All Angels Circa 2006-2011

 

For a number of years this was the official website for the British super group All Angels.
Content is from the site's 2007 - 2011 archived pages.

 


 

FYI

All Angels are a super group selected by record giants UCJ in 2006 although original member, Laura Wright, left the group in mid-2010 and has been replaced by Rachel Fabri. None of the girls are operatic and mostly come from a choral background. During their Universal years they were targeted at the Christmas and Mother’s Day market, as they did not often differ away from the safe light classical sound though the release of their third disc broke the pattern. Their material includes choral pieces, pop covers, light arias and traditional classics, but their third album, Fly Away, leans towards American easy listening.  Their fourth release, Starlight,  was their first as independent artists and is only available via iTunes. Their albums are home to very fine arrangements, and their voices blend together to make an elegant sweet sound. Although there are other classical groups such as Il Divo, Blake and Amici Forever, All Angels sound like none of them; although there are only four members, they are more choral orientated than opera. Their closest relations are probably Angelis or Libera.

 



Symphony
Published on Jun 15, 2008
All Angels is a British group integred by Charlotte Ritchie, Melanie Nakhla, Laura Wright, and Daisy Chute. This song is a Coldplay's cover and it's in her second album "Into Paradise" released on November 2007. Maybe the original song is wonderful, but I think that it is a very very good version.

 

 

All Angels Biography 2010

All Angels have become a force to be reckoned with

Working beautiful four part harmonies around classical, opera and pop tunes, the girls have crafted a unique and entrancing sound. After they signed a five-album deal with Decca in 2006, their first two discs built them an awesome reputation in the Classical Crossover market and sold half a million copies. Their success earned the Angels platinum discs, appearances at the Classical Brits and accolades from Sir Paul McCartney, and all this while they were still studying for their A-levels.

Their first album, the self-titled 'All Angels' was released in 2006, entering the UK charts at number nine. It was the UK's fastest selling debut for a classical act, achieved Platinum sales figures, and earned them a Classical Brit Award nomination for album of the year at the 2007 awards ceremony, in which they also performed. 2007 turned out to be a fantastic year for the girls that also saw them perform for the Queen at the Festival of Remembrance at The Royal Albert Hall, and make a cameo appearance in popular British soap 'Emmerdale', performing 'Songbird'.

At the end of 2007, they released their follow-up album 'Into Paradise' to much critical acclaim. 2008 continued where the previous year had ended, with the girls continuing to perform across the UK. In the spring they embarked on a Cathedral tour and also performed at some of the countrys' most prestigious venues with concerts at Sandringham, Blenheim Palace and Gawsworth Hall. To top it all, they were invited to perform the National Anthem at the England vs. USA football match at Wembley Stadium.

The girls spent much of 2009 in the recording studio preparing for their third album. However, they did manage to continue performing, and were invited to support Katherine Jenkins on her summer concert tour. Later that year, they performed at several UK arenas as part of the 'Young Voices' tour. Their third album 'Fly Away' was released in early 2010, and raced straight to the top of the Classical charts. The album found the All Angels spreading their musical wings to explore folk songs, musicals, modern classics and spirituals. Tapping into the spirit of optimism triggered by the dazzling arrival of Barack Obama on the world stage, the common theme binding the material together was its American origins.

2010 has also seen a change to original line-up with newcomer Rachel Fabri joining the group. They have continued to perform all over the UK with several summer festival appearances and concerts all over the world and have just finished recording their latest tracks for the EP Starlight. The remarkable accomplishment is that all their work has been achieved whilst completing their A-Levels and studying at University. They will again be headlining the Young Voices tour at Christmas, which sees 11 performances at the UK’s largest arenas, including 3 nights at London’s prestigious 02 Arena.

The future is very bright for All Angels...

 

Charlotte 's Biography

Having discovered that she could sing during her theatrical debut at a young age ('solo singer 2' in Year 2's production of Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat), Charlotte has besen singing ever since!

At 11 years old, Charlotte joined the National Youth Music Theatre. Besides the singing, she has starred in the BBC comedy 'Life of Riley' with Caroline Quentin, as well as 'The Insiders' for Boomerang TV, which were both very different but brilliant experiences for Charlotte.

She has also starred as the lead role in the short film, 'The Open Doors' alongside Michael Sheen, as well as achieving her dream of starring in a Harry Potter film when she was cast as an extra in 'The Goblet of Fire'. Alongside life within All Angels, Charlotte is currently studying English and Drama at Bristol University.

