Post by drew on Dec 12, 2008 18:40:12 GMT
Burton Mail
Local lad looks to emotional return
by TIM FLETCHER
A RISING star of the music world from South Derbyshire is returning to his roots for a special Christmas performance.
Castle Gresley-born singer Thomas Spencer-Wortley, a self-proclaimed 'crossover' artist blending influences from classical music and the West End, is returning to Burton for a concert at St Peter's Church, Stapenhill, on Monday, December 22.
The show, entitled Believe at Christmas, will feature hits from Spencer-Wortley's debut album along with festive classics and will be a special occasion for the singer, who has just completed a UK tour.
"It's always an emotional occasion when I come back to Burton - it's my home and whenever I come back it's very special, particularly as I'm away so often," he said.
"I live in London because of the work but it means the world to me having all of that support from people in Burton and South Derbyshire.
"It will be a memorable evening with some classic songs and some Christmas songs, and some fantastic guests. There's something for everyone - everyone will find at least one song which they find special."
Special guests appearing at the concert include vocalists Daisy Chute from Classical Brit Award nominees All Angels and Natalie Hope, who played the part of Gabrielle in the UK stage version of High School Musical.
Northern Irish soprano Mairead Carlin is also taking time out from performing as Snow White in panto in Derry to appear, while a suitably lush backing will be provided by UK string quartet Midnight Strings.
With his debut album set for a more widespread release early next year, classically trained Spencer-Wortley, a former pupil of St Wystan's School, Repton, and Repton Preparatory School, Foremark, is hopeful of reaching greater heights.
He says his UK tour, which finished in Devon this week, has helped to raise his profile.
"It's been fantastic - all the musicians have learned a lot," he said. "At the moment I'm an unknown singer nationally and it's hard to compete with the big stars when no one knows anything about me.
"But from small to large audiences everyone has really enjoyed it and has wanted us to come back. It's about planting seeds around the country and hopefully they will grow into something big."
Tickets for the Burton concert, which starts at 7.30pm, are available by telephoning Burton Tourist Information Centre on 01283 508111. The box office closes for Christmas on December 20 at 4pm.
A limited number of tickets, priced £12 and £10 for concessions, will be available on the door. More information is available online at www.thomasspencerwortley.com
Local lad looks to emotional return
by TIM FLETCHER
A RISING star of the music world from South Derbyshire is returning to his roots for a special Christmas performance.
Castle Gresley-born singer Thomas Spencer-Wortley, a self-proclaimed 'crossover' artist blending influences from classical music and the West End, is returning to Burton for a concert at St Peter's Church, Stapenhill, on Monday, December 22.
The show, entitled Believe at Christmas, will feature hits from Spencer-Wortley's debut album along with festive classics and will be a special occasion for the singer, who has just completed a UK tour.
"It's always an emotional occasion when I come back to Burton - it's my home and whenever I come back it's very special, particularly as I'm away so often," he said.
"I live in London because of the work but it means the world to me having all of that support from people in Burton and South Derbyshire.
"It will be a memorable evening with some classic songs and some Christmas songs, and some fantastic guests. There's something for everyone - everyone will find at least one song which they find special."
Special guests appearing at the concert include vocalists Daisy Chute from Classical Brit Award nominees All Angels and Natalie Hope, who played the part of Gabrielle in the UK stage version of High School Musical.
Northern Irish soprano Mairead Carlin is also taking time out from performing as Snow White in panto in Derry to appear, while a suitably lush backing will be provided by UK string quartet Midnight Strings.
With his debut album set for a more widespread release early next year, classically trained Spencer-Wortley, a former pupil of St Wystan's School, Repton, and Repton Preparatory School, Foremark, is hopeful of reaching greater heights.
He says his UK tour, which finished in Devon this week, has helped to raise his profile.
"It's been fantastic - all the musicians have learned a lot," he said. "At the moment I'm an unknown singer nationally and it's hard to compete with the big stars when no one knows anything about me.
"But from small to large audiences everyone has really enjoyed it and has wanted us to come back. It's about planting seeds around the country and hopefully they will grow into something big."
Tickets for the Burton concert, which starts at 7.30pm, are available by telephoning Burton Tourist Information Centre on 01283 508111. The box office closes for Christmas on December 20 at 4pm.
A limited number of tickets, priced £12 and £10 for concessions, will be available on the door. More information is available online at www.thomasspencerwortley.com
