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Patrick Aspbury, Ben Inman, both 12 and CJ Porter-Thaw, 11, were picked from thousands of boys to become The Choirboys – the world's first choirboy band.
They found success with their first-ever single, a cover version of Eric Clapton's Tears in Heaven. “It's a great song,” says Ben. “It's got a lot of meaning behind it.” They launched their debut album just before Christmas.
All the boys have been singing for years. “I just wanted to learn more about music,” explains Patrick. Ben started off in school plays, while CJ's father, who is a Director of Music, gave his son lessons.
They're all enjoying their new-found fame. “It's really cool to play football with each other and have fun, but then we have to catch up with our schoolwork afterwards,” says Ben. “I'm not allowed to go out until I've caught up. But we all love singing together.”
CJ adds: “Meeting Bryn Terfel and Aled Jones was fantastic. Bryn has an amazing voice and he's so tall!”
When they're not singing, the boys are following the latest footie and cricket results. And they don't just listen to church music. “I like 50 Cent and Sum 41,” says Patrick, and both Ben and CJ are huge fans of jazz singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum.
“It's just nature's way,” says Paul Trepte, Director of Music and organist at Ely Cathedral.
“Usually a boy's voice is at its strongest around the age of 11 and 12 – just before it breaks. Something special happens and the voice becomes very strong. But some boys can develop earlier.”
It's Paul's job to help the boys control and develop their voices. “Boys must learn to express the emotion behind the music,” he says. “Some have this ability naturally, others have to learn it.”
But don't worry girls – you can join in too! “Girls' voices develop differently from boys',” he explains. “Whereas boys peak at 11 to 12, girls should start from 13 upwards and by the time they are 16 to 18, their voices have become strong. The strengths of the voices are different but they can work together.”
Because of his unusual tenor voice, Alex Prior, 13, is known as The Little Pavarotti, after the older and, ahem, slightly larger one! He's performed in New York's Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Opera House and the Kremlin in Moscow.
But Alex, 12, is also a composer and even founded his own record label to release his album, Just a Boy.
“I love singing and composing equally,” he says. “Of course, composing takes more time. I start off by hearing a tune in my head and then I can't rest until I write it down.”
Alex finds his inspiration in world events. “People say that children can't feel emotion, but many of my songs are inspired by the sadness I've felt about events like the Beslan School massacre in Russia,” he explains.
He's sung for Russian president President Putin, actress Meryl Streep and, of course, his namesake Luciano Pavarotti.
But Alex also wants to use his music to help those less fortunate. “I'm a spokesman for The Children's Society,” he says. “Music can convey a message and music can heal. It doesn't matter whether it's hip hop, rock or classical.”
Joseph McManners, 12, started his career at a family reunion. “I saw Titanic and loved the song My Heart Will Go On,” he says. “I sang it for the family and realised I wanted to sing.”
He went on to play Oliver at his local theatre, then heard about a BBC Talent search for a boy to star in a BBC production of The Little Prince.
“Around 25,000 children auditioned and they chose me, which was just amazing,” he says. “Then Sony BMG offered me a record deal!”
Joseph's first album, In Dreams, was released in December. “My three favourites on the album are Walking In The Air, Bright Eyes and Pie Jesu. We always watch The Snowman
every Christmas and I also love Watership Down. They are all songs I feel close to.”
And in between live appearances and recording sessions, Joseph, like most 13-year olds, just likes hanging out with his friends. He's also a “huge fan” of Coldplay and Katie Melua.
