LONG BEACH, CALIF., March 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The famed Oxford Christ Church Boys Choir will make a one-time appearance on the Queen Mary, April 1, 2014. The Christ Church Choir, now in its 500th year, is internationally cherished; and like the Queen Mary herself - is undeniably British.
Established in 1526, the Oxford Christ Church Choir (www.chchchoir.org" rel="nofollow">www.chchchoir.org) brings its heavenly voice to the Queen Mary. Led by Choral Conductor Stephen Darlington, the choir will perform classical and liturgical works in keeping with the Lenten season, as well as adventurous renditions of popular songs. The one-hour exclusive program, beginning at 7:00 PM, will serve as an early introduction to Easter.
The Queen Mary is honored to host this prestigious chorale ensemble. To ensure that the choir's artistry is available to all, there will be no charge to attend. However, performance seating in the Queen's Salon is limited to 300. Complimentary admission to the ship will also be provided. Early reservations are recommended. To RSVP please visit www.queenmary.com/oxford" rel="nofollow">www.queenmary.com/oxford.
The Queen Mary seeks to align its marketing and community relations activities with those cultural opportunities which reflect the ship's British heritage and its own stature as an historical icon. The Christ Church Choir itself reflects these same attributes. "Making this wonderful and historic Choir available to school groups, local choirs and all music lovers again demonstrates the Queen Mary's commitment to broadening the public's understanding of British culture, be it in song or the mid-century engineering masterpiece that is our ship," says Julie Guaderrama, Event Marketing Manager for the Queen Mary.
The Queen's Salon is the ship's most elegant public space, replete with precious Art Deco fittings and a permanent stage. Originally serving as the First Class Lounge, the Salon features a "music theme" clearly reflected by the artwork displayed throughout the space. The striking gesso panel "Unicorns in Battle" by Bayes/Oakley dominates the entire Salon - its gold reflection adding luster to any event. "The acoustics, art and thematic history of the Salon can only enhance what we know will be a an emotional and stirring performance by the Christ Church Choir. We look forward to sharing their artistry and historical significance and encourage those interested to reserve early," Ms. Guaderrama concluded.
While many famed soloists, orchestras and other entertainers have graced the Queen Mary's stage this performance by the Christ Church Choir is a first for the ship. The Queen Mary is grateful to Director Stephen Darlington and the choir members for their amazing range, repertoire and for bringing such beautiful British voices to our historic Salon. Here is a chance to hear centuries-old tradition herald the coming of Easter in song; and to cherish the legacy that is Britain and of course her pride - the Queen Mary. The Choir's rare Southern California tour will also include performances in Los Angeles and at Casa Romantica in San Clemente.
DETAILS: The FREE concert will take place at 7:00 PM April 1, 2014. Doors and seating open at 6:00PM. Parking $15. For more information/RSVP visit: www.queenmary.com/oxford" rel="nofollow">www.queenmary.com/oxford.
About the Queen Mary
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary features award-winning restaurants, historical attractions, numerous special event salons and 364 staterooms. Visit www.queenmary.com" rel="nofollow">www.queenmary.com
About the Christ Church Cathedral Choir
Although Christ Church Cathedral Choir is 500 years old, it is justly famous for the youthfulness of its sound and its daring musical programming. Unique as both Cathedral and College choir, the intimate acoustic of its musical home, Oxford's 12th-century Cathedral, has given it a relationship with early sacred music and the rhythm and vigor of contemporary idioms. Led by Choral Conductor Stephen Darlington, there are 12 men and 16 boys in the Choir along with 2 Organists. The Choir has many award-winning recordings and its versatility has given them a strong media profile. They have appeared on all the major TV channels, including Howard Goodall's Bafta award-winning series for Channel Four, hailed as 'one of the finest choirs on Earth'. www.chchchoir.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.chchchoir.org
Media Contact:
Johanna Felix, Freeman McCue Public Relations, j.felix@freemanmccue.com, 860-655-4221