North Somerset choir is singing in New York

A NORTH Somerset choir is jetting off to New York this week to perform at the Manhattan Center.

It will be the first UK choir in history to perform at a prestigious US competition.

The Euphoria Show Choir, based in Backwell, had to raise a staggering £30,000 to make the trip.

The 30-strong choir, which launched in 2010 and features singers aged from 13 to 30, is the first British show choir in history to perform in the National Show Choir Championships of America.

The choir is heading stateside after organisers of the competition talent spotted them on YouTube.

Choir members and their supporters spent the past 18 months frantically fundraising to cover the costs of the trip including holding concerts, auctions and promises, cakes sales and carol singing.

The Glee-themed choir will sing a 30 minute set of songs by British songwriters and bands including Queen, Take That and Olly Murs.

One of the pieces has been especially composed for the show by the choir's musical director Rachel Walker, and features a ballet dance by former-professional ballerina Lisa Gater.

All of the choreography is original and has been devised by directors of dance, Tina Kelly and Emma Mason.

The choir, hailed as 'The UK's Best Show Choir' by many reviewers and fans across the world, has gained a lot of interest both at home and abroad.

A US magazine, which is read by more than 500,000 people, has not only featured an article about the show choir, but also put them on the cover.

Choir members say they are excited but nervous about performing in the US.

Choir spokesman Simon Osman said: "The choir is extremely excited and a little nervous too.

"Euphoria is accustomed to dealing with stage nerves, having performed at the Colston Hall with Britain's Got Talent winners Spellbound on their UK tour, headlining diamond jubilee events across the south west plus a spectacular performance at the Royal Albert Hall last November.

"However, its appearance in New York will be their biggest to date, and the most exciting."

The choir will be on the New York stage on Friday, March 8.