April 2000 - Michael Crawford
On 6th and 8th April 2000, a section of the Choir had the honour of providing backing choral music for the start of Michael Crawford's UK tour.
The venues were the 3,000 seater Clyde Auditorium in Glasgow (nicknamed the "Armadillo") and the Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh. Michael gave a stunning performance of songs from musicals which made him famous and some from others which he maintained he would have liked to have been in. In all the group accompanied him in seven items and received glowing acknowledgements from the star himself, and the Musical Director, Larry Blanc.
Click on an image to enlarge
The Clyde Auditorium, on the banks of the River Clyde and attached to the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre
Ann Skates, part of Michael Crawford's production team, rehearses the group in the foyer.
A moment for relaxation and a peptalk from Conductor, Marilyn J Smith (on the extreme right of the picture)
Front of the Playhouse Theatre, Edinburgh (notice the "sold out" notice)
The group in the dressing room prior to the performance. On the extreme right of the picture is the Choir's Accompanist and Depute Conductor, Cameron Murdoch whose musical skills and conducting ability during rehearsal were largely responsible for the excellence of the group's performance. He himself took part in the performance providing some additional strength to the tenor section.
Choir President, Ian F MacDonald presents Michael Crawford with a copy of the Choir's latest CD and some Choir memorabilia.
Michael Crawford takes time out to have his photograph taken with the members of the Glasgow Phoenix Choir
