Classical Relief for Haiti
For the very first time in the classical music world, musicians, tenors, baritones and sopranos from across the country joined forces for a ‘Classical Band Aid' to record and release a classical single on behalf of the people of Haiti.
Some of the UK’s most successful classical artists, including Britain's Got Talent stars, Paul Potts and Faryl Smith, Classical BRIT Awards nominees The Priests, Blake, Rhydian, Only Men Aloud and Camilla Kerslake and Popstar to Operastar winner Darius Campbell came together on Saturday 27 February to record David Foster’s The Prayer (originally performed by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion).
Many of the artists had to break off from other commitments to attend the recording session on Saturday 27 February at a London recording studios. Some flew in from as far a field as Japan at their own expense. Paul Potts caught an early morning train from Wales and The Priests were able to make a short break from their individual parish duties early in the day to record their parts and managed to fly back to Belfast in time for evening mass.
With the collective talent of the stars involved backed by Julian Lloyd Webber, Dame Evelyn Glennie and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a spokesman at the recording session told Classic FM: "Even early on in the session, it was apparent that the single was no ordinary recording. We knew this was going to be something extremely special. The atmosphere during the whole day was amazing and all the artists got on very well together and had a great time."
The track will be available to download from 14th March. All proceeds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee, on behalf of the people of Haiti.
The full list of artists taking part are as follows (in alphabetical order): Aled Jones, All Angels, Blake, Bond, Camilla Kerslake, Charlie Siem, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Darius Campbell, Elysium, Faryl Smith, Gardar Thor Cortez, Julian Lloyd Webber, Julian Smith, Libera, Natasha Marsh, Only Men Aloud, Operababes, Paul Potts, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Rhydian, Sara Kempe, The Priests, Wynne Evans.
