Conductor Janet Bran in front of the members of Les Chansonelles who claimed silver medals at the World Choir Games. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0606241)

LES CHANSONELLES are coming home with a silver medal after competing in the World Choir Games.  The ladies competed in two rounds of popular and sacred music in the choral equivalent of the Olympic Games in Graz, Austria.

The group is the only choir from the Channel Islands ever to have competed in the event. Out of 47 groups in the popular music section, the ladies’ choir was placed 11th and will hold this ranking throughout the world. Spokeswoman and choir member Fiona Malley said: ‘It’s a very special achievement for such a small choir to get this far.’

After singing its way to a gold diploma in popular music, the choir went through to the next stage, where it won silver.  ‘It’s phenomenal, as the competition is so massive. We certainly enjoyed ourselves,’ said Miss Malley.

There are 16 voices in Les Chansonelles and the women travelled to different performance venues throughout the week.