Military Wives Choir launch album in Princesshay

The Military Wives Choir wowed shoppers when they performed in Princesshay to celebrate the launch of their second album, Stronger Together.

Twenty-eight of the wives spent the day being pampered by Princesshay retailers before the album signing and performance, on Monday (November 5).

Some wives had their hair cut and styled at SAKS hair salon, others had hand pampering at Molton Brown and others had relaxation treatments at The Cove. And then there were the makeovers at various beauty counters in Debenhams for some of the wives to enjoy.

They started the day with coffee at Coffee#1 and were treated to a sumptuous lunch at Nando’s.

As for the album launch, shoppers were treated to an acoustic performance from the choir and could then have their albums signed by members of the choir.

Sam Abrahams, conductor, said: “We had a wonderful crowd. They loved the music and several people came up to talk to me afterwards and say how it had moved them. One lady said that her son is going away with the Navy soon; another said that she cried the last time that she heard the choir and she cried again today because it was very emotional for her.”

Laura Howard, one of the soloists, said: “I am so happy to be here to do a gig locally. We have done concerts nationally but it is lovely to perform in your home town.”

Formed by Gareth Malone, the Military Wives Choir originally featured on the fourth series of BBC2’s: The Choir. Music and singing was thought to help the women through difficult times of worry and separation while their husbands were deployed to Afghanistan.

Their first single, “Wherever you are” became the fastest selling single in six years, and captured the enviable Christmas number 1 spot. Originally, the choir was built up of local military bases in Devon, and has recently nationally expanded since its rapid success.

 Initially formed in the South West, the wives will headline at the anticipated Christmas light switch on at Princesshay shopping centre on Thursday November 22nd.

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