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Aled Jones
21 December 2022, 10:34 | Updated: 17 April 2023, 10:45
By Kyle Macdonald
He was the iconic chorister voice of the 1980s, but this festive season tenor Aled Jones sings a duet to introduce a great treble voice of our time.
A legendary treble voice of the past, meets one of the most gifted young singers of today.
In November 2022, Malakai M Bayoh made his Royal Opera House debut. He sang the role of Oberto in Handel’s opera Alcina alongside seasoned operatic stars Lisette Oropesa and Mary Bevan.
12-year-old Bayoh is a member of the Schola Cantorum of The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School in West London. His singing career had begun as a cathedral chorister at St George's Cathedral Southwark, also in London.
Eager to showcase the young singer’s talent, national choral treasure and Classic FM presenter Aled Jones invited Bayoh to duet with him, in a session recorded in the beautiful St Paul’s Church Covent Garden, otherwise known as ‘The Actors’ Church’ because of its long association with the theatre community.
And in that beautiful 17th-century space, the two performed Adolphe Adam’s much-loved carol ‘O Holy Night’ (watch below).
Read more: What are the lyrics to ‘O Holy Night’, in French and English?
Aled Jones and 12-year-old treble Malakai M Bayoh sing stunning 'O Holy Night' duet | Classic FM
Since its release in December, the video has gained over 15 million views across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Aled and Malakai also recorded Howard Blake’s classic seasonal tune ‘Walking in the Air’ from The Snowman.
'Walking in the Air' by 12-year-old treble Malakai Bayoh and Aled Jones | Classic FM
It’s very fair to say Malakai’s voice has had quite the impact on social media during this Christmas season. Thank you for all the wonderful comments on the video.
Malakai is a once in a generation talent – I can barely post this typing through the tears on my iPad keyboard listening to this. This young chap has one the most incredible treble voices I’ve ever heard. Wowzers.
And if you’re anywhere near Covent Garden, do pop in to St Paul’s Church, to take in the beautiful space or some of their services and events.
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