RNCM Gospel Choir 08/03/2024
Following on from their roaring success supporting the RNCM Session Orchestra, the RNCM Gospel Choir return to the stage this spring for their very first solo show.
Led by renowned vocalist and RNCM Creative Multi-Specialist Wayne Ellington, they bring to life music by renowned artists like JP Cooper, Aretha Franklin, Mary Mary, Sunday Service Choir and more. Enjoy a powerful music experience filled with vibrant energy and heartfelt melodies that only a night of Gospel music can deliver.
We also welcome an incredible line-up of female artists ahead of the main event.
At 7pm
Gey Teal Girls’ Choir
Gey Teal Girls’ Choir was founded in 2023 by Daniel Lik-Chi Lau and the group is made up of classically trained singers and music enthusiasts from North West England with roots in Hong Kong. They’re committed to commissioning new works and bringing music, culture, and language lovers together through their artistry.
Eden Haya Walters
Embarking on her journey as a singer at a very young age, Eden’s musical influences include renowned figures such as Brandy, Kim Burrell, and other notable artists within the genres of Gospel and R&B.
Nyah Grace
Inspired by artists as diverse as Billie Holiday and D’Angelo, Nyah is gaining a following for mesmerising live performances and original material. Her voice has been described as ‘compelling’, ‘rich’, and ‘evocative’.
Shuhan Dong
Originally from China, Shuhan released her solo EP, I’m Shuhan, in 2022. She is signed to Warner Music and ranked in the Top 4 Voice of China competition.
At 8pm
RNCM Gospel Choir
Wayne Ellington director
Biography
Wayne Ellington - director
“Elegant, soulful, powerful…” the words of Will.I.am as he described Wayne’s rendition of ‘The Man in the Mirror’, most famously performed of course, by Michael Jackson.
Praise and recognition on the Voice UK 2018 might have introduced Wayne as a contemporary artist with a universal appeal, but it certainly doesn’t do enough to define him. Wayne’s voice is emotive and motivational, powerful and poignant. Behind the beautifully seasoned tones of his voice though, stands a humble and modest, yet quietly confident man, with a burning passion for music and song that stretches throughout the wonderful city of Manchester and reaches the grateful ears of the world.
Having founded the internationally acclaimed gospel choir ‘Manchester Inspirational Voices’ in 2006, Wayne has touched the lives of hundreds of Mancunians, who have joined, rehearsed and performed under his dedicated leadership and master class orchestration.
Capturing hearts and captivating minds.
From humble beginnings, singing his heart out every weekend in church as a child, Wayne has followed the road his voice has forged for him, the road that he was always supposed to take. He attended Brunel University, studying a BMus in Music and Art, where he was awarded with the prestigious Sheridan Instrumental Prize for Outstanding Singing and Musicianship along the way.
The road has led him to some beautiful places around the world and allowed him to meet some incredible people too. Wayne has performed alongside Brit Pop idols Blur and has taken to the stage in front of millions of worshippers in Krakow, with Pope St John Paul II amongst the esteemed attendees. As part of the Kingdom Choir, Wayne helped to create a musical landscape that will be remembered for decades, whilst performing at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Whether he is in front of his beloved choir, or performing his masterful renditions of Nat King Cole, Wayne gives it everything. His passion and love. His heart and soul.
Personnel
RNCM Gospel Choir
CHOIR DIRECTOR
Wayne Ellington
Assistant Choir Directors
Brennan Alleyne
Daisy Cameron
Owen Edwards
SOPRANOS
Mhairi Hamilton
Carys Holden
Keara Koterwas
Rebecca Lane
May Payne
Charlotte Naylor
Efia Rodway-Tumi
Em Townsend
ALTOS
Nyah Branch
Verona-India Braich
Daisy Cameron
Georgina Clarke
Shuhan Dong
Midia Kalou
Marleen Mihkelsoo
Nina Pinto
Eden-Haya Walters
TENORS
Brennan Alleyne
Owen Edwards
Finnbar Flood
Scott Hughes-Lewis
Alex Bradford
BASS
Will Gilbert
Stian Jebsen
Bart Zegamé
LEAD VOCALS – in order of appearance:
Brennan Alleyne
Owen Edwards
Daisy Cameron
Mhairi Hamilton & Bart Zegamé
Nina Pinto
Midia Kalou, Shuhan Dong, Charlotte Naylor & Stian Jebsen
Scott Hughes-Lewis
Nyah Branch & Eden-Haya Walters
Verona-India Braich
Carys Holden
Band
Musical Director & Piano – Fraser Rowe
Drums – Sachin Patel
Bass Guitar – Daniel Orchard
Electric Guitar – Luke Pudney
Keyboard – Connor O’Hara
Strings
Violins – Ellie Marks & Elana Kenyon-Gewirtz
Viola – Jeanette Szeto
Cello – Ruaraidh Williams
Horns
Trumpet – Thomas Brooke
Trombone – Nathan Joseph
Saxophones – Tessa Pike & Molly Woodvine
Arrangers
Vocal Arrangements:
Wayne Ellington
Brennan Alleyne
Daisy Cameron
Owen Edwards
Strings Arrangements:
Fraser Rowe
Phoenix Rousiamanis
Jeannette Szeto
Horn Arrangements:
Jamie Sharpe
Joseph Thomas