 

Daisy's Biography

A multi-faceted musician who studied at the Purcell School of Music and is now reading music at King's College, London. Daisy is from Edinburgh and originally studied at St Mary's Music School.

She started performing when she was about three years old, banging on her Grandfather's piano and singing, "My baby does the Hanky Panky". She has sung in Cameron Mackintosh's 'Les Miserables' as Young Cosette at the age of 9, performed in Stars in their Eyes Kids as Young Judy Garland, and sung as a chorister at Edinburgh's St Mary's Cathedral, entertaining fringe-goers with a great jazz trio at the Edinburgh Festival and subsequently recording and producing her first (and critically acclaimed) album, 'Simply Jazz'. After a performance at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the School Proms, Daisy seized the chance to give Howard Goodall a copy of her album. This led to an appearance in Goodall's 'How Music Work' series and an audition for All Angels.

The rest as they say, is history!

 

Melanie's Biography

Melanie grew up in Shrewsbury, where she attended the Shrewsbury Junior High School. She began singing at a young age, joining the Shrewsbury Children's Choir when she was just eight years old.

By the age of ten, Melanie had already achieved grade 5 with distinction in the violin and competed in the 'Oswestry Eisteddfod', coming first in the singing competition. She knew then that singing would play a big part in her future. She was a student at Wycombe Abbey in Buckinghamshire, where she was head of choir. Whilst Melanie views singing as her ultimate passion, she is also a keen linguist, and is currently studying French and Spanish at University College London. Melanie has never felt better about being in All Angels:  

"It has changed my life completely, and I know it's for the better."

"Music has and always will be my passion

 

Rachel's Biography

Rachel completed a Masters in Musical Theatre at the Guildford School of Acting. Born in Malta, she trained at Masquerade Theatre Arts School, achieving her Grade 8 in Classical Singing and Drama. Theatre roles include the lead role in ‘Persephone’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Cassie in ‘Make Believe’ (Kenton Theatre), guest soloist on UK Tour ‘Beyond the Barricade’, Crystal in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, Befana in opera ‘La Befana’, Cinderella in ‘Into the Woods’, Debbie in Stoppard’s ‘The Real Thing’, Princess Bianca in pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and co-director/self in ‘With Friends Like These’.

Rachel may also be seen in the upcoming Dominic Cooper film ‘The Devil’s Double’. She featured as the resident singer on Malta’s most well-known TV show ‘Tista’ Tkun Int’ throughout 2005 and was a finalist on the televised musical theatre competition ‘L-iSfida’. Rachel is a Psychology graduate, specializing in child psychology. This has led her to teach singing and drama at Italia Conti and many other theatre schools in Malta and England.

 

BIOGRAPHY 2009

DAISY CHUTE, 20
(Date of birth 17.08.89)

MELANIE NAKHLA, 20
(Date of Birth 29.12.88)

LAURA WRIGHT, 19
(Date of Birth 17.06.90)

CHARLOTTE RITCHIE, 20
(Date of Birth 29.08.89)

 

All Angels have become a force to be reckoned with.

 

Working beautiful four part harmonies around classical, opera and pop tunes, the girls have crafted a unique and entrancing sound. After they signed a five-album deal with Decca in 2006, their first two discs built them an awesome reputation in the Classical Crossover market and sold half a million copies. Their success earned the Angels platinum discs, appearances at the Classical Brits and accolades from Sir Paul McCartney, and all this while they were still studying for their A-levels.

'Fly Away'

Fly Away finds the high-achieving quartet spreading their musical wings to explore folk songs, musicals, modern classics and spirituals. Tapping into the spirit of optimism triggered by the dazzling arrival of Barack Obama on the world stage, the common theme binding the material together is its American origins, from the Leonard Bernstein song Somewhere, to the 19th century Shaker song, Simple Gifts (which Aaron Copland adapted for his Appalachian Spring). As for Cucurrucucu Paloma, which group member Daisy Chute suggested to the group having performed it at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Camerata Ritmata, the girls were delighted to record the famous Tomas Mendez song when they heard it on the soundtrack of Pedro Almodovar's film Talk To Her.



