A chorister from Dorchester Abbey has won the BBC’s Young Chorister of the Year competition.
Fifteen-year-old Al Mucklow, from Oxford, took the senior title announced during the final on Sunday. Naming him as the winner, judge Gareth Malone said Al had “been blessed with a lovely voice”.
Al chose John Rutter’s Gaelic Blessing to sing in the final, Al said choosing it was a 'no-brainer', and described it as 'music which makes one feel warm inside'.
He added: “It feels so surreal to have won Young Chorister of the Year. I am very grateful for all the support – and excited about what comes next, and for the part music will continue to play in my future.”
Al began singing at Dorchester Abbey, taking part in a weekly singing club for small children and became a chorister at Magdalen College in Oxford aged seven. Now he sings regularly at Dorchester, taking part in evensong services and other special occasions.
Bishop Gavin said: “Having recently heard Al sing as lead Cantor in a choral evensong service at Dorchester Abbey, I am thrilled that he has achieved this very well-deserved national recognition. Al sings with a clarity and confidence that is truly impressive, and that greatly enhances the worship that he is helping to enable.”
The Revd Jane Willis, Rector at the Abbey, said they were now looking forward to Christmas when Al would be singing a solo during their carol service, alongside another former Young Chorister of the Year, Belinda Gifford-Guy.
She added: “This is fantastic news, massive congratulations to Will. I know all of us at Dorchester Abbey are over the moon for him and just so pleased to have him in our choir. We are totally delighted both he and Belinda will be singing in our carol service this Christmas.”
Watch Magdalen College School's film about Al.