CLASSICAL STARS SING IN AID OF HAITI QUAKE VICTIMS
Previously reported on BlakeOfficial.com
They are Britain’s finest ‘classical crossover’ music stars, gathered together for the first time under one roof. Now they have recorded a single to raise money for those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. The result is a hauntingly beautiful cover version of David Foster’s The Prayer – the first classical charity single.
The 23 artists who donated their services included Aled Jones, boy band Blake, Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts and X Factor runner-up Rhydian Roberts. Also present were female operatic ensembles All Angels and Opera Babes, newcomer Camilla Kerslake, soprano Natasha Marsh and teenage prodigy Faryl Smith. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provided the music.
The atmosphere at the Metropolis Studios in West London was one of organised chaos, the floor of the artists’ waiting room strewn with laptops, song sheets and stray shoes.
In one corner Faryl Smith listened to the piano on her iPhone, matching its notes with her pitch-perfect voice.
In another, Paul Potts and pop star turned West End singer Darius Campbell posed for a picture, while the trio of Irish clergymen The Priests captured the moment excitedly with their iPhones.
For all the camaraderie, their staggering collective talent became clear when they started to sing The Prayer, originally performed in 1999 by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion.
‘We all know each other as the classical circuit is small and it’s been great to catch up with everyone,’ said Natasha Marsh. ‘There was a genuine warmth and integrity between us, it was an honour to be a part of it.’
Eugene O’Hagan from The Priests said they woke up at 6am to catch their flight from Belfast for this weekend’s studio session.
Previously reported on DailyMail.co.uk by Antonia Hoyle on 27th February 2010
