AN Altrincham based mixed choir is to sing with Russell Watson at a concert at the Bridgewater Hall, tomorrow, Friday, April 15

Louise Johnston, 40, has, for six years, jointly run a group of  four North West choirs, Simply Singing with colleague Alice Wrigley.   Both are trained musicians and soloists in their own right.

Their Altrincham Choir, Simply Voices, were thrilled when Russell Watson’s promoter invited them to join the famous singer in the concert.

“We are very excited, said Louise.  “Russell is interested in local choirs and on every tour he invites one to join him.  We have only had six weeks to rehearse.”

They will be accompanying him in Nessum Dorma, a medley from Phantom of the Opera, Funiculi Funicula. and others.

Louise said:  “The choir usually sing popular music”

She thought the 40-strong performers who meet at Altrincham Prep School for Boys on Thursdays from 6.30 – 8.30, were doing well.

In October, they surprised visitors to Manchester Central Library by suddenly bursting into song.

“It was great fun,” said Louise.

Simply Voices is a fun choir.   Last year they won the trophy for supreme entry  in Altrincham Festival when they sang and joked their way from Altrincham to the Timperley Festival Ground.

Singing has enabled them to raise money for the Wood Street Mission in Manchester.

“I don’t think being in the concert has quite hit us but we will find out tomorrow,” said Louise.

There are no auditions.   Would be singers should just turn up at rehearsal.