Hayley in Porthcawl - 28th June 2007

Hayley held a concert on June 28th. Thanks to Mark from HWI, here is a report and a couple of photos!

The curtains opened with the stage already lit and there stood Fiona to one side, Ian Tilley sat at the piano and the guitarist (sorry I didnt quite get his name it was ...... Marks I think). Within 30 seconds, Hayley walked on to stage with one of her black dresses on - sorry no photo of that one. I should say, that the theatre appeared very strict on photography and from where I was sitting, with my small camera, I only managed one sneeky shot (well photo anyway) Hayley started with Ava Maria, followed by Scarborough Fair and The Waters Wide. Fiona then performed the 2 numbers that she did at Telford with Hayley coming back to sing 3 more songs, saving the songs from Treasure until the second half. Fiona opened the second half with 3 numbers, again those that she performed in Telford. With Ian at the piano and the fantastic accoustics of this venue, her performance was truly fantastic and the audience were really enjoying it. Hayley then came back on Stage to slow the pace right down and (not in the right order) performed Danny Boy, May It Be, In Truitina, Pokarekare Ana, Let Me Lie, Shenandoah, Santa Lucia, One Fine Day and Summer Fly. The audience started to clap to Summer Fly, it was the best that I had heard Hayley perform it. During the performance, Hayley kept treading on a squeeky floorboard on stage and had to keep moving - this became quite a joke throughout and the audience were very vocal. On quite a few occasions the audience were calling out to her on stage about the rugby etc. Hayley dealt with it really well and appeared to be absolutely loving the interaction. Thats something that I've not seen before. The audience were also very knowledgable about Hayley and her songs - I was quite surprised She was so warmly received that she must have commented 2 or 3 times on what a fantastic audience you've been - "I've really enjoyed myself tonight"The first encore was Amazing Grace after which, Fiona and the others left the stage but Hayley was enjoying herself so much, she said "shall I sing one more " to which a huge YES was shouted from the crowd. "What shall I sing then ?" she says - various songs were called out and in the end someone shouted Sonny . " I think we can manage that can't we" Hayley says to Ian. I could'nt believe it It was a performance to remember , totally unreheased and I'm not ashamed to say that my eyes were "watering" while she sang. (keep tuned in)

Here is the only pic I sneaked in of Hayley on Stage just making sure Ian is ready to play Sonny. Oh and yes, she had changed into her Green (Welsh) dress for the second half.

Click Images to enlarge.

Source: http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Concert&action=display&thread=1179077620&page=3

UPDATE!
Video of Hayley singing Sonny!

Click here: http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m135/markell_05/?action=view&current=CIMG0750.flv

Stars sign up for Woburn show

Stars sign up for Woburn show
PA Entertainment

Van Morrison and Curtis Stigers are taking part in an outdoor music festival at Woburn Abbey this summer.
The line-up for the three-day event also features Hayley Westenra, Julian Lloyd-Webber and The Ronnie Scott Big Band.
Organisers hope Woburn Live - being held on the evenings of July 27, 28 and 29 - will become an annual fixture.
As well as live music, a broadcast partnership with radio station Classic FM and rising new broadcast star The Jazz means that a highlights package will be broadcast nationwide.
The Friday show kicks off with Grammy winner Van Morrison performing hits spanning his four decade career. Other artists will also perform.
Classic FM Live will present an evening of music, with the 75-piece English National Orchestra at its heart, on the Saturday, when Hayley Westenra will also perform a set.
The Ronnie Scott Band will treat the crowd to an evening of jazz on the Sunday.
Many more special guests for all three nights will be announced shortly.

Tickets are available via 0845 225 6020 or online at http://www.woburnlive.com/.

Fri 22 Jun

Source: http://musicnews.virginmedia.com/news/?news_id=19577

Hayley in the West Side Story

Album Description

This year the Great American Musical West Side Story celebrates its 50th Birthday. To commemorate this UCJ has recorded a West Side Story for the 21st Century, casting the roles of Tony and Maria in its 50th anniversary is no mean feat. The artists need to be passionate, young and most of all incredibly talented in order to do this much loved musical, the justice it deserves. So who do you get to perform this honour? The two biggest and youngest stars of classical cross-over in the world, with Vittorio Grigolo as Tony and Hayley Westenra as Maria, you have nothing short of great chemistry and beautiful music. Joining Hayley and Vittorio is Connie Fisher, star of the West End and Will Martin, the new cross-over sensation as Riff.

Track Lisings

1. Prologue - Orchestra
2. Jet Song - Will Martin and Jets
3. Somethings Coming - Vittorio Grigolo
4. Blues - Orchestra
5. Promenade - Orchestra
6. Mambo - Orchestra
7. Cha Cha - Orchestra
8. Jump - Orchestra
9. Maria - Vittorio Grigolo
10. Balcony Scene (Tonight) - Vittorio Grigolo and Hayley Westenra
11. America - Melanie Marshall and Girls
12. Cool - Will Martin and Jets
13. One Hand, One Heart - Vittorio Grigolo and Hayley Westenra
14. Tonight (ensemble) - Vittorio Grigolo, Hayley Westenra, Will Martin,
15. I Feel Pretty - Hayley Westenra
16. Somewhere - Connie Fisher
17. Gee, Officer Krupke - Jets
18. A Boy Like That - Hayley Westenra and Melanie Marshall
19. I Have A Love - Hayley Westenra and Melanie Marshall
20. Finale - Vittorio Grigolo and Hayley Westenra

From Amazon UK

For more information, visit http://www.hayleywestenra.com/

UPDATE!! West Side Story Photoshoot! Click to enlarge!

