Vocalissimo is a versatile group of singers who perform principally as a quartet with a pianist

Sparkling

Vocalissimo, formerly known as Not Pavarotti, is a small vocal ensemble, which performs principally as a quartet (from a pool of 8 singers) with a pianist. Performers include Carol – Anne Grainger (soprano) Laura Nayman (mezzo soprano) Christopher Killerby (Tenor) Kevin McRae (Baritone) and Andrew Charity (pianist & musical director) We perform throughout the UK and singers working with the group have had a variety of experience in opera, operetta and music theatre, singing with, D'Oyly Carte, Pavilion Opera, Classical Productions, Geoffrey Mitchell Singers, Opera Rara, John McCarthy Singers, European Chamber Opera, Crystal Clear Opera, Holland Park Opera, The Gilbert & Sullivan Company, The Ambrosian Singers, and London Voices.

Memorable

Having been awarded an Arts Council grant the quartet worked with the Director Chris Cowell to produce a fast paced entertaining show packed with arias, duets and ensembles from the world of opera, operetta and musical theatre staged in a committed and skilful style. In any performance you could hear Bernstein, Sondheim and Berlin alongside Rossini, Mozart, Bizet, Verdi and Offenbach.

Entertainment

The “Send in the Gondoliers” revue cleverly directed by Terry John Bates, was recommended as one of the top four acts to see at the Summer Music Festivals 2005 by Richard Morrison in The Times. This show, which has been performed at music festivals around the UK, takes an unconventional look at love through the words and music of Gilbert & Sullivan and Stephen Sondheim.

Over the years the we have built up a strong portfolio of corporate entertainment clients, including performing at the prestigious People of the Year Awards in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester GVCO as well as singing at many private parties.

Choose from our suggested selection of programmes or ask about bespoke productions to suit any occasion

Opera

A delightful soiree of arias and ensembles from Monteverdi and Mozart to Bizet and Puccini with many others in between.

Operetta

Enjoy a journey through Venice, Vienna, London, Japan, Spain and Hades in the music of Lehar Offenbach, Johann Strauss, Oscar Strauss and Gilbert & Sullivan.

Aspects of Love

A celebration of love in a chocolate box selection of opera, operetta, musical theatre and love poems.
An ideal programme for Valentines Day, Weddings, Civil Ceremonies or Anniversaries.

Musicals Past and Present

An Enchanting evening of solos and ensembles including music by Rogers & Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, George & Ira Gershwin, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim

Opera, Operetta & Musical Theatre

Be transfixed by an Operatic Diva, beguiled by a Merry Widow and dazzled by a Broadway Baby all in one night. One of our most popular programmes with something to suit every taste.

Gilbert & Sullivan

We've got a not-so-little list of Ballads. Songs and Snatches for all Gilbert & Sullivan fans.

Dickensian Christmas

A festive fayre of Carols and Christmas operetta favourites spiced with

Weddings and Civil Ceremonies

If Music be the Food of Love... We would be delighted to be part of your special day by singing during the signing of the register and in the case of a religious ceremony, joining your family and friends in your chosen hymns. We have a very long list of repertoire (please see How we Sound * for a couple of ideas) but are also happy to perform music of your choice. Vocalissmo would be delighted to provide bespoke entertainment for your wedding breakfast and we would welcome requests from opera, operetta or musical theatre.

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Sample tracks for your listening pleasure

Here are some songs which are designed to demonstrate our versatility. If you would like more information about our repetoire please do not hesitate to contact us.

America - West Side Story (Bernstein/Sondheim)

Brindisi - La Traviata (Verdi)

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring * - Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben
(JS Bach)

One Hand One Heart * - West Side Story (Bernstein/Sondheim)

When a Wooer Goes a Wooing - The Yeoman of The Guard (Gilbert and Sullivan)

Sound - Gerry Driver

People and Venues

We have performed in many great venues with fantastic audiences over the the years. We are always thrilled when we get invited back.

  • Aylesford Newsprint Limited
  • Ashcroft Theatre
  • Barnfield Theatre, Exeter
  • Bailiffscourt Hotel, Littlehamton
  • Billericay Arts
  • Caterham, Godstone & Oxted Lions Club
  • Chequer Mead Arts Centre
  • Coppid Beech Hotel

  • Croydon Voluntary Association for the Blind
  • Havant Arts Centre
  • Hampshire Hog the Lime Light Touring Scheme
  • Horsham Piazza Italia Festival
  • Institute of Directors
  • Jackson's Lane Theatre
  • Lake District International Music Festival
  • Landmark Arts Centre
  • Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival
  • Nutfield Priory
  • People of the Year Awards in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Gloucester GVCO
  • Salomans Theatre, Canterbury
  • St. George's Hill Tennis Club, Weybridge
  • St. Nicholas Church, Brighton
  • Sinden Theatre
  • Sir Peter Michael at The Vineyard
  • Southwold Summer Theatre
  • Spaghetti Opera, Fleet Street & Brighton
  • Spreadeagle Hotel, Midhurst
  • St. Mary's House and Gardens
  • Stour Park Theatre
  • The Pheasantry
  • The Quay, Sudbury
  • Theatre Royal, Margate
  • Wandsworth Arts Festival
  • Wimbledon Studion Theatre

Press and Audience

We have performed in many great venues with fantastic audiences over the the years. We are always thrilled when we get invited back.

"One of the top four acts to see at the International Summer Music Festivals 2005" as voted by Richard Morrison, The Times
"If you have a chance to go, please do so" The Stephen Sondheim Society
"Vocalissimo suceeded in bringing the songs across with good movements and inventive elan and expression" The Stephen Sondheim Society
"Vocalissimo performed to a full house and the audience thoroughly enjoyed being taken on a musical journey, there was even dancing in the aisles! Their pianist was first class and the whole evening seemed to fly by. I would have no hesitation recommending Vocalissimo for a fund raising event" John Quincy, Secretary, Caterham, Oxted & Godstone Lions Club
"I just wanted to let you know that everything went splendidly last night and Vocalissimo were absolutely superb. I was so impressed with their beautiful voices and they were such a nice friendly group too!" Sheila Cannon, Institute of Directors
"Vocalissimo are clearly expert performers of operetta." Urs Mattmann
"A heart- warming evening of music and song – not to be missed" Juliet Mander Theatre Manager, Sinden Theatre

Vocalissimo Gallery

Onstage and backstage at one of our recent shows

Carol-Anne & CK
Carol-Anne & Laura
Champagne Ensemble
CK & CM
CK
Ensemble
CK Backstage
Laura Backstage
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Photographs - Matthew Marks

How to Book Us

Our fees vary according to the length of the programme and number of singers. Please contact us with your ideas and we will get back to you quickly with clear, transparent proposals and prices.

Please contact Carol-Anne Grainger. Telephone: +44 (0)7799 740 567 or complete the contact form below.