Rebecca Newman tells CHARLES HUTCHINSON that her world has been moving fast since the success of her classical album.

REBECCA Newman, the soprano from York, is to appear on BBC1's Song Of Praise, singing with the Brit Award-winning vocal group Blake.

"I've recorded my first TV performance since my Dare To Dream album went straight to number one in the classical albums chart last month," says Rebecca, who expects the song to be broadcast in the New Year.

"I sang The Prayer with the wonderful Blake, filming it at William Booth Memorial College, the headquarters for the Salvation Army, in London, and I'll be singing with them again tomorrow at St Paul's Cathedral as a special guest act during the BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2014.

"I can't wait to get into the cathedral and soak up the beautiful acoustics. We'll be singing Amazing Grace in four-part harmony, which I'm sure will go down well with the audience."

Rebecca's outfit for her television appearance was created for her by Sarah Van Wyk, owner of York designer dressmakers Thimbelina.

"I've had a long relationship with Sarah since she made my first performance dress in 2005," she says.

"We designed the dress together and came up with an elegant design that was conservative enough for formal occasions but also beautifully cut and finished.

"I felt like a million dollars wearing it on set alongside the Blake boys in their beautifully tailored suits. I'm sure the confidence it gave me helped me perform as well as I did."

To add sparkle, Molly Browns of York supplied a bracelet to embellish the dress.

"I didn't want anything too flashy or showy and it had a good balance of matte and sparkle, to lift the dress," says Rebecca. "I'm so humbled that great businesses in York want to get behind me.

"Since the number one position was announced, I've been courted by a number of managers and labels and I've now signed a management deal to take my music internationally, especially focusing on Japan and other parts of Asia, where classical crossover is very popular."

That said, Rebecca will not forget York or Yorkshire at large.

"I have some exciting events pencilled in for next summer, and this weekend I'm looking forward to my first performance for the York Festival of Remembrance at York Barbican," she says.

"On Sunday night, I'll be singing one of my all-time favourite songs, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square, accompanied by pianist Malcolm Maddock, as well as some other wartime classics, and I'll be leading the Proms-style songs that the audience can join in with."

One unexpected consequence of notching up a classical chart topper has been the response from fellow musicians.

"I've been inundated with good wishes from other independent artists who say they have found my story inspirational and I feel my success is a success for the entire independent music sector," says Rebecca.

"It's great to show you don't need a TV talent show or a major label with buckets of cash to be successful."

Looking ahead, Rebecca reveals: "There are so many exciting opportunities coming up now, especially opportunities to organise projects that benefit the wider community, which I can't wait to get started on in the New Year.

"I've hardly stopped to take a moment since the chart achievement, but I may allow myself a bit of a holiday at some point , although looking at my diary that might be a little over-ambitious."

• Rebecca Newman performs at the York Festival of Remembrance, York Barbican, Sunday, 7pm. Box office: 0844 854 2757 or yorkbarbican.co.uk

WIN THE CD

Courtesy of Rebecca Newman and Rambling Rose Records, we have three signed copies of Rebecca's CD and DVD Special Edition of Dare To Dream to be won.

Question: Rebecca New man has sung with which vocal group for an appearance on BBC1's Songs Of Praise?

Send your answer with your name,address and daytime phone number to charles.hutchinson@thepress.co.uk, by next Friday. Usual competition rules apply.