Multi-talented singer to star in charity gig (From Worcester News)

Multi-talented singer to star in charity gig

1:20pm Monday 3rd November 2008 in News By Bev Abbs

A SINGER, musical arranger and vocal coach whose latest venture is running online singing courses for students and teachers worldwide is taking part in a charity concert in Worcester on Saturday.

Dr Ria Keen, who during the past year has performed with artists including 60s stars Billie Davis, Jet Harris and Bruce Welch, is one of eight singers at the concert in St Mary’s School, Battenhall.

Dr Keen, who has been teaching for 23 years and holds a PhD and a masters degree in contemporary vocals, has coached many students from leading West End musicals, including Miss Saigon, Chicago and Joseph.

Her performances include concert appearances at the London Palladium and Blenheim Palace, and she has toured with Elvis Presley’s legendary backing vocalists The Sweet Inspirations and sung with PJ Proby, Kiki Dee and The Squeeze.

This year Dr Keen launched singing courses online in July and they have attracted students from throughout the world including New Zealand, Norway and Malaysia.

She said: “I am really looking forward to Saturday’s concert. It should be a great night. We have a brilliant programme with songs ranging from Bring Him Home (Les Miserables) to As Long As He Needs Me (Oliver) and River Deep Mountain High.’’ Dr Keen has arranged all of the songs in the concert, the Journey of Love Through Music, and will be singing several numbers as well as joining with the other performers, who include professional singer and her former pupil Steve Maitland, experienced performer and director Kevin Hirons, and musical theatre performer Alison Adams.

Chris Holloway and Lynne Turner, from Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society, and Lydia Bradshaw and David Wilkins, of the society’s youth section, make up the eight singers and there will be numbers from St Mary’s School chamber choir, while classical pianist Lucas Ball will play Rachmaninoff’s Brief Encounter music.

The money raised will go towards St Mary’s School, St Richard’s Hospice, Acorns Children’s Hospice and Worcester Snoezelen.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and there will be a bar and free canapés at the interval.

Tickets at £15 each are available from Elaine Pollock on 01905 357786, or Anne Bradshaw on 01905 358706.