The search is on to find an army of singers to join a huge community choir that will take centre stage in this year's Royal Norfolk Show.
Showstoppers, a choir of a thousand, is aiming to bring together people in fine voice from across the county, including school and community choirs, for a special performance during the county show's closing ceremony.
Under the leadership of the Norfolk Music Hub and in partnership with The Wharf Academy and Young Norfolk Arts Trust, Showstoppers will perform a specially commissioned piece of music that is being composed by Cheryl Frances-Hoad and will have strong connections to Norfolk and its rural landscape. The words are being written by local librettist Molly Naylor and will focus on the earth, agriculture, and all that Norfolk has to offer.
The Showstoppers choirmaster will be Mark De-Lisser who has been a vocal coash on the BBC1 show The Voice.
'We're absolutely delighted to announce this major music project for Norfolk to take place at this year's Royal Norfolk Show,' said Mark Nicholas, show director.
'Norfolk has a strong history in music making but never before has a project of this scale been attempted by the county, let alone achieved. Showstoppers will be the centre-piece to the show's theme of 'Celebrating the Arts' and the 1,000 strong mass choir will have the prestigious opportunity to perform at the show's closing ceremony in front of thousands of visitors and media.'
It is envisaged two thirds of the Showstoppers choir will be school children and one-third will be members of community choirs.
Alison Corfield, from Norfolk Music Hub, said: 'The staging of this project is a turning point for musical education in Norfolk and will allow us to forge relationships and strengthen partnerships for future sustainability. Showstoppers will provide a unique opportunity for one thousand youngsters and adult singers to come together for an unforgettable experience and will leave a lasting legacy to inspire and inform future events.'
To find out more and to sign up be part of Showstoppers, visit http://norfolkmusic hub.org.uk/showstoppers
Showstoppers is a partnership between Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Norfolk Music Hub, Arts Council England, The Wharf Academy and Young Norfolk Arts Trust.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here