Post by admin on Oct 29, 2006 15:28:44 GMT
I arrived at Westminster Abbey at about 4:30 yesterday afternoon and joined the end of the queue where I found Dave talking to Hayley! I joked with her that she shouldn't have to queue up with the rest of us and, following a brief chat and a short impromptu photoshoot, she disappeared in the side door.
Steve and Stuart were at the front of the queue and and very kindly saved a couple of seats for us in the front row of the unreserved section. Before the competition began, two ladies who run the Aled Jones forum introduced themselves to me. Later, I also met people from ClassicalX. It is so nice to feel a part of this ever-growing "family" of people who promote so many fine artists.
At exactly 5:30, the competition began and we enjoyed two songs each from all eight contenders. Dave and I were comparing our thoughts about who was the best. I was thankful not to be one of the judges! That task was left to Hayley, David Grant (vocal coach), Jonathan Ansell (of G4) and Professor John Harper (Director General, RSCM).
Congratulations to the eventual winners, Emma Whiteley (15) and William Dutton (11), both from Harrowgate.
While the jury retired to consider their verdict, we enjoyed what, for me, was the highlight of the evening, the appearance of All Angels.
They sang four songs in glorious harmony and, for the first time, we heard a few solo lines from each of them. One song in particular convinced me that All Angels are destined for spectacular success when their CD is released in two weeks time.
I knew that 'Salve Regina' was included in the track listing and hoped it would not be too long before I saw them perform it live. I got my wish last night! I have always admired Pachelbel's Canon in D (on which the song is based) but had never heard a good quality vocal version. This arrangement and All Angel's rendition of it was just out of this world. At one point I could not believe that such glorious harmony could be produced by just four voices. I was so totally hypnotized by it that I hadn't realised I wasn't hearing four voices, but three. Still it was one of the loveliest sounds I have ever heard. Then, when I thought it couldn't get any better, Laura's voice came in soaring above the others. Shivers went down my spine continuously for the remainder of the song. I was literally gasping for air to the extent that it was probably audible! And I will admit it, I was fighting back the tears without much success. No wonder they are called All Angels. Last night, I believed it must be true.
I was aware of some favourable comments emanating from people sitting around me which was all very encouraging. At the end of their set, the girls certainly receiving a very enthusiastic response from the entire audience.
Earlier in the afternoon, I had bought a copy of Daisy's solo CD called 'Simply Jazz' which, I am delighted to say, she signed for me shortly after the programme had ended.
Thank you Daisy, Laura, Melanie and Charlotte. You made a thoroughly enjoyable evening truly magical.
Roger
Steve and Stuart were at the front of the queue and and very kindly saved a couple of seats for us in the front row of the unreserved section. Before the competition began, two ladies who run the Aled Jones forum introduced themselves to me. Later, I also met people from ClassicalX. It is so nice to feel a part of this ever-growing "family" of people who promote so many fine artists.
At exactly 5:30, the competition began and we enjoyed two songs each from all eight contenders. Dave and I were comparing our thoughts about who was the best. I was thankful not to be one of the judges! That task was left to Hayley, David Grant (vocal coach), Jonathan Ansell (of G4) and Professor John Harper (Director General, RSCM).
Congratulations to the eventual winners, Emma Whiteley (15) and William Dutton (11), both from Harrowgate.
While the jury retired to consider their verdict, we enjoyed what, for me, was the highlight of the evening, the appearance of All Angels.
They sang four songs in glorious harmony and, for the first time, we heard a few solo lines from each of them. One song in particular convinced me that All Angels are destined for spectacular success when their CD is released in two weeks time.
I knew that 'Salve Regina' was included in the track listing and hoped it would not be too long before I saw them perform it live. I got my wish last night! I have always admired Pachelbel's Canon in D (on which the song is based) but had never heard a good quality vocal version. This arrangement and All Angel's rendition of it was just out of this world. At one point I could not believe that such glorious harmony could be produced by just four voices. I was so totally hypnotized by it that I hadn't realised I wasn't hearing four voices, but three. Still it was one of the loveliest sounds I have ever heard. Then, when I thought it couldn't get any better, Laura's voice came in soaring above the others. Shivers went down my spine continuously for the remainder of the song. I was literally gasping for air to the extent that it was probably audible! And I will admit it, I was fighting back the tears without much success. No wonder they are called All Angels. Last night, I believed it must be true.
I was aware of some favourable comments emanating from people sitting around me which was all very encouraging. At the end of their set, the girls certainly receiving a very enthusiastic response from the entire audience.
Earlier in the afternoon, I had bought a copy of Daisy's solo CD called 'Simply Jazz' which, I am delighted to say, she signed for me shortly after the programme had ended.
Thank you Daisy, Laura, Melanie and Charlotte. You made a thoroughly enjoyable evening truly magical.
Roger
's all together. 
