Songs of Praise Big Sing 2012
Sept 10, 2012 22:00:46 GMT
Post by John on Sept 10, 2012 22:00:46 GMT
As I may have told you before (once or twice 
), the Big Sing was what led me into classical crossover music. It was there that I first encountered Hayley Westenra and over the years I have seen many of our profiled artists performing for this annual event in the Royal Albert Hall.
This year was no exception, seeing two artists making their Big Sing debut, although neither of them is a stranger to the Songs of Praise programme.
Two shows were recorded yesterday, the first entitled 'Britain's Big Hymns' is scheduled to be shown on 21st October. This includes Alfie Boe singing 'Be Still My Soul'. Incidentally, this hymn was the first by a guest artist that I ever heard at this event, when Izzy sang it back in 2003. The show also features Jaz Ellington (from 'The Voice') singing 'Angels'.
The second show is due to go out on 30th December, with the theme 'Celebrating 2012'. Laura Wright sang her Diamond Jubilee song 'Stronger as One' for this, and Alfie was back to sing the Elvis Presley number 'If I Can Dream'. Both were powerful performances, if quite different in character.
Aled Jones presented both shows and interviewed all the guest artists, but he did not sing any solos himself this year.
Photography was not allowed, but I managed to get a few shots towards the end of the afternoon rehearsal without being descended upon by the stewards.
), the Big Sing was what led me into classical crossover music. It was there that I first encountered Hayley Westenra and over the years I have seen many of our profiled artists performing for this annual event in the Royal Albert Hall.This year was no exception, seeing two artists making their Big Sing debut, although neither of them is a stranger to the Songs of Praise programme.
Two shows were recorded yesterday, the first entitled 'Britain's Big Hymns' is scheduled to be shown on 21st October. This includes Alfie Boe singing 'Be Still My Soul'. Incidentally, this hymn was the first by a guest artist that I ever heard at this event, when Izzy sang it back in 2003. The show also features Jaz Ellington (from 'The Voice') singing 'Angels'.
The second show is due to go out on 30th December, with the theme 'Celebrating 2012'. Laura Wright sang her Diamond Jubilee song 'Stronger as One' for this, and Alfie was back to sing the Elvis Presley number 'If I Can Dream'. Both were powerful performances, if quite different in character.
Aled Jones presented both shows and interviewed all the guest artists, but he did not sing any solos himself this year.
Photography was not allowed, but I managed to get a few shots towards the end of the afternoon rehearsal without being descended upon by the stewards.