Fans sing Russell’s praises

A world-renowned opera singer wowed an audience of hundreds when he performed in Hartlepool.

Tenor Russell Watson delivered a stunning performance to 850 adoring fans at Hartlepool’s Borough Hall on Saturday night.

The much-anticipated concert was staged by Hartlepool Male Voice Choir and chairman Duncan Graham described it as “absolutely brilliant”.

Their celebrity guest, who has sold millions of records worldwide, sang alone and with the 60-strong choir to the Latin number Panis Angelicus and Italian operatic Funaiculi Funicula as well as Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.

Mr Graham said: “He was absolutely charming and what a voice he has got.

“It was an absolutely terrific concert. I’m still on a high after it. He really enjoyed it and he went down a storm.”

The choir performed for half an hour singing hits including Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody and Robbie Williams’ Angels, Amazing Grace and The Wind Beneath My Wings.

Then Russell, who is known as The Voice, performed a 25-minute set in the first half, before returning to the stage later on for another 25 minute stint later in the night.

He also sang an operatic version of O Sole Mio and well-known Arrivederci Roma.

The audience showed their appreciation by joining in to Land of Hope and Glory and Jerusalem.

Mr Graham added: “He got everybody going. He sang Volare and everybody joined in.”

Hartlepool Male Voice Choir staged their first celebrity concert with Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones last year to mark their golden anniversary.

Tickets for this year’s concert sold out in 10 days.

Mr Graham paid thanks to the choir’s musical director, David Gibson, and Mick Waller who actually made an appearance on stage as Dolly when they sang Hello Dolly

Source: Hartlepool Mail