A CHOIR enjoyed a memorable musical opportunity when they stepped on stage to sing with a superstar.

Russell Watson invited the One Voice Choir to perform with him at Weymouth Pavilion as part of his Songs from the Heart tour.

The ensemble performed six songs with the tenor: Phantom of the Opera, Funiculi Funicula, Barcelona, Amore e Musica, Nessun Dorma and You Raise Me Up.

Grazina Ellis of the choir said: "Russell Watson’s personality, humour and wit helped us to relax during our rehearsal with him.

"The opportunity that One Voice was given to sing with him was really exciting.

"It was a good way to build the choir’s confidence by performing with professional musicians in front of such a big audience. To be able to sing in such a large hall as the Weymouth Pavilion, was very special. It was terrific to experience the tremendous atmosphere when the audience greeted their favourite singer!

"Singing in something as large as this gives the feeling of being part of a big production. The choir certainly enjoyed the mood of singing with Russell; the audience and the big space. Russell‘s personality embraced everyone and made them feel special."

Grazina said it was a privilege to work alongside the show’s musical director Ed Rugman.

She said: "He praised us for the hard work that we had done and the sound produced.

"One Voice had three months to prepare for this show as well as our own concert's repertoire and that entailed two, sometimes three rehearsals a week. We certainly raised the bar during our performance. A member of the audience commented to one of our members that we did Weymouth proud.

"It was a very inspiring concert, well organised and memorable in every way."

The choir already has another date booked at Weymouth Pavilion - performing alongside soprano Rebecca Newman on Sunday June 26.

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