But fans of the singer and esteemed Latvian vocal group won’t get to hear the new numbers until their scheduled release next year.
Though meeting the visiting artist for the first time without any prior rehearsing, a three-hour warm-up and run-through got the excited Gaudeamus singers ready for the recording with the pop star, whose songs were only introduced to conductor Ivars Cinkuss over the Easter holiday weekend.
As Cinkuss related, local concert agency FBI had been asked by Robbie Williams’ management to engage a men’s choir from one of the three Baltic states. He said this was a completely new experience for RTU men’s choir and a cause for great excitement.
Williams and his team however declined to comment upon the works in progress, preferring to stay mum on their plans, let alone let unauthorized ears hear the rough tracks. The release date for the songs isn’t expected until sometime during 2016.
“It didn’t take long, but it was a very productive session, business-like and sincere,” said Cinkuss after the recording. “Williams is just another human being. He comes and does his job just like the rest of us. Everything went smoothly, it was a success,” said the Gaudeamus conductor.
Meanwhile, Robbie posted on YouTube a promotional clip caught straight from the Latvian Radio studios to announce his continuing fall tour dates in Asia and Down Under, followed by a fragment of his hit "Angels", backed up by Gaudeamus.
US fans of Latvian choirs won;t have to wait until the release of Williams' next album to treat their ears to the sound of Latvian voices.
On April 9 at New York's Lincoln Center the Latvian State Choir will give a concert titled "Voices from the Baltic coast."
Taking part under the auspices of Latvia's six-month Presidency of the Euoprean Union, the concert will be launched by Latvian Minister of Culture, Dace Melbārde.
