ACM Gospel Choir

The ACM Gospel Choir is a British gospel choir made up of students of the Academy of Contemporary Music. The group first came to public attention in the summer of 2008 when they gained 4th place in BBC One's Saturday night show ''Last Choir Standing''. Shortly after leaving the show the choir released their first album.

History

Formation and early years

The choir was created by Mark De-Lisser and Nic Rowley at the Academy of Contemporary Music in 2005 as an extra-curricular activity. During the first 3 years the choir rehearsed and performed some gigs in and around the Guildford area.

''Last Choir Standing'' (2008)

In 2008 the choir entered the BBC One competition ''Last Choir Standing'' where they reached the semi-finals. During the competition, the group received praise from both the public and the judges. Suzi Digby said "I wish the people at home could have been sitting where I'm sitting, because I can feel the electricity. It's unbelievable", whilst Russell Watson described them as his favourite choir on the show.

After leaving the show in the semi-finals, the group was invited back for the final to accompany Russell Watson in his performance of Stevie Wonder's Heaven Help Us All.

2008

Since ''Last Choir Standing'' the choir played many shows all over the UK, and had a few high-profile appearances. In September they released their self-titled debut album on 1 Records Worldwide. They also sang with Russell Watson on BBC's ''Proms in the Park'' in Salford.

2009

In May 2009 and 2010 the group sang at the Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo for Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the royal family. In June 2009, the choir was a guest on the BBC Radio 2 show Beverley's Gospel Nights hosted by gospel singer Beverley Knight. Later in the summer they sang at the Carnegie Challenge Cup at Wembley Stadium supporting Hayley Westenra in the rendition of Abide With Me and the British national anthem, God Save the Queen. They also performed at the Spirit of London Awards ceremony with Robbie Craig and Ashley Walters. The ceremony was hosted by Lemar, who also performed and Brook Kinsella. Other artists on the night included Alexandra Burke, Diversity and Miss Frank. Guest at the ceremony included Michael Caine, Boris Johnson, JLS and Jocelyn Jee Esien.

In October 2009 the choir recorded 'Let me know' with Gabriella Cilmi for her album Ten.

2010

In February 2010 The choir were involved in ITV1's prime time show Ultimate Movie Toons, a celebration of songs from animated movies throughout the years. The choir supported Michael Ball on the number one song The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book. Hosted by Dannii Minogue and featuring, Pixie Lott, Denise van Outen, Duncan James, Katherine Jenkins, Craig David, Beverley Knight, and Flawless.

In April 2010 the choir recorded a remake of Three Lions by the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Robbie Williams and Russell Brand. They also recorded the world cup opening theme song, Hope with Nelson Mandela and Siphiwo Ntshebe who died before the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup where he was supposed to sing the song. During the same month the choir recorded 'A Million More Years' with Olly Murs for his debut album 'Olly Murs' released November 2010. All these recordings were done at Sarm Studios, London with producer Trevor Horn.

In September 2010 the choir recorded an album track for 'Coronation Street 50 Years' a musical put together to celebrate 50 years of the iconic television soap opera ''Coronation Street''. This recording took place at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

In November 2010 the choir performed again at the Spirit of London Awards. On this occasion they opened the show with the SOLA theme song 'Streets of London' and backed Alexandra Burke on her acoustic rendition of 'Hallelujah'. Other notable attendees on the night were, Noel Clarke, Boris Johnson, Labrinth, Flawless, Christine Ohuruogu and Barbara Windsor'', a television programme aimed at young children, broadcast on the BBC
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