Thursday 12 October 2006
From the label that brought you Il Divo, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand comes the truly amazing Angelis. Defying the expectations of classical music with an emotion and vocal maturity that belies their youth, the group's combined skill forms a sound that is truly traditional with a vibrant, modern streak. Following an exhaustive search that lasted 2 years, the best new choral voices in the UK have come together in a stunning formation. Featuring six remarkable young choristers with six equally striking voices, they release their self-titled debut album on Syco Music/SonyBMG, November 6th.
Hand-selected from around the UK by choral experts, their album lends inspiration from past and present, with interpretations of songs across a range of genres. Together, they have created their LP with one of the world's most successful producers, Steve Mac, whose acclaimed work includes 30 UK Number 1's from artists including Il Divo, Westlife, Mariah Carey and Kelly Clarkson, plus album sales of over 60 million.
Boasting 12-tracks - 11 by Steve Mac - Angelis' debut album offers dynamic harmonies with relentless energy and is delivered with aplomb. Highlights include the beautiful Sarah McLachlan song 'Angel' - which is the album's lead track - plus contemporary versions of classical hymns including 'O Holy Night' and 'Pie Jesu', plus interpretations of Enya's 'May It Be' and Eva Cassidy's 'Over The Rainbow'.
Each accomplished performers in their own right, they hail from choirs that include the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and New London's Children's Choir. Comprising of three boys and three girls, all aged 11-14, Angelis are: Sam Adams Nye, Natalie Grace Chua, Camilla Seale, Moray West, Amy Dow and Joe Martin.
Sam Adams Nye, 14 (Bristol)
After being awarded the impressive BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year 2005 accolade, Sam Adams Nye continues to garner increasing success. An acclaimed soloist in this year's Royal Albert Hall Proms alongside the Scottish Symphony Orchestra, he was described by The Observer as "a true highlight," and appeared on the London Philharmonic's Christmas album. A choral scholar at Bristol's Catherdral school, this exceptionally gifted vocalist has performed in Australia, the U.S.A and across England.
Natalie Grace Chua, 13 (Milton Keynes)
Crowned ABS's Little Miss Universe' in 1999 - the most prestigious child title in the Philippines, ABS being their equivalent of America's NBC network - Natalie was recently presented with the Presidential Achievement Award by the Philippine Embassy, following her tremendous win at the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters competition. Her stage credits include the 2004 London West End production of 'The King & I'.
Camilla Seale, 12 (London)
A premier leading member of New London's Children's Choir and a prodigiously talented flautist, Camilla seemingly endless ability recently led her to perform before HRH the Queen as part of her majesty's birthday celebrations in the Royal Albert Hall. Similarly, she was part of Monteverdi Vespers with Highgate Choral Society and Mahler Symphony 8 - also in the Royal Albert Hall.
Moray West, 11 (Glasgow)
A massively gifted singer and learned jazz pianist, Moray is a performer with impressive experience. A long-standing member of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's Junior Chorus, he has toured extensively across the country with the company. Also a member of the National Boys Chamber Choir and the National Boys Choir of Scotland, Moray has won superlative praise for his stellar performances as a soloist.
Amy Dow, 11 (Cholsey)
A dexterous performer from the age of 5, Amy is a founding member of Wallingford's Chamber Choir and recently toured across Sweden. An active member of two other choirs, she is a remarkable pianist and recently became a Chorister in the diocese at Oxford. Aside from her excellent achievements as a vocalist, her stage credits include 'Oliver!', 'Bugsy Malone' and 'My Fair Lady'. In 2005, she played the lead role in a production of 'Anne of Green Gables'.
Joe Martin, 11 (Preston)
At just 11 years old, Joe Martin is one of the UK's youngest and most advanced vocalists to be awarded the Grade 8 Singing certificate with distinction. A thriving pianist and musician, Joe has won countless trophies and is a prodigy among his peers. Currently studying guitar, he was the lead in a recent production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat'.
The album tracklisting is:
Angel
Pie Jesu
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Silent Night
Pokarekare Ana
Even Though You're Gone
Walking In The Air
Morning Has Broken
May It Be
Cantero
O, Holy Night
Angelis' self-titled debut LP is released on Syco Music/SonyBMG, Nov 6th.
Click here to access press contacts
Click here to purchase Angelis - 'Angelis'
David Jensen Photography:
https://www.davidjensen.co.uk/
