Two Buddies dazzled on the virtual stage when they took part in an online concert for St Vincent’s Hospice.
Orlay McEnhill and Lennon Wylie were chosen to perform in the Big Sing Along concert, organised to raise funds for the Paisley charity.
The youngsters were invited to take part in the event by their teacher Angela McCallum who runs Paisley’s McCallum School of Music.
She had been approached by former student and professional singer Curtis Campbell, who had brought the best musical talent in Renfrewshire together for the fundraiser, which also aimed to raise the spirits of locals over the festive period.
And Orlay, eight, and 13-year-old Lennon did not disappoint, wowing audiences who tuned into Facebook Live to watch the virtual event.
Angela told the Express: “They are absolute stars.
“Orlay was just marvellous. She was so excited she couldn’t stand still. She said to me ‘I feel like a pop star’.
“I had taught Orlay I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas last year and it is such a fun, happy song.
“She did all the acting scenes, looking for the hippo, shaking the boxes.
“It was a great performance and I am very, very proud of her.”
Orlay was chosen to take part in the concert because of her dedication to her singing, continually practicing and improving all the time.
She recorded her version of the old classic alongside classmate Lennon, who recorded a music video for the concert before going into hospital for an operation.
Top-notch soprano singer Lennon has been hitting all the right notes for years and has always wanted to learn Oh Holy Night.
“He sounds spectacular,” Angela added.
(Image: Andrew Neil)
“He is a star and just such a kind-hearted boy.
“He loves two things – singing and football, so we surprised him with the making of the music video.
“For a second surprise, I contacted Celtic Football Club, as he is a huge fan, and got some signed pictures from his favourite players as a wee extra before he went into hospital before Christmas.”
Lennon, a student at Trinity High School, and Langcraigs Primary pupil Orlay’s recorded performances featured alongside those submitted by Liam Doyle, Leona Marie, Joe Shepherd, Heather Kane and many more.
Collectively, they have raised hundreds of pounds for St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood.
Angela added: “When Curtis approached me about this I was absolutely on board. If we can perform at, or enrich an event, we will always do it.
“We normally have between 80 and 100 events every year.
“This year, the kids haven’t had that performance bug, so this has been a good opportunity for Orlay and Lennon and to do something for charity.
“We have done a lot in previous years for St Vincent’s and Accord hospices and want to support local charities as much as possible.”
The youngsters’ performances have also delighted their proud parents, who have watched them flourish under Angela’s tuition.
Orlay’s dad Grant McEnhill said: “Orlay is only eight and she lost her Nana at the start of lockdown due to cancer, so for our family it has been a tough old year.
“But when I see her do stuff like this, in the current times, it certainly puts a huge smile on our faces and I feel it will do for others.
“To have such confidence to perform like that, we don’t know where she gets it from.”
Lennon’s mum Andrea Hicks added: “Having been in lockdown for so long, the performance was a great release for Lennon, to get out and do what he loves.
“It was great for him to have that opportunity. He loved it and I am so proud of him.”
