AN opera singing painter swapped brushes for sheet music when he stepped in to save the day at a church concert.

John Pierce, 34, was working on a job at Maldon United Reformed Church with his father-in-law Jim.

The church holds a free monthly lunchtime concert for people in the town, but last week’s performance was plunged into doubt after the planned act fell ill.

Luckily Welshman John, who has sung for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles, was able to step into the breach and ensure the event still went ahead – all while dressed in his painting overalls.

He said: “I went and introduced myself to Sylvia who runs the events in the church at around 10.30am, then 15 minutes later she received an email from the artist who was supposed to be performing saying they had been rushed to hospital.

“She asked what was she going to do and Jim my father-in-law said I would do it.

“Fortunately I had all my stuff in the car as I had been at a wedding in Edinburgh at the weekend.

“I didn’t have my tails with me so I had to go on in my scruffy painting top and trousers.

“In the first half I did some operatic music – all the favourites like Rigolleto.

“In the second half I did some Italian songs like Funiculli Funiculla and then I sang songs from the shows like Les Miserables, You Raise Me Up and I finished off with Nessun Dorma.

“I got asked to do an encore and sang Time to Say Goodbye. It was a nice programme.”

John, of Ingatestone, started singing aged 17 after encouragement from his nan.

The Welshman, who now works for his father-in-law, studied music at The Royal Northern College of Music and later at the National Opera Studio in London.

Concert organisers have now asked John to sign up to perform at future shows.

He added: “I enjoy making people happy with my singing.

“They have asked me back and I am hoping to be back next year.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

The Rev Mark Ambrose described John’s performance as magic and thanked him for stepping in at the last minute.

He said: “It was all very last minute and we thought we were going to have to cancel it.

“He said he had most of his gear is his car but he didn’t have any clothes and would have to go on like that.

“At that point we didn’t know how good he was – we had no idea.

“By that time people had started to arrive and the church was full.

“It was sheer surprise – it is the first time we have had a complete standing ovation. It was absolutely magic. When he sang he had the most amazing voice.

“There was sheer shock and surprise and I think it made the most amazing session.”

The lunchtime concerts held at Maldon United Reformed Church are organised by Churches Together in the town.

The next performance will take place on November 9 and will be the Ellis Ensemble.