Solent students compete on BBC2 music series
Six students, one passion.
Talented student vocalists from Southampton Solent University are set to appear in Gareth Malone’s new TV show, The Naked Choir, which airs on BBC Two at 9pm on Tuesday 22 September 2015.
The a cappella group, Restless Symphony, who only got together earlier this year, were picked to appear on the programme from video competition entries from hundreds of vocal groups from all over the UK.
Esther says: “When I saw an advert for the series and encouraged the group to audition they had only gigged together once. To create a successful career in the music industry I believe that you need to be an opportunist and sometimes take a blind leap of faith; thankfully it has paid off this time and here we are!”
With a passion for music from classical to pop, five of the six group members are studying on the BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance course at Solent.
Siobhan says: “We’re six strangers from different countries, different backgrounds and different cultures but our love for music and crazy personalities unites us as group that work to create magic on stage.”
The Naked Choir, so called because all musical instruments have been stripped away, includes songs varying from doo-wop to hip-hop, through gospel to barbershop with material ranging from Elvis to Little Mix.
During their performances Restless Symphony were inspired by their shared love of a cappella groups including Pentatonix, Naturally 7 and Third Story.
“The discipline of a cappella singing requires an immense amount of vocal talent and technical skill and it is through sheer hard work, dedication, focus and determination that the group were successful in being selected for the show, putting them in the top eight a cappella groups in the UK,” Esther says.
“I am immensely proud of them all with what they have achieved so far and look forward to continuing to watch them grow and develop as a successful vocal group” she continues.
Talking about the theme behind the show, Ioana says: “A cappella gives you the power to give 100% of what you’ve got, it’s just you and your voice, nothing else. It’s unbelievable what can you create with only human voices; it’s fresh and once you start it becomes addictive.”
Follow Restless Symphony’s journey on Facebook or Twitter and read about the real stories behind the group on Southampton Solent’s blog: official.blog.solent.ac.uk.
The Naked Choir broadcasts at 9pm on 22 September on BBC Two. Watch a trailer.