It’s only rock ‘n’ roll (but they like it), so the University of Central Florida Chamber Singers will spend the night together with the Rolling Stones next week– well, for one song, anyway.
The group of 22 select university voice majors has been rehearsing to perform with the Stones when the band rolls into Orlando on June 12 as part of its Zip Code tour.
David L. Brunner, a UCF music professor and director of choral activities, said he recently received a call from a tour organizer in London inquiring about teaming up with band that has been performing together since 1962.
“A lot of opportunities come our way that are interesting,” Brunner said. “If it is a unique collaboration for students that we wouldn’t have at another time, we like to say yes – So this was an obvious yes!”
The Chamber Singers has performed at national conventions, tourism functions, sporting events and most recently at the weeklong UCF Celebrates the Arts festival at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The Rolling Stones concert at the 65,000-seat Orlando Citrus Bowl is part of the 15-city North American tour that started last week in San Diego.
Brunner and all the UCF singers were required to sign confidentiality agreements so they are not allowed to talk specifics about the gig, such as for what song they’ll sing backup.
“They’re all excited about performing with the Stones,” Brunner said. “They regard this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing with some music legends. The band started more than 50 years ago and they’re still going strong. This is a big deal!”