All Angels I'll Fly Away

"The album takes you on a journey," explains Laura Wright, erstwhile hockey, tennis and athletics star at Framlingham School. A former Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year, she has sung Mozart and Purcell for the Pimlott Foundation (a charity founded in memory of opera director Steven Pimlott), entertained fans of Ipswich FC with pre-match performance of Amazing Grace, and is about to take up a scholarship at the Royal College of Music. "We listened to loads of CDs of classical and traditional music and folk tunes, and thought really hard about what would work best with our voices and which ones would fit the overall feel of the album. We might find a particular beautiful song, but we'd have to decide whether it would work with everything else."

American Connection

Daisy Chute, a multi-faceted musician who studied at the Purcell School of Music and is now reading music at King’s College, London, didn't need much persuading to embrace the American theme because, despite her Edinburgh accent, she's half American by birth. Many of her relatives live across the Atlantic, and she has travelled to the States regularly since she was born. Even so, she wasn't quite prepared for the astounding revelation that she is distantly related to President Obama himself. "That is quite a big American connection, I suppose," she says, laughing. "My mum told me about it. She's American, and she knows everything about our family history. We'd already found out that I was related to George Washington. Now I've learned that President Obama and I share British emigrant grandparents from about twelve generations ago."

As Laura points out, "the arrival of Obama has affected everyone. For a lot of younger people especially, it gives them something to look up to and some real values they can admire. Michelle Obama as well I think, because obviously we're four girls and we really respect her values and opinions."

"I think we're a lot closer as a group now, friendship-wise," adds Laura. "I think we've really bonded as people, and that means our sound has really bonded too. We're able to criticise each other musically now without anyone getting offended and that means the music overall will be better. I think we've all grown up a lot and we see this as building towards a bigger future." Their growing confidence in their own skills paid dividends during the recording of Fly Away, on which they were assisted by their new producer (who also works as a jazz trumpeter and songwriter), James McMillan. On previous albums, the emphasis had been on capturing the ethereal, collective sound of the group, all the while including some solo tracks focusing on one or two individuals at a time. This time around, the celebrated All Angels ensemble work is still there, but there are more solo passages, while they've also moved the individual voices around in the harmony sections to create new tonalities and effects.

Group Determination

Indeed, time seems to be proving that the quartet's determination to maintain what could be described as their work-work balance was the most cunning plan they could have devised. While other groups can end up living on top of each other for months on end and driving each other mad, the Angels find that their various academic and musical activities leave them refreshed and raring to go when they come back together for a new project. When they played some outdoor concerts with Katherine Jenkins this summer, they tried out some of the new songs onstage, and were delighted to find them being eagerly embraced by the audience.

"I've just finished my first year studying French and Spanish at University College London, and it's been great, but I'm so happy that All Angels happened," says Melanie Nakhla. "It has changed my life completely, and I know it's for the better. It's just so much fun as well as hard work." Besides her linguistic skills and ongoing studies for her pilot's license, Melanie displayed precocious singing ability from the age of eight. She was a prizewinner at the Oswestry Eisteddfod at 10, and was head of the choir at Wycombe Abbey School in Buckinghamshire. She also appeared most recently at the opening of Shrewsbury's new theatre, Theatre Severn, at which she performed solo in the show created for the event.

"I feel I've discovered a completely new part of my voice during these recordings," declares Charlotte Ritchie, who has just completed her first year of studying Drama and English at Bristol University. Her pre-Angels experiences included joining the National Youth Music Theatre when she was 11, winning a much-fought-over screen role in Harry Potter: The Goblet Of Fire, acting opposite Michael Sheen and Cherie Lunghi in the short film The Open Doors, and most recently appearing with Caroline Quentin in Life Of Riley for the BBC.

Laura sees All Angels as a way of communicating her own musical passions to a wider, maybe even a cooler, audience. "A lot of my friends don't listen to classical music, but that's what we're trying to do - introduce it to younger people and show that it's not geeky or sad to listen to classical music. We don't think so!"

 

 

 

NEWS 2007

18 December, 2006
'Angels' single out now

The new single, 'Angels' is released today - Monday 18th December. Also featuring 'Silent Night', 'You've Got A Friend' and a video clip of Angels- it is the first ever Christmas single in partnership with The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Tipped by William Hill and HMV as one of the favourites for the Christmas number one, a contribution from every copy of the single sold will be donated to The Royal British Legion.

