BBC PROMS PROPOSAL
the music of George michael
presented by daley + friends
AN ORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE
Daley is an acclaimed British singer, songwriter and creative artist hailing from Manchester.
​
From humble beginnings on the UK's underground music scene, he has built an international reputation as a powerful, soul-baring vocal performer and emotionally present songwriter, working with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Damon Albarn, Robert Glasper, Jill Scott, Pharrell Williams and Jessie J, seeing Billboard chart success with several Top 5 US radio songs and album projects, and critical acclaim from The Grammys, MOBOs, Guardian, BET and Soul Train Awards.
​
While recording his third studio album, Daley was approached by Quincy Jones to feature as a lead vocalist in his orchestral production Quincy Jones 'A Life In Song' conducted by Jules Buckley, which played arenas around Europe with the Metropole Orchestra and headlined the Montreux Jazz festival with the Sinfonietta of Lausanne. This deepened a love of orchestral performance, and inspired a desire to tribute one of his core musical influences in a similar way...
The proposal for BBC Proms 2024 is an orchestral concert to honour and re-imagine the music of George Michael, vocally lead by Daley, with an ensemble of incredible UK musicians, and special guest performers joining for key songs and duets. The setlist would be hand picked to specifically highlight George's artistry - not just the hits - but the timeless songwriting and tender craft of his most critically acclaimed albums such as 'Older' and 'Listen Without Prejudice', elevated beautifully with orchestral arrangement.
(Orchestra/Conductor TBC)
From Daley:
​
'The purity and sincerity of George's voice and pen has always resonated so deeply with me, particularly as an LGBTQ artist. There is so much subtle beauty and sentiment within his work, often overshadowed by his immense commercial success. There have been so few credible tributes since his passing, it's time for his legacy to be uplifted and celebrated. I feel The Proms would be the perfect setting to do it.'
Daley w/ Quincy Jones orchestra - Conducted by Jules Buckley at Montreux Jazz, 2019
Daley & Stevie Wonder after duetting in LA, 2019
Potential contributors (unconfirmed)
​
-
Vula Malinga & Chorale
-
Laura Mvula (Guest vocalist)
-
Jessie J (Guest vocalist)
-
Robert Glasper (Guest piano)
-
Lianne La Havas (Guest vocalist)
-
Marsha Ambrosius (Guest vocalist)
-
MNEK (Guest vocalist)
-
Reuben James (Guest piano)
-
Keyon Harrold (Guest trumpet)
-
Stevie Wonder (Special Guest)
-
Elton John (Special Guest)
contact
Karen Gabay (Co-curator)