A new choir, aimed at encouraging young people under the age of 25 to sing, is to hold its first concert later this year.

Organisers of the Mannin Youth Choir are encouraging potential choristers to turn up for the first rehearsals later this month, prior to singing at the Villa Marina, on Sunday, April 7.

The choir have been invited to join in with the Isle of Man Choral Society’s annual concert and will be accompanied by the Isle of Man Symphony orchestra.

The rehearsals begin on Sunday, January 27, from 10am to 4pm at the King William’s College Music School, with further rehearsals planned for Saturday, February 23 and Sunday March 24.

Mannin Youth Choir co-ordinator Mandy Griffin said that the organisers are excited about taking the choir on stage, following a successful first ’get-together’, which attracted 40 young singers.

’We are absolutely over the moon that the choir have been given this outstanding opportunity to make their public debut,’ said Mandy.

’Singing in a combined choir of over 100, and being accompanied by an orchestra in the Royal Hall is a unique and unforgettable experience and we’re grateful to the IOMSO for their continuing support.

’We understand how busy young people are, and so have kept rehearsals to one day per month, and we would be looking for singers who can commit to at least two of the three rehearsals plus a rehearsal at the Villa on Saturday, April 6.

’I’m certain anyone who does come along will have a truly memorable experience.’

If you are aged in school year 9 and above, and would like to be involved with the Youth Choir, contact Mandy by email to [email protected] or via the Mannin Youth Choir’s Facebook page.