in choral music.
“I was overjoyed just to have the chance to perform my pieces to an audience – that was almost enough. But to win was completely surreal.
“The support I received from school, my family and friends was immense – everyone was there and played a massive part in my success.”
Head of Vocal Studies Matthew Sandy said Naomi was one of the most versatile singers he has coached – and he couldn’t be more proud of her.
He said: “Far from being put off by missing out on the finals last year, Naomi was absolutely determined to have another shot and go for the trophy. We are all very proud of her resilience and dedication – she has an amazing talent.
Director of Music Richard Tanner added: “Naomi is not only a wonderful team player through her contribution to our choirs at Rugby School, but also a stylish solo singer.
“She’s a natural performer who excels in her ability to adapt to a range of genres in her own unique way.”
Aled Jones presented the competition, which was judged by Katherine Jenkins, Howard Goodall and David Grant.
Naomi will now have the opportunity to take part in a range of radio and television programmes during the year for the BBC, sharing her talent with the nation and working with top musicians – starting with a recording session with the BBC Philharmonic on Wednesday (December 14).
Visit https://tinyurl.com/4fa43w6s to watch the competition final on the Songs of Praise website, or https://tinyurl.com/mrj4ptxx to listen to it via BBC Radio 2.
