Former WIT student Niall Stafford has been accepted into the World Youth Choir, which is a collection of 100 of the world's best young singers
Former WIT Music School student Niall Stafford, from Waterford city, has been accepted into the prestigious World Youth Choir. The choir is a collection of 100 of the world's best young singers and Niall is the first member of the WIT Choral Programme to join the prestigious group.
We caught up with Niall after the news:
"I was incredibly excited to receive the confirmation e-mail from the World Youth Choir. I had auditioned in 2012 and missed out by one place. I guess I never thought the chance would come around again, particularly as I'm about to turn 26 and the age limit for WYC is 26! The process started off with a live audition in front of a national jury, which went well. This was recorded and then forwarded to an international jury for a long and nervous wait. It all worked out though and I’m so proud to have been selected and to be the sole Irish member.
I've been lucky enough to be afforded many unique and incredible opportunities to perform and travel with my music, but none of it would have been possible without the stellar music education I received at WIT Music School, particularly within the Choral Programme umbrella of choirs for children and teenagers. I started out as a treble in Waterford Boy Singers in 1998, before joining WIT Youth Choir in 2004 as a founding member.
Over the course of a decade or so at WIT Music School, I was privileged to study with a number of inspirational teachers, including Niall Crowley (voice), Marian Ingoldsby (theory) and Geraldine Bennett (piano). Their support and guidance are the reason I am the musician I am today. Currently, I'm based in Vancouver, singing with Vancouver Cantata Singers and Phoenix Chamber Choir, but I can't wait to return to Ireland at the start of July to prep the WYC music, before flying to Frankfurt a week later to meet up with the other chosen singers!"
Niall is currently based in Canada and in addition to a tour with World Youth Choir this summer, he will also undertake international tours with New Dublin Voices and Irish Youth Chamber Choir.
About WIT Music School
WIT Music School has been providing music education to Waterford and its environs for over thirty years. With tuition available in both individual and group classes, combined with award winning choral and orchestral ensembles WIT Music School can offer a music education to suit all ages.
With a highly qualified and motivated staff WIT Music School will endeavour to engage and nurture one’s love of music.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
