U.K. choral sensation, Men Aloud, makes U.S. television debut

The award-winning, best-selling U.K. singing ensemble Men Aloud is about to take America by storm with its first performance special, Men Aloud – Live From Wales. Men Aloud’s big sound and high-energy choreography have captivated international audiences ever since the group’s triumphant win as Britain’s best choir in the BBC’s hit competition/reality series Last Choir Standing. But make no mistake; Men Aloud is not your typical choir. The 20 young singers are introducing audiences to the centuries-old, men-only Welsh choir tradition with their rousing repertoire of traditional and classic pop hits, from Broadway to Tom Jones.

Filmed November 2009 at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Men Aloud – Live From Wales features special guest performances by opera star Bryn Terfel (Great Performances), musical theatre actor John Owen-Jones (Les Misérables) and pop icon Bonnie Tyler. Lush arrangements include “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “MacArthur Park,” “All By Myself,” and selections from popular musicals including Guys and Dolls, Miss Saigon and Porgy and Bess.

Men Aloud was formed in 2000 by Music Director Tim Rhys-Evans, National Choir Master to National Youth Choirs of Wales and Great Britain, to encourage younger men to get involved with the beloved Welsh tradition of male voice singing. Appearing regularly on radio and television and topping the U.K. classical charts, Men Aloud is now a bona fide sensation throughout Europe. The group has recorded two albums, each of which is certified Gold in the U.K., and their second album, Band of Brothers, won this year’s Classical Brit Album of the Year Award. With Men Aloud – Live From Wales they are poised for U.S. stardom.

Song List
“O Verona”

“It Ain’t Necessarily So” (from Porgy and Bess) featuring Bryn Terfel

“Don’t Rain on My Parade” (from Funny Girl)

Tom Jones Medley: “It’s Not Unusual,” “Green, Green Grass of Home” and “Delilah”
“MacArthur Park”
“Bridge Over Troubled Water”
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” featuring Bonnie Tyler

“All By Myself”

“Bui Doi” (from Miss Saigon) featuring John Owen-Jones

“Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat” (from Guys and Dolls)

“The Rhythm of Life” (from Sweet Charity)

A co-production of the BBC and International Media. Executive Producer: Gustavo Sagastume. A presentation of WLIW21 in association with WNET.ORG.