August 8, 2014

Paul

Paul

David reflects on Paul's time in the group:

Yet again I'm in the curious position of saying farewell to a colleague who joined the KS during my time in the group. Paul replaced Bob in our line-up 17 years ago, and since then he's been an amazing colleague and friend. Everyone who's heard the group during the last 17 years will be aware of Paul's extraordinary skills as a singer - he's one of the most natural singers I've ever encountered - you only have to listen to his recordings as both a treble and a tenor to realise that he is the most instinctive singer. In the group he has maintained the highest standards of preparation and performance, and he is undoubtedly the best light music lead singer the group has ever had the fortune to have in its ranks.

As Paul has written, he has been supported by Helena, William and. Edward during his KS career, with Ed knowing no different way of life. I had the privilege of being with Paul in Leipzig when he heard that Edward had been born. Whilst it was not ideal for a Dad to be so far away at such a time, I feel a strong connection with Ed as a result. We wish Paul the very best in his new ventures, and especially in his role at Purple Vocals (check out his website/Facebook/Twitter for more details).

It has been fantastic to be able to help Paul celebrate his time in the King's Singers on various occasions during the last few months. Amongst these has been the concert in Paul's local church in Great Gransden, in aid of Sarah's Spirit, a wonderful charity inspired by the life of Sarah Gostick, a friend of Paul and Helena's, who sadly died earlier this year. The concert raised a substantial amount of money towards the first project that Sarah's Spirit will support - the wonderful Watoto Children's Choir. Later this year Paul will be cycling from Cape Wrath, in the north-westernmost corner of Scotland, to Dover, in the south-eastern corner of England, to raise more funds for Sarah's Spirit.

It has also been wonderful that Helena and the boys have been with us at the Schleswig Holstein Music Festival for Paul's last concerts, and also for the Workshop in Lubeck, including an emotional end-of-workshop final concert and party. We wish Paul all the best in his future life, and thank him from the bottom of our hearts for his amazing contribution to the King's Singers over the last seventeen years.