Volney Morgan performing with Leeds Conservatoire Contemporary Pop Choir. Photo credit throughout: Ian Hodgson
Leeds Conservatoire Contemporary Pop Choir wowed Volney Morgan in a workshop, which led to them performing together live on two consecutive nights and being played on BBC Radio 4.
The Contemporary Pop Choir is a high-octane choral ensemble, showcasing unique and original arrangements of well-known rock, pop and gospel repertoire. The choir was founded in 2014 by Senior Lecturer Craig Lees. Craig is the Musical Director behind Leeds Contemporary Singers, a nine-piece vocal harmony group borne from the Contemporary Pop Choir who rose to fame in 2017 as the winners of BBC One's Pitch Battle.
Volney Morgan performing with Leeds Conservatoire Contemporary Pop Choir
Volney was invited to the conservatoire to deliver a workshop on 13 March. He is a member of MOBO award-winning group Volney Morgan & New-Ye, known for their vibrant moves, rhythmic sounds and electrifying stage presence. Volney Morgan & New-Ye have travelled all over the UK and Europe sharing their music. They won Choir of the Year at the Premier Gospel Awards for two consecutive years and have shared the stage with some of gospel’s greats, including Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Noel Robinson, Cece Winans, Deon Kipping, Michelle Williams and Jason Nelson.
In the workshop, Volney taught the Contemporary Pop Choir a couple of his songs, listened to some of their existing repertoire and offered valuable performance advice. Volney described them as “the best choir I’ve heard in a long time” and cleared his schedule to join the choir at their Floorfillers concerts on 30 and 31 March. The choir performed on two consecutive nights for the first time, in the conservatoire’s 350-seat concert space, The Venue, to meet demand.
The choir offered up its signature high-energy style of delivery, directed by Craig, complete with an eight-piece live band, led by Declan Davies. A range of music was included in the shows by Michael Jackson, Coldplay and Adele, as well as songs by Volney himself.
The atmosphere in The Venue was electric and audience feedback included the following:
“This was an incredible evening and so uplifting. This choir give you goosebumps.”
“Wow, this was a fantastic evening. Volney Morgan was fantastic with the choir, everyone was dancing away.”
The shows included ‘Lord Prepare Me’ – an acapella medley of classic gospel songs with a spiritual feel. A live recording of this was played on BBC Radio 4’s Daily Service on 4 April. The Daily Service was led by Pastor Angel Morgan, Volney’s wife, who too was blown away by the choir’s performance.
Craig Lees, Director of Leeds Conservatoire Contemporary Pop Choir
Craig says, “The Contemporary Pop Choir is, in my opinion, a beacon for the amazing work that takes place every day at the conservatoire. Everyone involved, from the singers to the band to the technical team gives their everything to ensure that each and every show is more entertaining and memorable than the last.
“Having the chance to share the stage with Volney Morgan is an experience that I and the choir will never forget. What’s more to do this over the course of two sold out shows was a dream come true.”
The Contemporary Pop Choir will continue to work with Volney and further collaborations are in the pipeline.
