It would appear that this competition now does not merit any TV presence at all. The Grand Final is tonight on R3, and apparently section finalists have been 'featured' on The Choir. Meanwhile on BBC2 Gareth Malone's Best in Britain Grand Final is also being aired. I have nothing against GM, but find it a pretty dispiriting state of affairs when his high profile, entertaining and successful efforts to get the population singing don't seem to be matched by the Beeb's commitment to showing off the best singing groups in the country in a competition that only happens every second year for crying out loud - so not exactly hogging the airtime.
What warped mindset considers it OK to parade talentless wannabes week after week in tacky superficial shows but can't get it together to give even a smidgeon of exposure to hard work, dedication and genuine talent? It's not even as if the elitist R3 repertoire card can be played, since a great deal of what is sung is accessible, engaging, possibly already familiar to many. And what a missed opportunity to get 'classical music' (and vocal alternatives to the unrelenting and limited pop offerings) to a wider audience - all the relatives and friends of the participants, especially the children's and youth sections.
What warped mindset considers it OK to parade talentless wannabes week after week in tacky superficial shows but can't get it together to give even a smidgeon of exposure to hard work, dedication and genuine talent? It's not even as if the elitist R3 repertoire card can be played, since a great deal of what is sung is accessible, engaging, possibly already familiar to many. And what a missed opportunity to get 'classical music' (and vocal alternatives to the unrelenting and limited pop offerings) to a wider audience - all the relatives and friends of the participants, especially the children's and youth sections.
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