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Michael’s musical career developed further in
1993 when taking the role of
"Tony" he made a recording of
"West Side Story" with the London
Philharmonic Orchestra. He released his
second album "Always" which
entered the UK charts at number three and
remained in the top 20 for 10 weeks. The
album was supported by a 30 date National
Tour, once again playing to capacity houses,
and at Christmas he conceived and directed
his own "Christmas Special"
performing in major regional theatres and in
London.
It was during 1993 that Michael sang with Kiri Te
Kanawa in front of a capacity audience at
the National Indoor Arena and he launched
his television show "Michael
Ball". Six episodes were recorded with
Carlton Television and his guests included
The Bee Gees, Montserrat Caballe, Ray
Charles, Gloria Estefan, Elaine Paige, Cliff
Richard, Take That, Dionne Warwick and the
late Tammy Wynette.
1994 saw the release of Michael’s third album
"One Careful Owner" which swiftly
went Gold. Michael narrated "The
Cameron Mackintosh Story" for BBC Radio
2 as well as Guest DJ for their prime time
show. The success of "Michael
Ball" the television show lead to the
recording of a second series which again
attracted major stars including Larry Adler,
James Brown, Shirley Bassey, Tony Bennett,
Cher, Joe Cocker, Marcella Detroit, D-Ream,
Erasure, Daryl Hall, Emy Lou Harris, Lulu,
George Martin and Robert Palmer. Michael
concluded a successful year with yet another
sell out National Tour and the release of
"The Best of Michael Ball" which
gave Michael his 4th gold disc in
3 years.
1995 was taken up with one off performances including
top billing in three major open air concerts
in Exeter, Woburn Abbey and, along with the
BBC Big Band, Ludlow Castle. He sung at the
opening ceremonies of the European Youth
Olympics in Bath and the Rugby World Cup at
Twickenham and performed for HM The Queen at
the VE Day 50th Anniversary
concert in Hyde Park. He also sung a duet
with Elaine Paige at the BBC Radio Music
Live ’95 concert in Birmingham. Demand was
such that he also performed concerts in
Jersey, The Ulster Hall in Belfast and The
Harrogate International Centre. Michael was
invited to recreate the role of Marius for
the 10th Anniversary Gala Concert
of "Les Miserables" at the Royal
Albert Hall, an invitation that he was
thrilled with.
cont....
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