THEY are the group who stunned TV audiences when they appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. And now The 100 Voices of Gospel are heading to Blackburn - just one of three UK shows.
Viewers were astonished by the power, harmonies and vibrancy of the group when they reached the finals of the TV talent search but group member Margeaux Lamley believes that the TV appearances only gave us a glimpse of the real show.
“This will be two hours of what you saw on Britain’s Got Talent and so much more,” she said. “It’s not just a choir, it’s not just a concert, this is a show. We sing, we have dancers, we have musicians, we have soloists. When people see us live for the first time they are always amazed.”
The 100 Voices of Gospel is the largest show of its kind in Europe.
“We certainly don’t travel light,” laughed Margeaux. “On stage we will usually have between 75 and 90 singers but then there are the dancers, musicians and lead singers. That doesn’t include all the technicians who will usually travel ahead to set everything up for us.”
Formed 18 years ago in France by Jean- Baptiste Guyon, The 100 Voices of Gospel have become immensely popular in Europe and now, thanks to BGT are establishing themselves in the UK.
“Our goal on going on Britain’s Got Talent was give ourselves exposure in the UK, to make us better known,” said Margeaux.
The show is a veritable Nations of vocalists with more than 25 different countries represented in the line-up.
“We hold auditions every two years and out of maybe 1,500 people maybe 20 spots will be available, The competition is tough,” said Margeaux. “Usually we are looking for sopranos, that’s my group and it’s hard to find them. Gospel soprano singing is very tough, it’s very high.”
Margeaux said that audiences find the show almost impossible to resist.
“What people like about gospel is that it’s got energy and it’s got emotion,” she said. “It’s an emotional connection and I know that the UK is going to appreciate this show.
“We are able to transmit our message through that emotion. Sometimes we are on stage crying as we are spreading messages of love and tolerance and above all hope. These are universal messages that touch all people.”
The show covers all aspects of gospel from its origins in the 1940s to modern gospel songs.
“This is something completely new for most people,” said Margeaux. “This is the largest gospel show in Europe and I think audiences will be shocked.
“There’s one new song with dancers which we’ve introduced that so powerful, when we saw it for the first time we were in shock ourselves.
“We consider ourselves a family with one message and that’s why it is so powerful on stage.”
The 100 Voices of Gospel, King George's Hall, Blackburn, Sunday, April 23. Details from 0844 847 1664 or www.kinggeorgeshall.com
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