 

 



Silent Night - All Angels

 

The Royal British Legion protects the interests, welfare and memory of British serving and ex-Service people and their dependants.  Around 10.5 million people - of all ages �are eligible to approach the Legion for its Poppy Support, which includes grant-making to those in need, pensions and benefits advice, vocational assessment and careers advice, home and hospital visits as well as the provision of full nursing care.  This work is funded through the Poppy Appeal and the donations and sponsorship of individuals, groups and businesses which support its aims. Last year the Poppy Appeal raised a total of 24.7 million. This year the Legion hopes to raise a record ½26 million.

'Angels' is out now.

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10 January, 2007
From today you can buy All Angels album downloads from www.classicsandjazz.co.uk

UCJ, to whom All Angels are signed to, have launched a brand new digital store. www.classicsandjazz.co.uk is largest ever download store for classical and jazz music. The site has been designed not only for music purchasing, but also to offer interactive and educational functions. Features include minute clips of every track, reviews that you can read from professionals and other users, a discover section where you can read about current affairs effecting the classical and jazz genres and messageboards, to allow the user to interact with others over their choices, likes and dislikes.

The site will also features artist biographies, galleries, tour dates, news and will contain exclusive artist content, such as podcasts and studio blogs.

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2 January, 2007

All Angels and the team at Universal would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. We hope you all had a great Christmas and would like to wish you best wishes for 2007.

 

 

 

NEWS 2006

To celebrate the launch of their new website (2006) the girls are offering a fantastic prize to their fans....

The 500th person to sign up will be the winner and receive signed, framed pictures of the girls! These exclusive images aren’t available anywhere else!! Good Luck.

 

 

REVIEWS

 

2011

 

5.0 out of 5 stars
3rd Time's The Charm
By OverTheHillon March 15, 2011
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
This is the 3rd album by these young ladies, and in my humble opinion, it is the best so far. I'm not a musician, and I don't have any "professional" credentials, so take my review for what it's worth. I bought the first "All Angels" CD on a whim - I'm always on the lookout for fresh sounds. I liked some of the tracks, but not all of them. I found their 2nd CD, "Into Paradise", to be slightly less interesting because it had fewer "popular" songs and sounded more "classical" to me. I don't mind the classical sounding cuts, but I seem to prefer the more familiar material.

Which brings us to the 3rd album, "Fly Away". I liked EVERY track, and I can say that about very few CD's these days. The overall sound on this CD is very smooth and sweet...the arrangements and instrumental backgrounds are perfectly complimentary, without overpowering the girl's voices. The producers let the Angels spend more time in the "lower" portion of their vocal ranges. Don't get me wrong - I like the singers who can hit the high notes - Sarah Brightman, Hayley Westenra, Katherine Jenkins... But on this CD the Angels come down closer to earth, where we mere mortals live, and the sound is as rich as pure, golden honey. It is hard to pick out my favorites, but "Send In The Clowns" and "Somewhere" are right up there - no surprise since I already loved the Barbra Streisand versions. "Blowing In The Wind" is also a beautiful interpretation of the gritty old Dylan protest song. The only track I could really do without is the very last one, "Sleep", on which the harmony is sometimes so close that to my (non-professional) ear it sounds slightly discordant. Other than that, this is (for me) a totally satisfying album and the best yet from this talented young quartet. The girls are supposed to have a contract for 2 more CD's (5 total), and I for one will be anxiously waiting in line to purchase the next one. Highly recommended!

Even my former American boyfriend liked the album which is pretty surprising since he liked playing recommended online slots USA with the best freerolls (listed on online-casino-party.co) more than just about anything - all while listening to country and western music. Whenever I visited him in the US, part of the evening was spent with him playing slots or poker online. I like to play the free games of slots while at the airport waiting for my flight, but I slowly realized that he was addicted to online gambling and that was not ok. I moved on. Now whenever I hear a song from the Fly Away album it is bittersweet. I still like the songs, but many of my memories associated with the release of the album are now tinged with sadness.

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4.0 out of 5 stars
Soothing and nice.
By Sirnsxon March 16, 2017
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
Soothing and nice.

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4.0 out of 5 starsT
hey've done better.
By
Nathan Volskayon January 18, 2014
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
I chose four stars. Because even thought this album was nice, the first two albums were a lot better. Make no mistake though: All Angels is a fabulously talented group of ladies, and they routinely blow me out of the water with their performances. There just wasn't anything that particularly grabbed my attention about this album.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfection
By Gregory Attawayon June 23, 2016
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
It just doesn't get any lovelier than this. I can listen to these girls all day and never tire of them. Hauntingly beautiful.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
Great listening on long drive
By mary anastasioon December 5, 2016
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
Really liked wish they had more recordings to purchase

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5.0 out of 5
B yHeliMahon October 17, 2016
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
Great album! I enjoyed the entire album.

