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Durham student A Cappella group ranked third in the world

2 May 2025
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The sky’s the limit as reigning UK champions Northern Lights A Cappella place third at the world finals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella in America.

There is no stopping our Northern Lights A Cappella vocal group. They recently returned to the UK after a triumphant performance at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (the ICCA) finals on Broadway, NYC. The 15-strong ensemble were the only UK representatives in the finals and faced competition from nine other top A Cappella groups from across Canada and the USA. 

This is the first time a mixed UK A Cappella group has ever placed on the podium at these internationally recognised awards.  

The group were praised for their tight vocals and impressive choreography. Their set, which was arranged entirely in-house by the group’s Musical Director, Aman Krishna, included performances of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Dream On’ by Aerosmith, ‘Golden Slumbers’ by the Beatles, and an electric closer with ‘Night Fever’ by the Bee Gees.

University student
To place amongst such a high competition standard is an absolute honour and is a result of knowledge passed down through 12 hard working and talented generations of Northern Lights. We have made history for the university as the first mixed voices group to ever podium from the UK and the experience is one I will never forget!
Lucille Richards
Northern Lights Publicity Officer

From the North East of England to the world 

Multi-award winning Northern Lights A Cappella is in its 12th year as a student-led, North East of England based mixed vocal ensemble. Fourteen singers and a beatboxer perform a wide range of genres from mainstream pop to musical theatre ballads, weaving their unique musical arrangements and choreography into each song. Their singing takes them around the world, from headlining sell-out shows at Durham’s Gala Theatre, to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, and New York. 

University student
Northern Lights’ success on national and international stages is an extraordinary achievement. To see them not only repeat, but build on these each year amidst the change brought by the academic cycles is incredible, and testament to their hard work, drive and determination. Each member balances their busy extra-curricular schedule with academic and potentially also College commitments, making their success in New York even more laudable.
Nicola Candlish
Senior Manager, Performing Arts

Alumni support 

The group arrange all their own music in close collaboration with previous alumni generations, many of whom provide regular mentorship and support their performances in the UK and the USA.  

University student
I just want to say a huge thank you to all of [our alumni]. Northern Lights would not have got to this place had it not been for all of you fantastic alumni, and we are beyond grateful. Thank you so much for all of your support always, and we hope we have done you all proud!
Joe Butler-Smith
Northern Lights President

Watch the group's ICCA 2025 set:

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