Grammy Award Winning David Phelps

Multi-platinum and double Grammy Award winning artist, David Phelps, has made an undeniably strong name for himself in the world of gospel music. Far from resting on his laurels, Phelps is now preparing to his cement his name as a classical music artist with the recent release of his debut solo classical album entitled Classic.

Following a recent acclaimed tour with the famed Gaither Vocal Group, Phelp’s hugely successful Christian music band, David commences a European Classic tour in June taking in 11 dates in venues across the continent, including London’s Indigo O2 on 25th June.

Classic beautifully showcases 13 arias, including the well-known Latin prayer Agnus Dei, as well as more popularly influenced songs such as You’ll Never Walk Alone. Phelps explains his foray into the classical sphere: ‘I feel like this genre of music fits my vocal gifts and I believe it is the next anchor point of my journey.’

Although not his first European tour, this will be David’s first round of live shows as a classical artist, with Classic having provided the multi-talented singer, song-writer and producer an outlet for his musical diversity and an opportunity to perform the album to both current and new fans alike in new markets.
As well as the powerful draw of David Phelps himself, the London date promises surprise guests renowned in musical theatre and classical music spheres, which will ensure that 25th June is a date in the diary for any discerning music fan.

David recognized his aptitude for classical music when he began performing the Puccini aria Nessun Dorma, made famous by classical giant Pavarotti. ‘I didn’t know how audiences would take it’ Phelps admits. ‘To my surprise, night after night, they’d be on their feet before the song even finished. It was amazing. When it kept getting the same reaction, I realized something was happening here.’

After starting with a hundred-strong list of favourite compositions, Phelps narrowed it down to 13 and recorded the album with a full choir and the Nashville Recording Orchestra. The album also reflects a personal and intimate journey for Phelps, with his two daughters, sister and mother lending to the vocals and instrumentation on the album.

Phelps’ sister, Sherri Proctor, who had toured with him for 15 years accompanying him on vocals in You’ll Never Walk Alone, lost her fight against cancer ahead of the album release. ‘It’s the sweetest thing about this whole project for me, and inspired a lot of my emotion in the song’ Phelps says. ‘It’s bittersweet and heartbreaking, but something I will cherish forever.’

Phelps is also an arranger and the rich sound of classical music provided a new challenge for him. Huge arrangements and powerful vocals are the order of the day for Classic, so the live dates will provide a great platform for new and existing classical music fans.

‘This certainly creates interest for me artistically, but I also hope to open a door for folks who either don’t know or may have previously discarded classical music. If the album helps them discover this style and in the process elevates or moves them, I’ve probably done my job as an artist and a human being about as good as I can,’ concludes Phelps.