PUPILS from a Wyre Forest school are singing for joy after being selected to perform with one the world’s leading orchestras.

The children from Abberley Hall School, in Great Witley, have won places with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Children’s Chorus and have performed in Symphony Hall on numerous occasions since.

A total of 14 pupils – aged between nine and 12 – from the school were told they had passed auditions to sing with the prestigious orchestra.

Martin Schellenberg, director of music at the school, said he was thrilled with the news.

He said: “It is wonderful that so many pupils from Abberley have been successful and will now enjoy the privilege of singing with such a renowned and respected orchestra.

“Although they will have to commit quite a lot of time, I feel that this is an incredible and exciting opportunity for the pupils to be trained by top professionals and to sing with one of the leading symphony orchestras of the world.

“Here at Abberley we place a good deal of emphasis on practical musical accomplishments and have an excellent chapel choir and many talented instrumental musicians, some of which gain scholarships to their next schools.

“This links with the CBSO, which has been highly successful for the past four years, only enhances our achievements further.

“It is also the perfect way for young singers to meet different people and make new friends while developing their musical education.”