Thomas Spencer-Wortley
Encyclopedia
Thomas Spencer-Wortley (born 8 May 1982) is an English
classical
crossover
singer. Thomas is the brother of the British composer
, Oliver Spencer-Wortley
.
gaining a Bmus Hons degree. It was here he began to hone his performance as a soloist in a broad range of works such as Handel's 'Messiah' and new contemporary musicals. His study next led him to the Royal Academy of Music
where he completed a post graduate diploma under the excellent guidance of Mary Hammond
as well as an LRAM certificate.
His first professional break came when he was offered the part of Schlomo in the UK Tour of Fame the Musical, this saw Thomas travel extensively in 2007. 'It was such a great experience to be a part of the Fame musical, travelling is exciting but tiring. You learn about the discipline and resilience needed for the musical theatre profession and develop a healthy respect for it'.
Auditioning as a young professional, Thomas felt at home in both the West End and operatic worlds. It wasn't long before Thomas decided that he would like to develop his own sound. 'This is my voice, this is how I sing. I am simply not a person who is content at sitting back waiting for something to happen, if you want something, you have to go out and get it yourself.'
And so the idea was born to record an album, ‘It has been the most enlightening experience. Making music is just amazing, watching it grow and come together. What I have learnt both as an individual and as part of a team is invaluable. It's been hard, very hard, with all the control comes the responsibility of getting everything right. Producing an album on your own inevitably pushes the boundaries and presents what seems to be endless challenges, as it takes you way beyond the music, but at the end of the day I've enjoyed every minute of it'.
Thomas has done everything himself, he has set up a record label, Cove Records, and production company, TSW Productions. The possibilities are endless, he is unique in the fact that he not only sings but manages every aspect of the performance process. His creative talent manifests itself in producing, recording and marketing. He is as passionate about his musicians as he is about his own performance and places great importance on devising the programme for live performances in addition to finding the right blend of artistes to undertake it.
In January 2009 Thomas was approached by Judd Lander of Lander PR, whose roster of artists have included ABBA
, Michael Jackson
and Dionne Warwick
.
Recent concert appearances include performing at Birmingham Town Hall
with All Angels
as his special guests and with Katherine Jenkins
at The Royal Bath and West Showground. He can also name Camilla Kerslake
as one of his special guests in his popular Christmas Tour 'Celebrate Christmas with Thomas Spencer-Wortley'.
In March 2011 Thomas signed an exclusive management and artist development deal with Chris Craker
of 360 Music Entertainment. Chris Craker was the former International Label Head of Sony BMG, holding down Senior Vice President positions in both London and New York prior to setting up his management company and recording studio complex in SE Asia.
, the entire album was recorded in their home and features 12 classical crossover tracks, from the explosive rendition of ‘Ave Maria’ to newly penned tracks, such as ‘Credere’. The album demonstrates the successful marriage of two musical worlds, where the excitement of the modern era meets the classics yet retaining all of the beauty and artistry of the original composition. As well as Thomas' stunning vocals, the album also showcases his brother Oliver's writing skills with 'Credere', 'Open Road' and 'All That I Need' as well as a very special arrangement of 'Ave Maria'.
Instrumentalists featured on the album include 'Midnight' String Quartet, who are signed to Cove Records, and also Dom Carter, Thomas' resident Musical Director, who played the many wonderful piano solos.
and a fan representing every club in the Premiership
, Championship, League 1 and League 2 in Abbey Road Studios
. Profits from the song are going to Kick4Life to help continue their work with disadvantaged children in southern Africa.
, to ensure that Thomas' performances are never seen without one of their iconic pianos by his side.
