Noah Stewart Tops Official UK Classical Album Chart
Monday, 02 April 2012
Written by Jon Stickler
A tenor from Harlem New York, Noah Stewart, today took the top spot of the UK’s Classical Albums Chart (Official Charts Company) with his debut album 'Noah' going straight in at Number One. The album also entered the UK’s main Official Albums Chart as the second highest new entry behind Madonna’s 'MDNA'.
Stewart, who used to be a receptionist at New York’s Carnegie Hall, had support from the legendary Bill Cosby who contributed financially to the young singer’s musical training. Noah completed his debut run at London’s Royal Opera House last week. His album features 'Nearer My God to Thee', the hymn sung as the Titanic sank, as well as famous tenor arias by Puccini and Massenet alongside spirituals 'Deep River' and 'Shenandoah'.
Noah said of his years at the Juilliard School in New York: “I wasn’t given as many opportunities because I looked non-traditional and my voice was non-traditional. At these conservatoires the money’s on the winning horse, the horse that’s groomed.”
British black newspaper, The Voice, reported: “Stewart is on a mission to open up classical music to people of colour”
Martin Talbot, Managing Director of the Official Charts Company comments: ““This is a truly ground-breaking achievement for Noah Stewart. Most people naturally look to the Official Singles and Albums charts for the emergence of exciting new talent, but Noah is sure to become a familiar name for years to come following this landmark breakthrough.”
Tim Ingham, Editor of Music Week, said: "Today's headlines will rightfully be written about Stewart the ground-breaking black tenor. But perhaps even more excitement lies in what - and who - he's yet to inspire."
Noah will now return to the UK in May this year for a solo tour, following performances with the Michigan Opera Theater in Detroit and at the internationally renowned Glimmerglass Opera Festival on Otsego Lake. Click Here to Compare & Buy Noah Stewart Tickets
View the full Official Classical Albums Chart Top 40 here from 7pm. View the full Official Albums Chart Top 100 here from 7pm.
Stereoboard recently chatted with Noah ahead of the release of his debut album. You can hear what the man had to say here.
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Stewart, who used to be a receptionist at New York’s Carnegie Hall, had support from the legendary Bill Cosby who contributed financially to the young singer’s musical training. Noah completed his debut run at London’s Royal Opera House last week. His album features 'Nearer My God to Thee', the hymn sung as the Titanic sank, as well as famous tenor arias by Puccini and Massenet alongside spirituals 'Deep River' and 'Shenandoah'.
