British opera sensation at PIC

One of the most awaited shows during the Valentine season is that of British opera sensation and “The Voice” himself Russell Watson which will be held at the PICC Plenary Hall on Feb. 10.

He will perform in Manila fresh from the success of his latest album, the defining “Amore Musica,” launched in the UK in October 2004. He will be joined by the 60-piece San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and the 40-member San Miguel Master Choir.

Russell Watson’s inspiring rise to musical stardom is one for the books – a factory boy from Manchester, England who crossed over the formidable – from cutting bolts to singing awesome opera pieces before the Pope, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll, US President George Bush and family, and prime ministers and dignitaries from various countries, mesmerizing them with his ethereal, soulful voice.

Expect Russell to sing favorites from his three double-platinum albums “The Voice,” “Encore” and “Reprise” and selections from his latest album “Amore Musica” with soulful and rousing songs like the title carrier “Amore e Musica,” “Gladiotore,” “Alchemist,” “I Believe” and “You Raise Me Up” included in the tracks.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) for the benefit of typhoon victims in Infanta, Quezon and also to raise funds for donation to the worldwide Tsunami Rehabilitation Program.

Russell Watson is among the first European artists to answer the call for relief aid in the recent Asian tsunami tragedy. Together with UK artists Sir Cliff Richard, Boy George, Ronan Keating and others, he agreed to record a charity song for the tsunami victims titled “Grief Never Grows Old,” in an effort to generate at least £2 million for the relief fund.

Russell was working as a bolt–cutter in a Manchester factory until tough times prodded him to get a second job as singer in a working men’s club, belting songs by Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, and soon included in his set classical pieces like Puccini’s Nessum Dorma.

With his amazing voice, he pulled a crowd of regulars in the club, including the team manager for UK’s mega soccer team Manchester United who invited Russell to sing before games at the Old Trafford sports venue. From the Rugby Union World Cup to the European Cup Final, Russel Watson soon became known as “The Voice of Sports.” A recording contract followed and the rest, as they say, is history.

Russell’s debut album “The Voice” made British classical history, earning double platinum status and broke all chart records when it hit the No. 1 spot in the UK Classical Charts for 52 weeks, an unprecedented feat in any genre including pop, classical and country music.

Russell Watson was also the first British male singer to take the No. 1 spot in the both UK and US classical charts simultaneously. Some of his numerous awards include “Album of the Year,” “Best Selling Classical Album” and “Special Achievement Award” in the UK.

The Russell Watson concert is presented by Smart Infinity, Rado of Switzerland, Phil. Tatler, 92.3 Joey and Jaguar as official vehicle.

Tickets are available at Ticketworld outlets.

© mb.com