2007+

5.0 out of 5 stars
A perfect follow-up to the previous album
By mark0000on 2 December 2007
Format: Audio CD
To be honest, I don't see what the previous 'negative' reviewers are getting at. If you liked the first album, then I'd be pretty sure you'll like this.

The album starts with an interpretation of Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations. The interpretation is wonderful - all soaring harmonies and carried beautifully by the girls' voices, but not in any sense 'overdone'. I thought the album was worth the purchase price for this track alone.

The second track is 'In Paradisum' from Faure's Requiem. A lovely, peaceful track, well-sung and (although very popular) not over-familiar. The first two tracks are exceptional.

Then we have 'Make me a Channel of your Peace', a spiritual highlight, and perfect for those reflective moments in your day.

'Swing Low' is, of course, an interpretation of 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', which I have always thought (though I could be wrong) was a Southern-US spiritual. Anyhow, it's (again) well-sung, fitting the reflective and spiritual mood of the album so well.

Although there are pop songs on the album, I'm not sure why previous reviewers are complaining - after all 'Angels' was on the first disc. They are universally well-sung, and interpreted into a peaceful and relaxed style.

If you enjoyed the first album, I feel that you'll love this one too. Of course the girls' voices have matured slightly - they are a couple of years older, after all, but those soaringly pure harmonies are all still there. I defy you to listen to Nimrod (track 1) or Nothing Compares 2 U (track 12) and not be emotionally moved.

 

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5.0 out of 5 stars
 Five Stars
By Amazon Customeron 22 August 2017
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
Great CD thank you for your good service

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5.0 out of 5 stars
You'll love them
By Amazon Customeron 12 March 2017
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
The beautiful voices of All Angels

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5.0 out of 5 stars
Angelic
ByCMWon 20 August 2014
Format: Audio CD|Verified Purchase
Perfect!

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5.0 out of 5 stars
All Angels - Into Paradise CD.
By JCRon 16 March 2009
Format: Audio CD
I was not familiar with the group "All Angels" before Amazon.co.uk sent me a recommendation to buy their CD. I did a little research on the group and was pleasently surprised. I decided to purchase their first CD and and enjoyed listening to it when I received it. The four ladies' voices are simple terrific - a quality that is not like anyone else I've ever heard before - especially in this age group. I can't say enough good about this group - they sing such a wide range of different songs - ALL BEAUTIFULLY DONE! I think their cause is pretty fantastic too. Their second CD (this CD) is really quite nice. I think their performance is slightly better on this CD. They did a remarkable job singing " The Scientist" and "Sound of Silence", however all of the tracks on the CD are exceptional. I would love to see one of their concerts available on DVD in the near future. I really recommend this CD to all who like really GOOD music. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK All ANGELS!

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5.0 out of 5 stars
Where's the third volume?!
By J. Hutchingson 29 August 2008
Format: Audio CD
I enjoyed the first album, and this is no disappointment. The opening track works surprisingly well. It's pointless asking what Elgar would have made of it - he didn't want his Third Symphony finished, and look what happened there. I for one enjoy it, and it's not the first time Nimrod has been vocalised: the only difference is that this one is a success.

The great joy of this disc is the way in which the Angels are at home, and expertly skilled, in flitting from one genre to another. No sooner are they done with 'Swing low' (a cappella, perfectly in tune), than they move on to 'The Scientist' and the 'Sound of Silence'. If the girls are guilty of anything, it's being able to bring a wamrth of expression to whatever they sing.

Particular highlights for me are 'Sancte Deus', Singing you through (with some very emotional singing - real heart-wrenching stuff), and, surprisingly, 'Nothing compares to you'. This is a very good arrangement of a firm favourite, and whilst it may lose something in changing genre, what it gains in having such a skilled arrangement and such artful singing is incomparable.

'Zadok the Priest' rounds off the disc, which is a slightly different tack from the Barber 'Agnus Dei' on the first album, but it is a welcome romp after such an extraordinary journey, that also includes some stratospheric notes in something called 'Lift up your voice' and 'Make me a channel of your peace'. I don't know what they're feeding these girls, but it's working!

