On Saturday 7 November, Lancashire Rock Choir will be spending an intimate evening up close and personal with one of the world’s top tenors, Russell Watson.
Starting with humble beginnings, working twelve hour shifts in a Salford factory, Russell went on to win a radio talent contest. This encouraged him to start his singing career. He began in what are probably the toughest environments for any performer – North West working men’s clubs. Russell has been quoted saying that he never imagined that one day he would be one of the world’s most prominent tenors. To date, he has sold over seven million albums worldwide. There have been nine studio albums, each one claiming greater critical acclaim than the previous one. His first offering ‘the Voice’ actually held simultaneous number 1 slots in both the UK and the US, a world first! It also spent an amazing record breaking 52 weeks at number 1 in the UK!
Russell, who has won four Classical BRITS, is officially the UK’s best-selling classical artist ever. He has performed to some of the world’s greatest figures. The list is endless but includes HM The Queen, the late Pope John Paul II, who actually requested a private audience with Russell at The Vatican, former US President bill Clinton, The Emperor of Japan, European Prime Ministers, Middle Eastern Sultans and The King of Malaysia to name just a few. Russell’s many collaborations include Lucian Pavarotti, Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, Cliff Richard, Lulu, Sarah Brightman, Meatloaf and Mel C to name but a few.
In addition to being a judge on the BBC prime time show ‘Last Choir Standing,’ Russell has always been a strong supporter of unsigned local artists and choirs. ‘Last Choir Standing’ saw around fifty choirs competing each week to become the ‘Last Choir Standing.’ Russell enjoyed being part of the show immensely and as a result, expressed his wishes to have a local choir accompany him on his Up Close & Personal Tour of 53 dates.
“I love being accompanied by choirs and the energy and excitement they bring. I am really looking forward to this tour and feel that a local choir will be the perfect addition to the evening.” – Russell
As a patron of many charities, Russell has raised millions of pounds for The Princess Trust, The Katy Holmes Trust and The Kirsty Club. He has also performed to raise awareness and funds for Soccer Aid 2010, remembrance for the 4th Mechanised Brigade at York Minster, the 2011 “Legends Match” at Celtic Park for Oxfam and the Bob Champion Cancer Trust 2012.
Having overcome two life-threatening brain tumours in recent years, Russell, who is often described as the godfather of crossover, is back in fine voice. This unique opportunity to experience ‘The Voice’ as you have never heard him before should be an unforgettable one.
For more information about Rock Choir please go to www.rockchoir.com
For tickets please call the box office on 01253 794221 or visit www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk
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