Since then the world renowned bass-baritone has sung at the Millennium Stadium during the 1999 Rugby World Cup and also led the national anthem before Wales’s vital European Championship qualifying clash with Russia last year. To ensure there is some balance in the pre-match singing, English tenor Russell Watson will lead the visitors in singing God Save the Queen. And to add even more lustre to the occasion, another Welsh singing star, Jason Howard, will also be joining in the pre-match entertainment on 5th February.
“The Tsunami Relief Cardiff concert at the Millennium Stadium last weekend was the biggest performance of my life and it is fantastic to be given another chance to perform at the ground with two great Welsh singing legends in Bryn and Aled. It’s like Christmas all over again,” said Katherine Jenkins, who became the first person to lead the community singing at both an FA Cup and Challenge Cup final last year when she performed both duties in Cardiff.
Aled Jones echoed the Neath-born classical star’s feelings. “It’s always such a fantastic honour to sing the national anthem before the matches, but to be singing with Bryn and Katherine is going to be truly massive.
“Of course, we welcome Russell to the Stadium, but the three of us hope to sing up a maelstrom of Welsh fervour that will help load the odds in Wales’s favour!”
Bryn Terfel is hoping that in conjunction with Katherine and Aled he can help the crowd raise the roof at the Millennium Stadium and help inspire Gareth Thomas’ team to a major victory.
“This is the game all Welshmen and women love to win and it’s going to be great fun for everyone concerned,” said Bryn. “I’ve sung solo at the Millennium Stadium before, but I’m hoping that our little classical Welsh triumvirate will distract the English and set the agenda for an historic win.”
Not that Russell Watson, who is returning to the major stage after almost a year out with vocal chord damage, is banking on the Welsh voices being the only ones head before the game.
“It’s a great honour for me to be asked to perform God Save the Queen at this event. The matches between England and Wales are steeped in tradition and have been hard fought over the years,” said Russell. “Both sets of fans love their rugby and their music. It’s going to be a great day and I’m really looking forward to it.”