What I want to know most of all is when the next album is going to be available!! Purchase this album as a gift, be it for friend, family or yourself.

 

2006

*** AllMusic Review by

Released for the Christmas market, when the "once a year" brigade comes out and buys a record, the debut album by the teenage quartet All Angels hit the Top Ten in the last week of November 2006. However, the competition for classical crossover albums was strong that year, All Angels competing with chart albums from the Fron Male Voice Choir, Katherine Jenkins, Il Divo, and the very similar-sounding Angelis. The momentum could not be sustained, and All Angels disappeared entirely from the chart even before Christmas week. This album mixed arrangements of classical repertoire, mainly the more popular and well-known end, with soft MOR pop songs. It included Delibes' Flower Duet, Mascagni's Hosanna from Cavalleria Rusticana, and -- almost inevitably for a group of angelic female singers -- Schubert's Ave Maria and Barber's Agnus Dei. The pop repertoire included "The Windmills of Your Mind," Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird," and also inevitably, Robbie Williams' "Angels." Those who did not like the voice on the original "Angels" could at least focus on the guitar solo, but even that was lacking on the All Angels version, as the track was watered down to provide the ideal of a middle-of-the-road, easy listening song. Universal were masters at promoting classical crossover music, and although a cynic might point to the CD's initial high chart position and rapid descent as a sign of failure, the girls were very talented singers and musically this was a very accomplished album. All the tracks were obviously chosen for maximum effect and profit but lacked originality -- and ultimately All Angels was a nice easy listen but unsatisfying, the classical pieces being superior to the pop choices.

 

Albums

 

 

Fly Away

  • 1. I'll Fly Away ( 04:05 )

     

  • 2. Blowin' In The Wind ( 04:05 )

     

  • 3. Simple Gifts ( 03:04 )

     

  • 4. Come Away With Me ( 02:42 )

     

  • 5. Send In The Clowns ( 04:34 )

     

  • 6. Cucurrucucu Paloma ( 03:52 )

     

  • 7. All Love Can Be ( 03:07 )

     

  • 8. I Dream of Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair - Full Length ( 03:29 )

     

  • 9. Deep River ( 03:29 )

     

  • 10. I Loves You Porgy/Summertime Medley ( 04:01 )

     

  • 11. Somewhere ( 02:46 )

     

  • 12. Black Is The Colour of My True Love's Hair ( 04:27 )

     

  • 13. Sleep ( 03:57 )

 

 

Into Paradise

  • 1. Sancte Deus (Nimrod) ( 03:23 )

     

  • 2. In Paradisum ( 03:05 )

     

  • 3. Make Me A Channel of Your Peace ( 02:35 )

     

  • 4. Swing Low ( 01:27 )

     

  • 5. The Scientist ( 03:58 )

     

  • 6. The Sound Of Silence ( 04:04 )

     

  • 7. Lament (Band of Brothers) ( 04:20 )

     

  • 8. Lift Up Your Voice (Arrival of The Queen of Sheba) ( 04:06 )

     

  • 9. Canzonetta Sull' aria ( 03:02 )

     

  • 10. Pie Jesu ( 04:35 )

     

  • 11. Singing You Through ( 04:29 )

     

  • 12. Nothing Compares 2 U ( 04:30 )

     

  • 13. Zadok The Priest ( 05:21 )

     

  • 14. Laudate Dominum - Rondeau ( 01:59 )

 

 

All Angels

  • 1. Songbird ( 02:55 )

     

  • 2. The Flower Duet (from Lakmé) ( 04:56 )

     

  • 3. Salve Regina (based on Pachelbel's Canon) ( 03:47 )

     

  • 4. Steal Away ( 02:44 )

     

  • 5. The Windmills Of Your Mind ( 03:05 )

     

  • 6. Barcarolle (from The Tales of Hoffman) ( 03:25 )

     

  • 7. Hosanna ( 03:04 )

     

  • 8. Ave Verum Corpus (Theme From Brideshead Revisited) ( 03:31 )

     

  • 9. Angels ( 04:19 )

     

  • 10. Ave Maria ( 03:28 )

     

  • 11. Pokarekare Ana ( 03:15 )

     

  • 12. Agnus Dei ( 06:25 )

     

  • 13. Sancte Deus (Nimrod) ( 03:24 )

