A Worcester, UK, choir is swapping its usual Cathedral surroundings for the bright lights of the rock arena after being asked to perform alongside global music legend Rick Wakeman.
The Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir will be performing alongside the former Yes keyboard player and more recently ‘Grumpy Old Man’ at his only UK concerts this year.
“The invitation to support Rick’s appearances in Cheltenham came out of the blue but we are delighted to have been asked,” says the choir’s musical director and founder Stephen Shellard.
“We’re all huge fans and are so excited at being able to perform not only some of the pieces that many of us already have in our own music collections, but to do so with the man himself.”
Wakeman, also a regular and popular contributor to BBC radio and TV shows such as Countdown and Just A Minute, will be performing excerpts from some of his biggest solo hits: Journey to the Centre of the Earth, The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and The Six Wives of Henry VIII.
Stephen explained that the invitation to the choir came out of its participation in the recent Worcester and Gloucester Cathedral Mystery Plays joint production.
“Rick’s producer also happened to be involved with the Mystery Plays and he contacted me after hearing us perform the backing music for the Worcester performances last April,” he explained.
“Needless to say it was a huge surprise but we’re very honoured. The choir didn’t hesitate to say yes!”
The concerts are taking place at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse on June 16 and 17. Tickets cost £52. For further information and booking visit www.rickwakemangloucester.com.
- Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir is a mixed voice adult choir, founded in 1998 by Stephen Shellard, to draw together a group of high quality singers from the local area to develop a concert repertoire and further enrich the choral tradition of Worcester Cathedral. www.worcestercathedralchamberchoir.co.uk
