Covert Talent clients Morgan Pochin (James Morgan and Juliette Pochin) appear on BBC Breakfast to talk about James' 'diagnosis with Parkinsons and the launch of charity concert Symfunny at the Royal Albert Hall on the 4th June 2014. For more info: http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/content/symfunny
Covert Talent, Morgan Pochin & Parkinsons UK organise charity concert at Royal Albert Hall /
Covert Talent and producers Morgan Pochin are organising a special fundraising event, hosted by Parkinson’s UK, which will take place at London’s historic Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 4 June 2014.
Parkinson’s UK presents: Symfunny, will combine performances from musicians and comedians to raise awareness of Young Onset Parkinson’s and raise funds for vital research to find a cure. Stars of music and popular comedians have united for this very special event and already confirmed to perform are: Alfie Boe, Armstrong & Miller, Jason Manford, Julian Lloyd Webber and Rebecca Ferguson. Tickets are priced from £25 and go on sale at 9:00am today.
'Symfunny' is the result of the shock diagnosis of Covert Talent client James Morgan, conductor, composer and producer, who discovered he has Young Onset Parkinson’s at the beginning of last year. Turning bad news into a positive, James along with his partner, fellow composer, producer and soprano Juliette Pochin, wanted to use their connections to help raise money for and awareness of this progressive condition and immediately joined forces with Parkinson’s UK.
James Morgan said: “This announcement is also my ‘coming out’ to the music industry. This was a devastating blow for a 42 year old with a young family and I was concerned that I would be stigmatised, pitied and overlooked. I’m overwhelmed by the support my friends and colleagues in the business have given me. This event has not only allowed me to prove that I’m still here and working, but also to use what I know best to raise awareness of this cruel condition and help others by raising vital funds to continue the research to find a cure.”
Together, James Morgan and Juliette Pochin have made their mark within TV, film and the music industry. From compositions for Channel 4’s Armstrong & Miller and Sky’s The Kumars at No’ 42 to music production for Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut Quartet starring Billy Connolly and Dame Maggie Smith. Known as Morgan Pochin they are the team behind hit albums with Alfie Boe, Joe McElderry and Katherine Jenkins to name just a few. They have produced artists as varied as Elton John, Julian Lloyd Webber and Robert Plant. In addition, James has conducted artists and events as varied as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrea Bocelli, Jamie Cullum, Glyndebourne, Rick Astley and the Classic BRIT Awards.
Alexander Armstong said: “I am delighted to be taking part in this extremely special evening and raising funds for Parkinson's UK. It's going to be an unforgettable event and all for a cause that is close to many of us.”
There are an estimated 127,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK, approximately one person in every 500. It is estimated that up to one million people in the UK are affected by Parkinson’s, both those living with the condition and also their carers, friends and family members.
Steve Ford, Chief Executive, Parkinson’s UK said: “Living with Parkinson’s can be immensely challenging, especially for those, like James, who are diagnosed at an early age. One person every hour will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK, yet despite this, poor understanding of the condition can make life all the more difficult for those affected.
“We are incredibly honoured to be working with James and Juliette to produce this fantastic event – a first for the charity at the magnificent Royal Albert Hall. I would like to applaud James for his bravery in speaking out about his diagnosis and hope that it inspires many people to join us for a night of exceptional entertainment”
Parkinson’s UK presents: Symfunny will be a very special evening of music and comedy in the majestic surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. The performances will include massed choirs from the Brighton Festival Chorus and London Symphony Chorus and an orchestra made up of some of the UK’s finest professional musicians.
The line-up for Parkinson’s UK presents: Symfunny is being booked by Morgan Pochin, Simon King of Covert Talent Management and Parkinson’s UK.
The Dealer signs to AATW/ Universal Music /
Southampton based DJ/ producer/ artist, The Dealer, has signed a record deal with AATW/ Universal Music through his own label Pocket Aces. His first single 'No Dubs' will be his re-work of the classic R&B track 'No Scrubs' by TLC. The single is out on 27th Jan 2014 and already has plays on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra by Diplo & Friends as well as spins on Kiss FM and Capital Xtra.
Jack Topping is No. 1 in Classical Album Chart /
Jack Topping has reached the No. 1 spot in the Official Classical Album Charts with his debut album 'Wonderful World'. Well done Jack!
Jack Topping features on Save The Children TV Advert /
Jack Topping features on Save The Children's latest TV commercial with his Christmas single 'Tomorrow' from Annie. The TV Ad was launched on 1st Dec during the XFactor Results show and all profit from the single will go to the charity Save The Children. It is also tipped as a contender for this years Christmas No. 1.
'Tomorrow' is released on 16th December 2013 by Decca Records/ Universal Music
Here is the Save The Children TV commercial.
Here is Jack's official music video for the single 'Tomorrow'.
Jack Topping performs at BBC Festival Of Remembrance 2013 /
Choirboy Jack Topping is to perform at The Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 9th November 2013 in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen and members of the royal family for the Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance, which pays tribute to all victims of war and conflict.
Other performers include James Blunt, Alfie Boe, Katie Melua and the Poppy Girls alongside the Massed Bands of the Household Division and the bands of HM Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force.
The Festival includes the traditional two-minute silence as poppy petals fall from the roof of the Royal Albert Hall, each representing a life lost in war.Jack Topping on the front cover of Music Week /
Jack Topping performs at Classic Brit Awards 2013 /
Jack Topping made his Royal Albert Hall debut at The Classic Brit Awards 2013. He gave a spellbinding performance of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' to a standing ovation.
Bookmakers tip choirboy Jack Topping as Christmas No.1 /
William Hill have put odds of 6/1 on Liverpool choirboy, Jack Topping, being this years Christmas No. 1 album, beating the likes of Susan Boyle and One Direction. Jack's album Wonderful World is released through Decca Records/ Universal on 25th November and includes the song 'Tomorrow' which features on the Save The Children Christmas TV commercial.
Rupert Christie produces Jahméne Douglas' next single /
Rupert Christie has produced the next single for Jahméne Douglas (RCA), 'Forever Young' by Bob Dylan released on 4th November from his number 1 album 'Love Never Fails'.
Dealer remix spins by Diplo (BBC Radio 1) The Wideboys (Kiss FM) /
The Dealer's first remix of 'No Scrubs' by TLC 'No Dubs (TLC vs The Dealer)' has been played by Diplo & Friends on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra and also by The Wideboys on KISS FM.
We have had loads of interest worldwide from this remix so watch out for his next one coming soon.
Covert Talent website goes live! /
Covert Music has now changed its name to Covert Talent Management after broadening its reach into other areas of media management.
With a background in TV, advertising, music, PR and digital we felt it was time and that we had the skills to help other talented people develop their career and grow their brand.
We are always interested in hearing from and meeting people with talent from actors, presenters, chefs, media personalities, music professionals, video directors and other performers or talented individuals.