NZ Baritone Joins The King’s Singers

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NZ Baritone Joins World’s Most Acclaimed Ensemble The King’s Singers

“They are still unmatched for their sheer musicality and ability to entertain.” – The London Times

New Zealand baritone Christopher Bruerton has been appointed as the first ever foreign national member of The King’s Singers.

And in a wonderful twist of fate, his first tour with the Grammy-award winning group brings him home for The King’s Singers first New Zealand concert in 27 years.

The King’s Singers tour Australia and New Zealand in early 2012 with concerts including a performance at Sydney Opera House before they perform one concert only at Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 25 February.

The King’s Singers is the world’s most acclaimed vocal ensemble with a vast repertoire spanning medieval to renaissance, romantic to contemporary, folk and pop. Formed in 1968, The King’s Singers has had only 20 members and has been described by Gramophone Magazine as “enchanting the ear from first to last note”.

Chris Bruerton replaces long-time baritone Philip Lawson who is retiring after 18 years with the ensemble.

“As a Kiwi, it was a privilege to sing with The Kings Singers once, let alone twice at the auditions. When I got the call back I was just stoked to have made it that far.

“I walked back into the room and greeted the guys again, wondering, as I took out my folder of music, what they would be asking me to sing this time. Then they offered me the job and I was astonished! Mum would have been proud as punch and I know she will be looking down on me throughout the journey.”

Following the tour, Chris will find himself performing in some of the worlds most glorious concert halls including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Philharmonie in Berlin.

Half the globe separates the two Christ Churches which have shaped the life of the 27 year-old singer. Chris was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand where he joined the cathedral choir at the age of 10 and soon after, like his inspiration Aled Jones, released recordings of cathedral and Christmas favourites.

Staying with the choir as a Choral Scholar and then a Bass Lay Clerk, he travelled to England in 1999 and a visit to Christ Church in Oxford fuelled his dreams of becoming a professional singer in the UK.

After graduation from The University of Canterbury he held a position as a teacher of music and French at his old school, Burnside High in Christchurch. In 2010 he was invited to Christ Church, Oxford as Bass Lay Clerk.

The King’s Singers perform at Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE on Saturday 25 February. The programme features favourites from the lighter side of the repertoire including early music arrangements of folk songs, spirituals and contemporary pop songs. Tickets for The King’s Singers are now on sale and available from 0800 BUY TICKETS (289 842) or www.buytickets.co.nz

ENDS

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