A Stretham couple, whose hobby is a Welsh children’s choir, will see their hard work come to fruition when their young singers appear in the live semi-finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent next Thursday, June 1.
Husband and wife Jeremy and Helen Williams formed the Welsh school girl group Angelicus Celtis in partnership with Jeremy’s father conductor John Hywel Williams and mother pianist Jean who live in South Wales.
Angelicus Celtis are everyday schoolgirls aged 12 and over from South Wales whose goal is to inspire on stage and in the community.
Despite the 600 mile round trip to rehearsals every week, Jeremy and Helen are enthusiastic in their support of the singing group despite the tragic start to the group.
“I remember us chatting about Angelicus over the dining table as a family”, said Helen who teaches at King’s College School in Cambridge.
“The conversation was filled with excitement at the evolving ideas for music and opportunities for a group of schoolgirls.”
Soon after and before the birth of Angelicus Celtis, John and Jean had just given a VE Day Remembrance Concert for veterans with their other children’s choirs.
After receiving a standing ovation for their finale, John and Jean left the concert stage but within feet of the venue they were involved in car crash.
John was badly injured and Jean was killed. Despite his ongoing injuries, John fought back to be there for his choristers and make Angelicus happen. Sadly, Jean never heard her beloved Angelicus Celtis choristers perform.
“I am extremely proud of the choristers”, said Jeremy. “They are all just normal, everyday school girls. None came via audition.
“None are professional singers just every day children which makes it all more rewarding to see what hard work, commitment and the willingness to learn can achieve.”
In their first televised appearance on Britain’s Got Talent two weeks ago which Jeremy conducted, Angelicus Celtis performed Nessun Dorma which brought the 2,500 strong audience and judges to their feet.
Simon Cowell praised the girls, saying: “I’ve heard this song a lot. But this was, in my opinion, the most beautiful ever.
“It really touched me and I thought it was sensational. I am really excited about your future.”
The group said: “We would truly value everyone’s support by voting for us on Thursday 1 June.
“This would allow us to proudly wave the flag for everyday hard working school children, to continue to give exciting opportunities for the children and support a wealth of charities.
“It’s also the ultimate mark of respect to Mr John Hywel Williams and his late wife Jean Hywel Williams who have between them dedicated over incredible 100 years of voluntary work in teaching and nurturing 8,000 plus children over the years.”
Angelicus Celtis can be seen on the semi-finals of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent at 7.30pm on Thursday June 1.
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