On a more sporting note, Thomas was approached by Derby County
to become the 'Voice of the Club' with him singing before every important home game to whip up the atmosphere of the crowd. This transpired after Thomas received a fabulous reception as he performed before a sellout 33,000 at Pride Park
on April 24, 2009 before the Derby County
vs Charlton Athletic
game.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
crossover
Crossover (music)
Crossover is a term applied to musical works or performers appearing on two or more of the record charts which track differing musical tastes, or genres...
singer. Thomas is the brother of the British composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
, Oliver Spencer-Wortley
Oliver Spencer-Wortley
Oliver Spencer-Wortley is an English composer and songwriter. He is the brother of Classical Crossover tenor Thomas Spencer-Wortley-Background:Oliver studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music...
.
Background
Thomas was accepted to study classical voice at Trinity College of MusicTrinity College of Music
Trinity College of Music is one of the London music conservatories, based in Greenwich. It is part of Trinity Laban.The conservatoire is inheritor of elegant riverside buildings of the former Greenwich Hospital, designed in part by Sir Christopher Wren...
gaining a Bmus Hons degree. It was here he began to hone his performance as a soloist in a broad range of works such as Handel's 'Messiah' and new contemporary musicals. His study next led him to the Royal Academy of Music
Royal Academy of Music
The Royal Academy of Music in London, England, is a conservatoire, Britain's oldest degree-granting music school and a constituent college of the University of London since 1999. The Academy was founded by Lord Burghersh in 1822 with the help and ideas of the French harpist and composer Nicolas...
where he completed a post graduate diploma under the excellent guidance of Mary Hammond
Mary Hammond
Mary Hammond is an English singer, actress, voice coach and Head of Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music.Having trained in both voice and piano at the Royal Academy of Music, Hammond has been teaching and performing in the field of musical theatre for over twenty five years.In 1994,...
as well as an LRAM certificate.
His first professional break came when he was offered the part of Schlomo in the UK Tour of Fame the Musical, this saw Thomas travel extensively in 2007. 'It was such a great experience to be a part of the Fame musical, travelling is exciting but tiring. You learn about the discipline and resilience needed for the musical theatre profession and develop a healthy respect for it'.
Auditioning as a young professional, Thomas felt at home in both the West End and operatic worlds. It wasn't long before Thomas decided that he would like to develop his own sound. 'This is my voice, this is how I sing. I am simply not a person who is content at sitting back waiting for something to happen, if you want something, you have to go out and get it yourself.'
And so the idea was born to record an album, ‘It has been the most enlightening experience. Making music is just amazing, watching it grow and come together. What I have learnt both as an individual and as part of a team is invaluable. It's been hard, very hard, with all the control comes the responsibility of getting everything right. Producing an album on your own inevitably pushes the boundaries and presents what seems to be endless challenges, as it takes you way beyond the music, but at the end of the day I've enjoyed every minute of it'.
Thomas has done everything himself, he has set up a record label, Cove Records, and production company, TSW Productions. The possibilities are endless, he is unique in the fact that he not only sings but manages every aspect of the performance process. His creative talent manifests itself in producing, recording and marketing. He is as passionate about his musicians as he is about his own performance and places great importance on devising the programme for live performances in addition to finding the right blend of artistes to undertake it.
In January 2009 Thomas was approached by Judd Lander of Lander PR, whose roster of artists have included ABBA
ABBA
ABBA was a Swedish pop group formed in Stockholm in 1970 which consisted of Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog...
, Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
and Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick
Dionne Warwick is an American singer, actress and TV show host, who became a United Nations Global Ambassador for the Food and Agriculture Organization, and a United States Ambassador of Health....
.
Recent concert appearances include performing at Birmingham Town Hall
Birmingham Town Hall
Birmingham Town Hall is a Grade I listed concert and meeting venue in Victoria Square, Birmingham, England. It was created as a home for the Birmingham Triennial Music Festival established in 1784, the purpose of which was to raise funds for the General Hospital, after St Philip's Church became...
with All Angels
All Angels
All Angels are a British classical crossover group formed in 2006, consisting of Daisy Chute, Rachel Fabri, Melanie Nakhla andCharlotte Ritchie....
as his special guests and with Katherine Jenkins
Katherine Jenkins
Katherine Jenkins is a Welsh mezzo-soprano. She is a classical-popular crossover singer who performs across a spectrum of operatic arias, popular songs, musical theatre and hymns.-Early life and education:...
at The Royal Bath and West Showground. He can also name Camilla Kerslake
Camilla Kerslake
Camilla Kerslake is an English classical crossover singer from London who has become the first signing to Gary Barlow’s new record label...
as one of his special guests in his popular Christmas Tour 'Celebrate Christmas with Thomas Spencer-Wortley'.
