The mother of Martyn Hett has praised the Kerslake review into May’s Arena attack for giving a voice to families of those killed - as she calls for a handbook to be created for those affected by any future atrocities. Figen Murray was one of many relatives to contribute to the report, which looks at the strengths and weaknesses of how the bombing was handled. She believes the result is ‘balanced’, although nothing in it came as a surprise. However she is particularly keen to see one of the ideas mentioned within it - a booklet for families suddenly hit by the horror of a terror attack - taken up and put into practice. “Ideally what would be great is if there was, in future, a handbook,” she said. “That would be good. We were thrown into this situation completely out of the blue and it’s completely overwhelming. We felt at a loss and confused, everything in chaos. “So to have a booklet saying ‘this is who you need to phone’, … [Read more...] about Martyn Hett’s mum says Kerslake Report ‘gives voice to families’
Voices
James Arthur’s ‘best mate’ makes it to The Voice live shows
The best pal of former X Factor winner James Arthur has made it to The Voice semi-finals. Jamie Grey's rendition of George Michael's Faith saw him qualify for the last eight as coach Olly Murs chose him as one of his two acts. Saturday night's show - airing early after Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway was cancelled - saw the knockout rounds come to a close ahead of next weekend's semi-finals. Opera duo Belle Voci were put through by Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones opted to save 18-year-old singer Ruti and Will.i.am kept Donel Mangena. Along with Grey, they join the four acts put through last Saturday in next week's semis which hands voting control over to the viewers. Earlier, X Factor 2012 champ Arthur had backed Grey, writing on Twitter : "My best mate @JamieGreyMusic is performing on @thevoiceuk tonight in the knockouts! Tune in to ITV at 7pm and prepare to be blown away." Viewers on social media backed Murs' decision to save Grey after he offered an intriguing twist on … [Read more...] about James Arthur’s ‘best mate’ makes it to The Voice live shows
Powerful voices to join forces to celebrate magic of the musicals
0 Have your say Two powerhouse voices from musical theatre have combined to celebrate some of the greatest songs performed. READ MORE: Entertainment news Between them, Michael Storrs and Richard Colvin have performed in famous productions such as Les Miserables, The hired Man and Hamlet.For the last five years, they have been wowing audiences throughout the world as the Opera Boys with their unique show combining beautiful, powerful and emotional music with funny, engaging and light-hearted entertainment. The aim is to make opera accessible to the masses and they will be bringing the show to the Lowther on May 18.The Opera Boys combine classically trained voices with their experience, showmanship and personality to deliver a show, which they say is not to be missed!They trained at some of the UK’s finest schools including The Royal Academy of Music, and have each become highly successful performers in their own right. Between them, they have performed lead roles on … [Read more...] about Powerful voices to join forces to celebrate magic of the musicals
Male Voice Choir hits another high note
The annual Seven Towers Male Voice Choir concerts on March 23 and 24 drew capacity crowds to the Braid on both nights. Each year, the event raises funds for a local charity and this year Diabetes UK Northern Ireland was the chosen beneficiary.Guest artists for the 2018 performances were Mezzo Soprano Clover Watts, who hails from Jamaica, and local young flautist, Jake Houston. Clover treated audiences to a diverse repertoire accompanied by Sam Murray while flautist Jake Houston, a pupil at Cambridge House Grammar School performed a range of classical and popular pieces, accompanied by Gail Evans. Topping the bill, the male voice choir performed a wide repertoire including traditional airs and songs from stage and screen. Controlled renditions of ‘When I survey’ contrasted with the exuberance of ‘Is this the way to Amarillo?’ They rounded off the show with a trio of classics - ‘Can you feel the love tonight’, ‘Those magnificent men in their … [Read more...] about Male Voice Choir hits another high note
Chester’s Belle Voci gear up for The Voice semi-final
Chester operatic duo Belle Voci say they are 'possibly the most nervous we've ever been' as the first ever live episode of The Voice approaches this weekend. The classical pair who left their mentor Jennifer Hudson speechless with their first performance have been wowing viewers of the ITV talent show with their stunning acappella vocals for the past few months. And now, three years after Sophie Rohan who lives in Upton and Emily Burnette from Shocklach first met when they were both working at The Yew Tree Inn in Bunbury, they are preparing to win over the public in the show's live semi-final. Speaking to The Chronicle, the 26-year-olds described their journey on The Voice as 'the most incredible experience' but revealed that it actually happened by accident. "Emily applied for The Voice by accident!" said Sophie. "She saw an advert saying that ITV were looking for singers and assumed it was for a Christmas party. The rest is history! "We never quite expected to get a chair turn in the … [Read more...] about Chester’s Belle Voci gear up for The Voice semi-final