Thomas Spencer-Wortley

Thomas Spencer-Wortley (born 8 May 1982) is an English classical crossover singer. Thomas is the brother of the British composer, Oliver Spencer-Wortley.

Background

Thomas was accepted to study classical voice at Trinity College of Music 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 postgraduate diploma under the 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, (with the help of an enormous number of other people): He has set up a record label, Cove Records, and production company, TSW Productions. He may be unique in the fact that he not only sings but manages every aspect of the performance process. He is active 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 artists 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 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.

Credere

Thomas' debut album 'Credere' was released on 24 August 2009. With his brother Oliver Spencer-Wortley, the entire album was recorded in their home and features 12 classical crossover tracks, from a rendition of ‘Ave Maria’ to newly penned tracks, such as ‘Credere’. The album demonstrates the marriage of two musical worlds, where the modern era meets the classics yet retaining elements of the original composition. As well as Thomas's vocals, the album also features his brother Oliver's writing with 'Credere', 'Open Road' and 'All That I Need' as well as an 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 piano solos.

England Underneath

On 31st March 2010 Thomas recorded the charity world cup song 'We're England Underneath' along with England legend Peter Shilton 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.

Associations

In July 2009, Thomas announced an official association with Steinway & Sons, which will ensure that his performances feature one of their pianos.

Thomas was also 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 performed before a sellout 33,000 at Pride Park on April 24, 2009 before the Derby County vs Charlton Athletic game.

References

External links

• Official Site
• Thomas Spencer-Wortley on Myspace
• Profile on ClassicalX.com
• Profile on Classical-Crossover.co.uk
• http://www.landerpr.com/
• http://www.joannaburnspr.com/