In March 2011 Thomas signed an exclusive management and artist development deal with Chris Craker
Chris Craker
Chris Craker was born in Bromley, Kent, in 1959, and studied the clarinet at the Royal Northern College of Music from 1977–1981. He had a successful career as a clarinetist, playing with orchestras including the London Symphony, the Royal Philharmonic, the Scottish Chamber, and the London Chamber...
of 360 Music Entertainment. Chris Craker was the former International Label Head of Sony BMG, holding down Senior Vice President positions in both London and New York prior to setting up his management company and recording studio complex in SE Asia.
Credere
Thomas' debut album 'Credere' was released on 24 August 2009. With his brother Oliver Spencer-WortleyOliver Spencer-Wortley
Oliver Spencer-Wortley is an English composer and songwriter. He is the brother of Classical Crossover tenor Thomas Spencer-Wortley-Background:Oliver studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College of Music...
, the entire album was recorded in their home and features 12 classical crossover tracks, from the explosive rendition of ‘Ave Maria’ to newly penned tracks, such as ‘Credere’. The album demonstrates the successful marriage of two musical worlds, where the excitement of the modern era meets the classics yet retaining all of the beauty and artistry of the original composition. As well as Thomas' stunning vocals, the album also showcases his brother Oliver's writing skills with 'Credere', 'Open Road' and 'All That I Need' as well as a very special arrangement of 'Ave Maria'.
Instrumentalists featured on the album include 'Midnight' String Quartet, who are signed to Cove Records, and also Dom Carter, Thomas' resident Musical Director, who played the many wonderful piano solos.
England Underneath
On the 31st March 2010 Thomas recorded the charity world cup song 'We're England Underneath' along with England legend Peter ShiltonPeter Shilton
Peter Leslie Shilton OBE is a former English footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He currently holds the record for playing more games for England than anyone else, earning 125 caps....
and a fan representing every club in the Premiership
Premiership
Premiership may refer to:* The post of Prime Minister or Premier, who is the head of government in many parliamentary systems* Premier League, England's highest-level football league competition...
, Championship, League 1 and League 2 in Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road Studios is a recording studio located at 3 Abbey Road, St John's Wood, City of Westminster, London, England. It was established in November 1931 by the Gramophone Company, a predecessor of British music company EMI, its present owner...
. Profits from the song are going to Kick4Life to help continue their work with disadvantaged children in southern Africa.
Associations
As Thomas has continued on his journey he has made some important links with like minded people who share his drive and determination. In July 2009, Thomas was proud to announce an official association with Steinway & SonsSteinway & Sons
Steinway & Sons, also known as Steinway , is an American and German manufacturer of handmade pianos, founded 1853 in Manhattan in New York City by German immigrant Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg...
, to ensure that Thomas' performances are never seen without one of their iconic pianos by his side.
On a more sporting note, Thomas was approached by Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
to become the 'Voice of the Club' with him singing before every important home game to whip up the atmosphere of the crowd. This transpired after Thomas received a fabulous reception as he performed before a sellout 33,000 at Pride Park
Pride Park Stadium
Pride Park Stadium is an all-seater football stadium located on the Pride Park business park on the outskirts of Derby, England. It is the current home of Football League Championship club Derby County, who moved to the stadium from the Baseball Ground upon its opening in 1997...
on April 24, 2009 before the Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
vs Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
game.
External links
- Official Site
- Profile on ClassicalX.com
- Profile on Classical-Crossover.co.uk
- http://www.landerpr.com/
- http://www.joannaburnspr.com/