CLASSICAL singers Aled Jones and Russell Watson are to take to the stage together for their first joint British tour next year, playing York Barbican on October 9.

They will perform songs from their debut album, In Harmony, released on BMG on November 9.

Having moved in the same circles for nearly 20 years, becoming firm friends, Jones approached Watson to collaborate on his next big project. The resulting album features well-loved hymns, arias and popular songs, ranging from Ave Maria to You Raise Me Up.

Internationally renowned composer Sir Karl Jenkins wrote Bright Horizons for the duo, while the first single, Where Have All The Flowers Gone/Here’s To The Heroes, is a timely tribute to mark both the centenary of the end of the First World War and the 70th anniversary of the National Health Service.

Jones says: “We loved the idea of honouring service men and women through our music, as well as our everyday heroes such as doctors and nurses.”

Watson says of the album: “What I particularly like is the way that it is not just a collaboration as such where I sing a verse, Aled sings a verse and everybody joins in on the chorus. It’s been really cleverly written and arranged so that our voices blend really well.”

Jones adds: “This album has created a real excitement for me, singing songs I don’t normally perform on my own. Recording Volare with Russell was a hoot.”

Tickets are on sale on 0844 854 2757, at yorkbarbican.co.uk or in person from the Barbican box office.