Universal Music announces a world-wide talent search for the lowest human voice in existence to record a new composition by UK Christmas No.1 and Royal Wedding composer, Paul Mealor. Mealor, whose music is characterised by very low bass notes, has written a new choral work which features a low E (an extremely low note over two octaves below middle C - see image) and his record company, the prestigious Decca label, is on a quest to find a voice that can sing that note. A note so low that it is thought never to have been sung before.

The note, an 'E' (329 Hertz), is six notes below the lowest note ever written for a choral piece (from Rachmanivov's 'Vespers' - a B flat), and a whole tone lower than the Guinness World Record-holder - a sung 'F sharp'. Inspired by his life-long interest in chant and choral music, Mealor's new piece pushes the boundaries of the human voice in a style synonymous with Russian orthodox music.

Adverts announcing the "Bass Hunter" talent search are to appear in international publications and online, asking 'How Low Can You Go? How Deep Can You Sing?'. Singers are invited to send demo tapes, or upload their voices to a new website: www.howlowwillyougo.com.

Voices will be judged by Paul Mealor and Grammy-award nominated producer Anna Barry (one of the world's leading authorities on Russian choral and vocal music) and the recording is set for international release in the Spring.

Mealor, known as "the Gary Barlow of classical music", has just enjoyed occupying the UK Christmas Number 1 spot with his song written for The Military Wives, 'Wherever You Are', selling a staggering 700,000 copies (out-selling not only X Factor winners Little Mix but the entire UK Top 10 at Christmas). Earlier last year the then little-known Welsh composer was personally chosen by William and Kate to compose music for their wedding - the biggest public event of the decade. This is his first choral work since The Royal Wedding, which was also produced by Anna Barry, so the dream-team is to reunite.

"My setting of De Profundis ('Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord') calls for a rich and powerful voice; a voice that can not only touch the heart with its sincerity and truth, but also make every fabric of the human body resonate as it plunges into the very lowest parts of the vocal spectrum."

- Paul Mealor, composer

Russian and English versions of the ads will run this week, explaining "Bass Hunter":

'The beauty, serenity and mystery of orthodox chant have been understood by generations of religious communities; you can now be part of the journey to take this music, and this exciting new composition, to a wider audience. Characterised by the deep resonance of the bass voice and singing, we believe this music can touch millions across the world.'

The closing date for entries is 24th February 2012.