CLASSICAL superstar Katherine Jenkins invited singers from King’s Ely to perform on stage at Audley End’s Last Night of the Proms.

The Welsh mezzo-soprano, who is one of Britain’s most celebrated classical singers, was so impressed when she heard the boys performing backstage that she put in a request for them to entertain the audience during the interval.

The boys involved, who are past and present pupils at King’s Ely, had been singing to picnic goers to get them in the mood for the evening when Katherine’s manager asked if they could do a surprise performance for the star while she was getting ready. After being serenaded, Katherine chatted to the boys for some time and then said that she would like to join them on the stage at the interval.

After the first half of her performance, she told the crowd the story of how they met, adding: “They are all mates from King’s Ely and I was so impressed I thought that they should come and entertain you in the break,” at which point the audience gave an almighty cheer.

Neil Porter-Thaw, Director of Music at King’s Ely Junior, said: “The boys sang three pieces really well and were given a huge cheer as they thanked Katherine and the crowd for listening to them.

“They were a little nervous but they entertained the crowd so well and did a great job at representing the school.”

The boys also sang to groups in the crowd on Saturday before the Ronan Keating gig, adding one or two Westlife classics to their repertoire.

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