Russell tops the bill at...
RUSSELL Watson has sold more than seven million albums, sung in many languages and in front of dozens of famous people during his career.
But he admits to being “very nervous” about singing a carol in Welsh.
The tenor will head the line-up at this year’s Daily Post carol concert at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.
He joins Colwyn Bay mezzo-soprano Sioned Gwen Davies, Only Boys Aloud and Band Jazz Tryfan for the concert at Venue Cymru on December 18 from 7pm.
Proceeds from this event go to help children with life limiting conditions and their families at Ty Gobaith childrens’ hospice.
He said this week: “Silent Night is one of the most famous carols of all time and one I enjoy singing but I’ve never sung it in Welsh before and ahead of the concert I feel a combination of excitement and nervousness. “I’m working hard to get it just right.” During the concert Russell will sing three songs in all with Gounod’s Ave Mari being a favourite of his.
He’ll also sing Do you hear what I hear, a song made famous by Johnny Mathis.
It won’t be the first time Russell will have sung in Welsh however.
On a recent UK tour he told a Welsh audience he would sing in Welsh on his next visit.
A few days before a return concert he became aware of reminders about his promise on social media.
“I learned Calon Lan, the well known hymn, and it went down really well,” he said.
Russell has scooped four classical Brit Awards and is the UK’s biggest selling classical artist in history and his working-class roots - his mother worked in Woolworths and his father was a welder - have won him the label The People’s Tenor.
His latest album, True Stories, was released last month.
Russell has sung for John Paul II, The Queen, US presidents Bill Clinton, George W Bush and countless other world leaders.
Tickets can only be purchased through the Daily Post by calling 01492 574472 Monday - Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm. Tickets are £12 and £10 for concessions.