Hosted by Amy Lamé
The gloves are off for this unmissable, fun-fuelled contest where singers and small groups battle it out to be best of the fest in a no-holds-barred, strictly choral sing-off!
Hosted by the much-loved writer, performer and presenter, Amy Lamé, a panel of celebrity judges – X-Factor sensation Chico, Lucio Buffone and Lea DeLaria presides as you the audience vote for your favourite performer selected from our visiting choirs. With support from our on-stage band led by Musical Director, Simon Sharp, watch their video diaries and see them perform live – serious fun guaranteed!
The short-listed contestants for Best In Show are:
Edward Maravila • Kathleen Holman • Joffrey Denning • Thomas John • Die Fetten Koketten Soubretten • Richard Evans
Amy Lamé is a writer, performer, TV and radio presenter and nightclub hostess. The co-founder of the Olivier awarded Duckie club night, Amy presents alongside Danny Baker on their SONY winning BBC London radio show. Her one woman show has toured to sell out audiences across Britain. Amy’s latest project is Pom Pom International, spreading peace and reconciliation through pom pom making.www.pompominternational.com. Amy recently appeared as a contestant on ITV2’s CelebAir.
Lea DeLaria has distinguished herself in every form of entertainment that she touches. The ‘famously controversial’ DeLaria is a major figure in the world of lesbian stand-up comedy, noted for her raunchy persona and inflammatory, irreverent political commentary. Jazz Musician, Broadway Diva, Actor Writer and Stand- Up Comic, it is plain to see why the New York Times describes her as ‘Every inch a star.’
Chico – it’s Chico Time! Chico captured the nation’s attention and heart when he first burst onto our screens on X-Factor. Amazing showmanship, dance routines and vocal performances had us all wanting for more. Since then Chico has been kept very busy – numerous TV appearances including Loose Women, Toonattick and GMTV and received rave reviews for his part in The Teams, Ant versus Dec during the whole series of the brilliant Saturday Night Takeaway. Chico also co-wrote, co- produced and starred in the short film Winner Takes All with his brother JC Mac which received a BAFTA nomination. Most of all though, Chico is a live performer – with a diary full of forthcoming UK performances and an album launch in April 2009 it’s plain to see… the UK is still very much on Chicotime!
Lucio Buffone is the presenter of Capital Radio’s drive-time show (Monday – Friday 4-7pm) and also of the country’s most listened to chart show, Hit 40 UK (Sundays 4 - 7pm) – both of which have audience of over 3 million listeners every week. Before the move to Capital, Lucio presented drive time on London’s 104.9 Xfm, where within a year he had achieved the station’s record audience in that time slot. Prior to Xfm, Lucio presented drive time on Birmingham rock station, Kerrang 105.2 and whilst picked up a Sony Gold for Best Daily Music Show. Obviously Lucio knows a lot about music! His main areas of expertise are Alternative Rock, Indie, Pop and Country music (though he tends not shout about the last one!). Lucio also Djs at clubs (mainly alternative/Indie sets) and has played some of the hottest spots in London and Ibiza.
London Philharmonic Choir, founded in 1947, is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest choirs and consistently meets with great critical acclaim. It has been involved in over 80 recordings and has performed under leading international conductors throughout. The choir also works with many other leading orchestras in the UK and abroad. It has travelled frequently, visiting Europe, Asia and Australia for performances of orchestral works, as well as programmes of chamber choral music conducted by Artistic Director, Neville Creed.
www.lpc.org.uk
New London Children’s Choir offers a unique opportunity for girls and boys aged between 7 and 18 to learn to sing and enjoy all kinds of music. Launched by Ronald Corp in 1991, the Choir has appeared in all the major London concert halls with the UK’s finest symphony orchestras and conductors, has collaborated with opera companies in the UK and abroad, and has made dozens of recordings and broadcasts, including its latest release Pigs Could Fly on Naxos. It has also appeared with internationally renowned artists including Lou Reed with whom the choir toured in 2007 and 2008. 2009 will see New London Children’s Choir members singing with the London Philharmonic Opera, English National Opera, and at St John’s Smith Square.
If you are a Registered delegate only and you want to apply to take part, see our Focus on “Best in show” for more information about the level of commitment involved and then email BestInShow@VariousVoicesLondon.org.uk by 15 March.
