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School of Music

Students sing live at Big Weekend with Florence and the Machine!

Florence and the MachineA choir from Bangor University had a starring role at the Radio 1 Big Weekend on Saturday accompanying Florence and the Machine on stage for their headlining set.

The 50-strong ‘Bangor University Singers’ was formed especially for the event from a coalition of the University’s Chamber Choir, Early Music Bangor Vocal Ensemble, and Bangor University Opera, alongside auditioned members of the University's other choirs. 

Dr Chris Collins the University’s Director of Music was first approached about the project by the BBC in March, but was given strict orders to keep the collaboration under wraps until the Big Weekend.

Dr Collins said, “It was really hard keeping the secret for so long. Three weeks ago I told the students they’d be performing, and at first they didn’t believe me. Even then I couldn’t say who they were backing.

“We began rehearsals ten days ago, leading up to two days of rehearsals on site with Florence’s drummer Chris and her lead backing singer T Jae, who co-directed the choir with me.”

The choir opened Florence’s set with a medley of her greatest hits and backed her live for four songs, ‘Dog Days’, ‘Halo’, ‘Cosmic Love’ and ‘You’ve Got the Love’, which also featured a surprise guest appearance by Dizzee Rascal. Amongst the 20,000 crowd were Prince William and Kate Middleton, who were watching the performance just inches away from the choir.

Bangor University SingersDr Collins was astounded by the reaction. “Everyone was so complimentary, including Florence.”

Second-year singing student Chloe Johnson, who spoke to Florence backstage, said “It was such a thrill. Her music is so uplifting and positive, and being able to share it with her was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

First-year student Rob King thought it was probably the best experience of his life. He said, “I’ve never had such an adrenaline rush as when performing on stage with Florence and I'm extremely proud of being part of it.”

As a thank you for performing on the Saturday, the whole choir were given VIP tickets to the Big Weekend on the Sunday. Third-year music student Louise Leedell said, “It has been a completely awesome weekend. Backing Florence and the Machine was fabulous, and being able to hang out with the stars in the VIP sections really was the icing on the cake!”

For more coverage of Big Weekend events at Bangor University, click here.

25.05.2010