A world renowned countertenor is supporting upcoming voices from Hampton Court Palace’s choral foundation.

James Bowman CBE will perform at the Chapel Royal concert to raise funds for the charity, which works to ensure musical heritage at the palace will continue for generations to come.

Proceeds will help find and train future and existing choristers, who all live and attend local schools in the area. Bowman is a former chorister from a sister foundation at St James Palace and paid tribute to the education system, which he describes as a curious English institution.

He says: “I think it’s a very valuable job they are doing. Their boys are excellent. It’s a great choir.

“I have been through the same. We did it every day and it’s a very valuable education which I am extremely glad to have done.

“It teaches professionalism at an early age - a sense of responsibility and working with a team. It is good discipline for them to go and do it. That’s why I am supporting it.

“I feel a sort of loyalty. I don’t think they get the same support as we did and I wanted to support them.”

Bowman, accompanied by Andrew Plant, will sing English songs from Dowland to Britten and will be joined by choristers who will sing excerpts from Britten’s Missa Brevis in the atmospheric surrounds of the palace at night.

The musical heritage of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court goes back 500 years and Tallis and Purcell are two examples of the home-grown talent.

James Bowman at Chapel Royal, Hampton Court Palace, Friday, March 8, Doors at 7.15pm, show at 7.45pm. Tickets £25 and £40; call 0844 4827795 or visit goo.gl/0cIBU.