Author Frederick Forsyth helps village choir mistress land big gig

Author Frederick Forsyth has helped a neighbour land the gig of a lifetime after writing to rugby officials and urging them to consider booking her to sing the New Zealand national anthem at Saturday’s (16Nov13) big international clash in England. The Day of the Jackal novelist fell in love with choir mistress Melissa Alder’s voice during a concert in the Buckinghamshire, England village where they both live, and decided to give her a big career boost.
He wrote to officials who were preparing for the game between England and the All Blacks of New Zealand at Twickenham near London, and suggested Alder would be a great addition to the pre-game festivities.
The sports bosses decided to give the 38 year old a listen – and they liked what they heard, and booked her.
She tells The Daily Mail, “I’m absolutely thrilled and can’t thank Freddie enough. I’ve waited all my life for a big break.”
Alder isn’t new to the big stage – she sings in the chorus at London’s Royal Opera House.