Choirs withdraw from Andrea Bocelli concert over 'cheeky' participation fees

A number of choirs have withdrawn from an upcoming Andrea Bocelli concert at the Principality Stadium after objecting to a participation fee of £42 per member.

Choir representatives said the charge, which they described as "cheeky," was the reason for their decision to pull out of the event. The fee would have applied per choir member wishing to take part in the performance alongside the Italian tenor.

Cost concerns

The withdrawal reflects concerns among community and amateur choirs about the cost of participating in large-scale commercial concerts, where singers are sometimes asked to cover a fee to join a production rather than being paid themselves.

For choirs made up of multiple members, a £42 per-person charge can add up to a significant total cost, which organisers say has led some groups to reconsider their involvement in the Principality Stadium event.

Andrea Bocelli, one of the best-known tenors performing today, regularly appears at large stadium and arena concerts that include local choirs and musicians as part of the production. It is not yet clear how many choirs in total have withdrawn or whether organisers will revise the fee structure in response.