Russell Watson has sold more than seven million albums worldwide, establishing himself as the UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time. “The People’s Tenor”, has performed for many celebrities and tours often around the world.
For tonight’s show, Watson is not alone, he has an accomplished live band and special guests who share the stage with him. It’s more than just one song after another: personal anecdotes are disclosed, jokes are uttered, and there is the expected casual flirting asides. There is even audience participation at one point, as we sing along with Watson. This is a concert performance that has been embellished over time to become smooth and fine-tuned. It is Saturday night feel-good entertainment at it’s very best. Not only that, the concert is relaxing and gives you a chance to unwind. The suspended light bulbs, which constantly fluctuate in light intensity, are utterly exquisite.
The first guest performers are The Musical Village Choir, who perform two songs. While there is a diversity of polished voices in the SATB make up of the choir, their performances are lacking. It feels more like a demonstration of their singing ability, consideration doesn’t seem to be given to the meaning behind the lyrics, and there is no commitment to the movements during the performance. It didn’t really feel like they were singing out to us.
The Manchester Survivors Choir were the next guest performers. A choir made up of children who survived the Manchester Arena Attack. The choir’s story is incredibly poignant and moving, they are simply an inspiration in the world of music. They have grown personally and as singers through the cathartic power of music. Listening to them, you hear their voices are powerful and glowing with passion and joy. The standing ovation they receive is thoroughly deserving.
By far, the pinnacle moment of the night has to be the performance of Coldplay’s Fix You, sung by Watson and The Manchester Survivors Choir. The lyrics take on a whole new meaning given the context, and the performance is overwhelmingly touching. It is a special moment which demonstrates the emotive, transformational, and alleviating power of music.
