Schwartz Songs: New musical theatre album to be released
A collection of brand-new recordings from the iconic writer and composer Stephen Schwartz is set to be released soon.
Sung by the West End’s finest artists, the album promises to be a spectacular tribute to Schwartz’s incredible career.
Schwartz Songs will be available on CD and digital platforms from 28 June 2024. You can preorder or presave the album now.
For vinyl enthusiasts, a double vinyl package will be released on 9 August 2024.
One of the standout tracks, Defying Gravity, is performed by four West End ‘Elphabas’ – Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Lucie Jones, and Alice Fearn. This single will be released on 21 June.
The album features stunning new recordings of Stephen Schwartz’s beloved songs, including Deliver Us and When You Believe (Prince of Egypt), Corner of the Sky (Pippin), Let There Be (Children of Eden), The Wizard and I and Defying Gravity (Wicked), Colours of the Wind (Pocahontas), Beautiful City (Godspell), and many more.
The album showcases an impressive lineup of West End stars: Marisha Wallace, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Samantha Barks, Jamie Muscato, Lucie Jones, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Billy Luke Nevers, John Owen-Johns, Oliver Tompsett, Rob Houchen, Hiba Elchikhe, Alice Fearn, Rachel John, Peter Joback, Jamie Lambert, Jordan Luke Gage, and Emma Kingston.
Neil O’Brien, MD of Westway Music, expressed his excitement, saying: “Along with our friends at The Theatre Cafe, we are thrilled to be releasing this spectacular album of music from an iconic writer and composer, sung by West End royalty.
“With the first part of the eagerly awaited film adaptation of Wicked coming out this autumn, this is a fantastic time to be celebrating so much of his work.”
Kerry Ellis shared her enthusiasm, stating: “I owe so much to Stephen for the break I had in musical theatre. To be involved with this album and this new arrangement of Defying Gravity, which I have performed on stage for so many years, is truly amazing.”
Rachel Tucker added: “I respect Stephen Schwartz so much and feel honoured to have worked with him for a long time during my career. I never get tired of singing his songs and I was delighted to be asked to join a stellar cast on this album, to celebrate just how much of a genius Stephen is. His music will live on forever.”
Lucie Jones remarked: “Some incredible performers have played the role of Elphaba and I’m so happy to be performing on this album and record with so many iconic other Green Witches! This new four-part arrangement is truly spellbinding!”
Alice Fearn concluded: “Having been a long admirer of Stephen Schwartz, and been fortunate enough to work with him on several occasions, I’m thrilled to be a part of this album which truly celebrates the breadth and scale of his incredible talent.”
