8 February 2006: BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year (www.choiroftheyear.co.uk), the UK's largest amateur group singing competition, is looking for the UK's most talented and diverse choirs and singing groups to take part in this years competition.

Singers are being sort that reflect the rich diversity of music making in communities across the UK, from gospel, church and musical theatre to beat box, barbershop and pop.

Over 5,000 singers from across the UK are expected to take part. All will sing to win at seven audition rounds across the country, aiming for a place in the Category and Grand Finals, at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, - broadcast by BBC Radio 3 and BBC FOUR.

New categories are set to broaden the range of choirs and singing groups taking part, while on the spot feedback from judges immediately following performances will add to the drama and excitement of the competition.

Roger Wright, BBC Radio 3 Controller, said: "Choir of the Year is back and we hope more choirs than ever will take part in the competition. We want to hear about vocal groups from all parts of the country singing in all kinds of ways. Choir of Year is a fantastic way for people to come together and be united through the enjoyment of singing. 2006 promises to be the best competition yet."

New Categories And Entry Information:
Choirs from eight to 100 people can apply in four different categories:

1. Open - A new category open to all choirs and singing groups from any musical background. There are no upper or lower age limits in this category and is ideal for singing groups who want to so something different - maybe songs from the shows, songs from the charts or world music - and for choirs who feel they don't fit the other categories.
2. Children's - Majority of singers 14 and under.
3. Youth - Majority of singers 18 and under.
4. Adult - Same or mixed voices.

Competition Dates:
Auditions
First round regional auditions are taking place between February and May:

Warwick, 19 February - Warwick Arts Centre
Manchester, 19 March - Royal Northern College of Music
Cambridge, 2 April - West Road Concert Hall
Basingstoke, 9 April - The Anvil
Edinburgh, 7 May - The Queen's Hall
Cardiff, 14 May - New Theatre
Belfast, 21 May - Methodist College

Category and Grand Final
	Category Finals, 11 and 12 November - Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
	Grand Finals, 10 December - Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.

Entering the Competition: New Choir Of The Year Website
Singing groups and choirs can find out full details of the competition and apply to enter through a new dedicated website, www.choiroftheyear.co.uk

Tickets
Music lovers and singing fans can reserve tickets for the audition rounds by contacting competition organisers, Kallaway Ltd, on 020 7221 7883. Information for tickets for the Category and Grand Finals will be posted on www.choiroftheyear.co.uk during the competition.

END

About BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year
BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year is the UK's largest choral competition with over 5,000 singers taking part in the competition. Choirs and singers interested in learning more about BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year, should log on to www.choiroftheyear.co.uk or contact Rachel Johnson at competition organisers Kallaway, on 020 7221 7883.

Press information
BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year 2006 news, high resolution images and other information can be downloaded from http://www.kallaway.co.uk/2006-choir_of_the_year.htm. Pictures of 2005 semi-finalists and finalists can also be downloaded from this site.

BBC Radio 3
Kate Jones kate.jones.01@bbc.co.uk 029 2032 3649

Kallaway Ltd (BBC Radio 3 Choir of the Year competition management)
Anna Cusden anna.cusden@kallaway.co.uk020 7221 7883
Rachel Johnson rachel.johnson@kallaway.co.uk 020 7221 7883

END OF ALL