Liverpool’s LMA Choir to feature on Robbie Williams’ Christmas album

Robbie Williams has enlisted the talents of Liverpool’s LMA Choir for his upcoming festive album.

Global superstar, Robbie Williams has announced his first Christmas album, The Christmas Present, which includes backing vocals from the 14-strong LMA Choir on four songs, as well as duets with Jamie Cullum, Rod Stewart and Bryan Adams.

The choir, who were part of Robbie’s group on 2018’s The X Factor, have lent their vocals to yuletide classics Santa Baby, Winter Wonderland and Rudolph, as well as original track Soul Transmission.

It follows Robbie becoming co-owner of media, music and performing arts institution LMA earlier this year, joining co-founders Richard and Simon Wallace; former Tesco chief Sir Terry Leahy; and investment expert Bill Currie on the board of directors.

Robbie said: “I’m beyond excited to announce my first ever Christmas album. I’ve done a lot in my career and releasing this record is another dream come true. Making this album has been so much fun and I can’t wait for you all to hear it.”

Head of LMA Choir Stephanie Wallace-Carr, who also helped to arrange some of the backing vocals on Soul Transmission and Rudolph, said: “We are so excited to finally be able reveal what we’ve been working on for months – the idea to be part of Robbie’s Christmas album was first discussed last year and we’re now just weeks away from it being released.

“We formed an incredible bond with Robbie straightaway and he shared our passion and belief right from the start, so to now have our vocals included in four of the tracks is amazing.”

News of the album, which is released on 22 November, comes after LMA Choir took to the stage with Robbie at Hyde Park in July. They joined him for his sold-out gig at the British Summer Time Festival, performing a selection of the star’s hits – including iconic power ballad Angels and Take That classic Never Forget – to more than 60,000 fans.

As part of his co-ownership at LMA, Robbie will play a key role in the launch of the institute’s new London campus, which is due to open at Here East in September 2020

Stephanie, who is also creative director of musical theatre at LMA, added: “The last 12 months have been absolutely phenomenal for us – from welcoming Robbie to the LMA family to announcing our brand new campus in London, it’s an extremely exciting time and we’re looking forward to our next chapter.”

As part of his co-ownership at LMA, Robbie will play a key role in the launch of the institute’s new London campus, which is due to open at Here East in September 2020