     

  • 14. Make Me A Channel of Your Peace ( 02:37 )

     

  • 15. Pie Jesu ( 04:37 )

     

  • 16. The Windmills Of Your Mind (Sunset Mix) ( 04:30 )

 

 

More Background on AllAngelsOfficial.com

AllAngelsOfficial.com was the online home of the British vocal group All Angels throughout their most active and acclaimed years, roughly between 2006 and 2011. The website played a critical role in promoting the group's music and brand, providing a hub where fans, press, and the broader public could learn about the ensemble’s music, activities, accolades, and personalities. This article explores the website in detail—its history, content, features, ownership, critical reception, and place in contemporary British classical-pop culture.

Origin, Purpose, and Ownership

The website was launched as the official presence for All Angels, a UK-based female vocal quartet that quickly gained fame in the "classical crossover" genre. The group was formed by Universal Classics and Jazz (UCJ) in 2006, with significant involvement from the major label Decca, part of Universal Music Group, which directed their early career and shaped their online presentation. The website, managed in partnership with the group's management team, offered both a marketing platform and a fan community for the ensemble.

Location, Proximity, and Accessibility

The website was accessible globally, headquartered in the UK alongside the group’s operations and their primary audience. It was designed to be user-friendly, ensuring international fans, as well as the local British audience, had access to content, merchandise, event information, and behind-the-scenes media.

Historical Context and Development

All Angels was assembled following a competitive national search for young, classically trained singers who could appeal to a broad demographic. The original lineup—Daisy Chute, Melanie Nakhla, Charlotte Ritchie, and Laura Wright—was chosen for their mix of choral and musical theater backgrounds. Rachel Fabri replaced Laura Wright in 2010, breathing new energy and expanding the group’s stylistic reach.

At the website’s launch in 2006, All Angels had just signed a five-album contract with Decca and were being positioned as a unique choral-pop alternative to more operatically focused crossover acts like Il Divo and Amici Forever. The website and their marketing emphasized their youth, distinctively British sound, and friendly accessibility.

Over several years, the site evolved to reflect the group’s growth and achievements, documenting their releases, major performances, and changing lineup. Its content was frequently updated to match major events in the group’s timeline—album launches, TV performances, and festival appearances.

Content and Features

Group and Member Biographies

AllAngelsOfficial.com provided extensive biographies for each member, charting their journey from early musical involvement to professional and academic accomplishments. These narratives humanized the group, allowing fans to relate to them personally and professionally.

  • Charlotte Ritchie: Highlighted for her roles in musical theater and television, Charlotte joined the National Youth Music Theatre and later appeared on TV and film, including "Life of Riley" and "Harry Potter."

  • Daisy Chute: A multi-instrumentalist with training from the Purcell School of Music and King’s College, London, known for both classical and jazz work.

  • Melanie Nakhla: Noted for her choral work and as a linguist, studying at University College London.

  • Rachel Fabri: Introduced as a Maltese singer-actress with a strong background in both music and drama, replacing Laura Wright, who left for a solo classical career and studies at the Royal College of Music.

These biographies established the group members as accomplished musicians as well as relatable young women, a key appeal of the group and the website.

Musical Releases and Menus

The website provided a detailed discography with song lists, liner notes, and sample tracks from each of their major albums. The group’s four key releases are:

  • All Angels (2006): Their debut, featuring a blend of classical pieces ("Ave Maria," "Agnus Dei") and pop covers ("Songbird," "Angels").

  • Into Paradise (2007): Continued the classical-pop fusion, receiving critical acclaim and prominent concert opportunities.

  • Fly Away (2010): Marked a distinct shift toward American easy listening and spirituals, showcasing versatile arrangements like "Simple Gifts" and "Blowin’ In The Wind."

  • Starlight (EP) (2011): Reflected their move towards independence as artists, available exclusively online.

Track menus included not just listings, but also audio samples and insights into the song choices and recording processes, deepening fans’ engagement.

News, Press, and Media Coverage

The news section chronicled singles, album launches, awards nominations, and high-profile performances, including:

  • Coverage of their debut album's chart success—the fastest-selling classical debut in UK history.

  • Recognition for appearing at the Classical Brits and receiving accolades from figures like Sir Paul McCartney.

  • Updates on festival appearances, such as their performances at the Festival of Remembrance for the Queen at the Royal Albert Hall.

