Faryl wows home-town audience

22 December 2008. Reproduced courtesy of:

Singing sensation Faryl Smith joined the Virtuosi GUS Band on stage for her first county performance since signing a £2.3m record deal.

The 13-year-old from Kettering took to the stage with the brass band at their concert on Saturday night at the town's Lighthouse Theatre.

Faryl performed a series of songs with the band and one with her singing teacher in front of a sold-out audience.

Audience member Sylvia Fox, of Blandford Avenue, Kettering, said:

Irene and Don Scoble, of Thames Road, Wellingborough, were also in the audience Mrs Scoble said:

Faryl performed a stunning rendition of Ave Maria followed by a version of Somewhere, from West Side Story – joking with the audience between songs, saying she needed the words for the latter as she had been busy learning new songs and following Kettering Town FC.

Another highlight came when 14-year-old cornet player James Fountain was presented with the William Smith memorial trophy having been voted as GUS Bandsperson of the year.

The GUS Band is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Saturday's show was its last of 2008 before the band embarks on shows across the country next year.

Last week Faryl's father, Tony Smith, told the Evening Telegraph life had been like a rollercoaster ride since his daughter signed her record deal.

Faryl signed the £2.3m deal with Universal Records alongside Katherine Jenkins at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this month.

Mr Smith said the family were trying to maintain a sense of normality for Faryl, which includes doing her homework in between recording sessions.

Faryl's debut album will feature the Masquerade Choir, of which she is a member.

It is the biggest ever record deal awarded to a schoolgirl.

Faryl had been the subject of a bidding war among record companies fighting to sign her after she shot to stardom on Britain's Got Talent.