Russell Watson never imagined he would one day be one of the world’s most prominent tenors, selling in excess of seven million albums worldwide. To date there have been nine studio albums, each one winning more critical acclaim than the one before. His first offering, “The Voice”, held simultaneous number one slots in the US and the UK, a world first. It spent a record breaking 52 weeks at number one in the UK!
Russell is officially the UK’s best-selling classical artist ever and has won four Classical BRITS. He has performed for some of the world’s greatest figures including, HM The Queen, the late Pope John Paul II, who requested a private audience with Russell at The Vatican, former US President Bill Clinton, The Emperor of Japan, European Prime Ministers, Middle Eastern Sultans and the King of Malaysia – the list is endless.
Russell’s collaborations include Pavarotti, Lionel Richie, Michael Bolton, Cliff Richard, Lulu, Sarah Brightman, Meatloaf, Mel B and Alexandra Burke, to name but a few.
Russell has always been a strong supporter of unsigned local artists and choirs, especially after being a judge on the BBC prime time show “Last Choir Standing”. The series saw around 60 amateur choirs competing each week to win. Russell enjoyed being part of the show immensely and, as a result, expressed his wishes to have a local choir accompany him on his Up Close and Personal tour.
“I love being accompanied by choirs and the energy and excitement they bring.” said Russell, “I am really looking forward to this tour and feel that a local choir will be the perfect addition to the evening.”
A patron for many charities, Russell has raised millions of pounds for The Prince’s Trust, The Katy Holmes Trust and The Kirsty Club, along with performing to raise awareness and funds for the likes of Soccer Aid 2010, remembrance for the 4th Mechanized Brigade at York Minster (2010), the “Legends Match” at Celtic Park for Oxfam (2011) and the Bob Champion Cancer Trust in 2012.
Overcoming two life-threatening brain tumours, Russell is still very much the godfather of classical crossover, so book now to experience this unique opportunity to hear “The Voice” as you have never heard him before.
An Intimate Evening with Russell Watson, together with The West Sussex Rock Choir, appears at the Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1HQ on Thursday 8th October at 7.30pm. Tickets, from £32.50 – £45.00 are on sale through the Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206 206 or online at www.worthingtheatres.co.uk