Marc Martel Joins Tbilisi Children’s Capella for a Stunning “Bohemian Rhapsody” Performance That Brings Queen’s Music to Life

Few singers can capture the extraordinary vocal power and distinctive sound of Freddie Mercury, but Canadian vocalist Marc Martel has built a reputation for doing just that. In 2019, he delivered a remarkable tribute to Queen at Georgia’s prestigious Golden Wave Awards, and his performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” alongside the Tbilisi Children’s Capella choir became the standout moment of the evening.

Combining Martel’s commanding vocals with the children’s beautifully blended harmonies, the performance offered a fresh and unforgettable interpretation of one of rock music’s most celebrated songs.

The special appearance took place at the lavish Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater, where the 2019 Golden Wave Awards organizers had chosen to honor the legendary British rock band Queen.

Marc Martel Brings Queen’s Legendary Sound to Georgia

Marc Martel was a natural choice for the tribute.

The Canadian singer, a Christian rock musician and former member of the band Downhere, is widely recognized for his striking vocal resemblance to Freddie Mercury, Queen’s late frontman.

His ability to capture Mercury’s powerful delivery and distinctive vocal character has made him particularly suited to performing Queen’s extensive catalog.

For the Golden Wave Awards, Martel took the stage for a special 30-minute set featuring some of the band’s most recognizable hits.

The audience was treated to familiar favorites, including “Radio Ga Ga,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “I Want To Break Free,” and “We Will Rock You.”

Throughout the performance, Martel collaborated with different choirs and musicians, creating a varied musical tribute rather than simply reproducing the original recordings.

But the evening’s most memorable moment was still to come.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” Gets a Spectacular New Dimension

As the penultimate song of his set, Martel performed Queen’s masterpiece “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The song is already an extraordinary challenge for any vocalist, moving through contrasting musical sections and demanding a combination of vocal control, emotional intensity, and theatrical expression.

Martel delivered the song with impressive power, but the performance became even more special when the Tbilisi Children’s Capella choir joined him.

Founded in Georgia’s capital, the children’s choir brought a completely different texture to the familiar rock classic. Their clear, angelic voices blended with Martel’s powerful vocals, creating a striking contrast that gave the song a distinctive new character.

The visual presentation made the moment equally memorable.

Martel performed in a shirt and tie, although by this stage of the set his shirt had come open and sweat covered his face as he threw himself into the demanding performance.

Meanwhile, the young choir members appeared immaculate in their traditional white military-style outfits.

While Martel played the piano, the children accompanied the music with carefully coordinated movements and choreography, adding an impressive theatrical element to the performance.

The result was a captivating combination of rock music, choral harmonies, and visual spectacle.

A Powerful Finale With “We Are the Champions”

The collaboration did not end with “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

After completing the ambitious Queen classic, Martel and the Tbilisi Children’s Capella brought the evening to a stirring conclusion with another of the band’s best-known anthems: “We Are the Champions.”

It was a fitting finale for a tribute celebrating Queen’s extraordinary musical legacy.

Across the 30-minute set, Martel had revisited several defining songs from the band’s catalog, while his collaborations with different performers demonstrated how Queen’s music could be reinterpreted through different voices and musical arrangements.

The addition of the children’s choir was particularly meaningful, bringing younger performers into a celebration of music that has captivated audiences for generations.

Keeping Freddie Mercury and Queen’s Legacy Alive

Freddie Mercury’s absence is still deeply felt by Queen fans, and no tribute performance can truly replace the original singer.

However, Marc Martel offers audiences an opportunity to experience something remarkably close to the vocal character that made Queen’s performances so distinctive.

His collaboration with the Tbilisi Children’s Capella also highlighted something beyond vocal resemblance: the enduring appeal of Queen’s music.

Songs such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are the Champions” continue to connect performers and audiences across generations.

By bringing together an accomplished adult vocalist and a talented children’s choir, the 2019 Golden Wave Awards performance demonstrated how these legendary songs can take on new life without losing the spirit of the originals.

For those fortunate enough to witness it in Tbilisi, it was more than a tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen. It was a celebration of the music’s lasting power — and a reminder that great songs never really belong to just one generation.