  • Announcements about starring in the UK’s "Young Voices" arena tours, performing at major venues including London’s O2 Arena.

The website also featured press clippings and reviews from mainstream media and music critics, often highlighting their fresh take on the classical crossover genre, their youth, and their musicality.

Reviews and Testimonials

The site curated positive audience and professional reviews, drawn from album buyers, Amazon customers, and music reviewers:

  • Many praised their “soaring harmonies” and the “hauntingly beautiful” quality of their recordings.

  • Albums were reviewed as “smooth and sweet” and “exceptional,” with special praise for arrangements on tracks like “Nimrod” and “Send In The Clowns.”

  • Negative feedback was rare, but some critics noted a desire for more originality or risk-taking in repertoire on early albums.

Awards and Recognition

All Angels received notable acknowledgments during the lifespan of the website:

  • Platinum discs for sales of their first two albums, collectively reaching half a million copies.

  • Classical Brit Award nomination for Album of the Year in 2007, where they also performed live.

  • Features in national media, such as TV cameos, radio sessions, and coverage in newspapers and music magazines.

Their audience was broad, encompassing both classical fans and younger listeners new to the genre—something that the website’s interactive and educational resources helped to encourage.

Goals, Social and Cultural Significance

The group’s stated—and frequently reiterated—goal was to make classical and choral music appealing to a younger and broader audience. The website echoed this aim, using accessible language, modern design, and pop culture references.

Their target markets were Christmas and Mother’s Day; their releases and site promotions were often timed to these occasions, emphasizing the group’s “safe light classical” sound. However, their third album and later independent work showcased a readiness to experiment with repertoire and arrangements.

Culturally, All Angels bridged a gap between traditional choral repertoire and contemporary music, helping to normalize classical crossover in mainstream pop culture. Their presence in arena tours, mainstream TV, and collaborations with artists from other musical backgrounds broadened the accessibility of the classical vocal format.

Specifics, Insights, and Examples

  • The group's third album, “Fly Away," featured an American theme inspired by the optimism of Barack Obama’s arrival on the world stage and was praised for its variety and new tonalities.

  • Members balanced demanding academic careers—studying at elite universities—while touring, which was often highlighted as an example of youthful achievement and dedication.

  • Their vocals were intentionally choral-focused, setting them apart from more operatic ensembles like Il Divo.

  • The website’s community features included competitions (such as signing up to win exclusive autographed photos), interactive downloads, and direct messages from the group.

  • Their version of Coldplay’s “The Scientist,” featured on “Into Paradise,” was especially cited for its innovation and emotional impact.

Audience and Popularity

The group quickly attracted a sizeable following, particularly among British youth and families. The website’s frequent news updates and accessible design made it a vital communication channel. Their classical-pop blend made them popular for ceremonial events, festivals, and televised concerts, introducing choral singing to new audiences.

The group also became known for their widespread influence in schools and community choirs, often cited by young singers as an inspiration for taking up choral music.

Website Legacy and Archival Status

AllAngelsOfficial.com remained the group’s central digital home until around 2011, after which it was preserved primarily as an archive of their legacy. The material, career highlights, and community engagement it hosted continue to serve as a testament to the group’s cultural impact during their years of activity.

Press & Media Coverage

Media coverage of both the group and the site was generally positive. Their Classical Brit nomination and performances for royalty received widespread attention. Testimonials and reviews emphasized not just their musical skill, but also the role of their website in facilitating fan engagement and community-building.

Cultural and Social Significance

The All Angels phenomenon marked a renaissance in the British classical-pop scene and was a high point of the 2000s classical crossover movement. The group’s website mirrored this cultural current, acting as an online venue where tradition met innovation.

Through direct outreach, multimedia, education, and community functions, the site helped demystify classical music and make it emotionally and socially accessible—especially to younger audiences and those outside the usual classical demographic.

Perspective

AllAngelsOfficial.com was more than just a promotional tool; it was an evolving chronicle of one of Britain’s most successful and culturally significant vocal groups. From detailed biographies, behind-the-scenes media, and interactive fan competitions to news, discography, and educational resources, the website exemplified how classical music could thrive in the digital age.

It fostered lasting connections between the ensemble and their audience—connections that endure in the archived pages and in the continued listening of their music. All Angels and their website play a memorable role in the story of British music and digital culture from the late 2000s to the early 2010s.

 

AllAngelsOfficial.com