Glorious

A rising classical crossover star in her native Great Britain, soprano Laura Wright shines on this thoughtfully programmed album. Anglophiles may recognize “Stronger as One,” which Robert Hartshorne wrote as the official anthem for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. With South African–style harmony vocals and a choir of Afro-Latin percussion, Wright’s nearly vibrato-free tone soars with deft accompaniment from the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, as conducted by Richard Hein. Glorious features a pair of pieces by Elgar, as well as beloved English and Irish standards (“The White Cliffs of Dover” and “Danny Boy,” respectively). The early-twentysomething Wright brings a sincere authenticity to adult pop songs from the ‘60s (“Born Free”) and ‘70s (“The Rose”), and she's showcased in two instrumental classics with added lyrics: “Race to the End,” based on Vangelis’ “Chariots of Fire,” and the bonus track “Flame of Love,” adapted from Ravel’s “Bolero."