Hayley Westenra as Maria and Vittorio Grigolo as Tony in West Side Story 50th Anniversary Special Edition

Video: Click here to listen to Hayley performing "I Feel Pretty"

Thanks to Stephany, my legend, from HWI, she brings this Celebraty Q&A, from http://www.issuebits.com/celebrityanswers/ca_hayleywestenra.htm

Celebrity answers with Hayley Westenra

June 1, 2007

Hayley is the fastest selling debut classical artist to date, selling 3 million records before the age of 20.

Who is Hayley Westenra?

A fun-loving, but focused kiwi chick that sings around the world for a living and loves every minute of it!

What's the meaning of life?

I think our main goal in life should be to work out what we can offer the world to make it a better place. I feel so blessed to be able to give people pleasure through my singing and this definitely gives my life meaning and purpose. I'm also into the idea that we should be enjoying life too and focusing on the simple things that make us happy. We need to get back to basics.

What's your funniest joke?

I wish I had one, but I don't! I do enjoy pulling people's legs though...the old "Sorry, I can't do the show tonight" is always a winner. Everyone finds that one hilarious.

What question would you most like AQA to answer for you?

The question on nearly every girl's lips: "Will I find the man of my dreams to settle down with and raise a family, living happily ever after?" I know. Very original.

What's the best bargain you ever bought?

I've just come back from the States with a suitcase full of bargains! Unfortunately the excess baggage charge probably cancelled out any savings, but hey, I had fun in the process! I found some great summer dresses at around $30 each (£17).

Did you dream last night? What was it about?

I did dream last night. I remember waking and struggling to separate fact from fiction. I blame it on the cheese I ate before bed. Apparently cheese is well-known for giving you strange dreams. You have been warned.

What has working as UNICEF's youngest ever ambassador taught you?

My field trip to Ghana was a big eye-opener for me. It reminded me not to take my wonderful life for granted. I felt a huge amount of guilt during that trip as you can imagine, but also felt very motivated to do all that I could to help the people there. I have since been working on raising money to provide Ghanaian girls with bicycles to help them get to school.

When you were young, you busked with your sister in Christchurch. Do you remember those days fondly?

I do. My busking days were the real beginning of my singing career. I will always be grateful for that experience. I really grew as a performer and also enjoyed the time with my wonderful sister -we were a great team. She has a beautiful voice and I'm sure you'll be hearing more from her in the future!

Was it more nerve wracking performing in front of the Queen or the crowd at the FA cup final?

Well, for the FA cup final I was singing in Welsh for the first time and had been given 24hrs to learn the short, but still very difficult Welsh National Anthem. I was shaking in my boots! Generally though, I find sporting matches not at all nerve racking and just ride on the energy and excitement of the crowd. I can't wait to sing for the All Blacks at all the Rugby World Cup matches.

If you could sing a duet with anyone alive, who would it be and what would you sing?

The Three Tenors -Schubert's Ave Maria. How amazing would that be?

You sold 3 million records before you were 20, what more do you wish to achieve in music?

I want to continue developing as a vocalist, gaining more control over more voice and more flexibility. I also want to continue developing in songwriting and arranging. I want to explore many styles of music and continue working with inspiring musicians from all across the globe.

Is it true you can sing beyond the range of human hearing?

Yes, although it´s something I don't really have control over - it comes and it goes. Apparently I may have what is known as 'whistle tone'.

Hayley Pays Tribute to Crash Victim

Hundreds pay tribute to helicopter crash victims

The Evening Telegraph - Peterborough TodayBy Tara Dundon
Published Date: 20 June 2007

Famous personalities from the world of football joined grieving family members to pay tribute to Phillip Carter and his son Andrew who died in a helicopter tragedy. The hallowed walls of Peterborough Cathedral reverberated to the famous operatic voice of Hayley Westenra singing Ave Maria as almost 700 people gathered at the memorial to businessman Phillip Carter (44) and his 17-year-old son Andrew.

Mr Carter and his son died when a helicopter bringing them home to Thornhaugh, near Peterborough, after they had watched their beloved Chelsea play Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League semi-final at Anfield, crashed into woodland.

A spokesperson on behalf of the Carter family said before the service: "Today is about celebrating the lives of two amazing men whom we all loved so much."It is a chance to share stories and remember how special Andrew and Phillip were.

"Famous sporting figures, including Chelsea FC's chief executive Peter Kenyon, joined in a moving service in which memories were shared, with people from all walks of life. They included Andrew's friends from Stamford School who paid tribute to their much-missed classmate. His friend Adam Humphreys played guitar as he sang a tribute song he had written for Andrew.

In an incredibly moving and personal tribute, Mrs Judith Carter who is bearing the burden of losing both her husband and her son, stood to read a passage written by Robert Louis Stevenson.The Dean of Peterborough The Very Rev Charles Taylor led the service while Canon Thomas Christie, the priest at Wansford, gave a reading.

The service's combination of loss mingled with the joy of two remarkable lives was captured in the beauty and purity of Miss Westenra's remarkable voice as she sang Ave Maria. Peterborough Cathedral Choir also sang an anthem and a song of hope, and the service included tributes from David Carter, from Carter & Carter Group PLC, and Jane Kearsey, on behalf of the Carter family.After the service, former Northern Ireland manager and English assistant manager Lawrie McMenemy said it was "totally impressive".

Mr McMenemy said: "I met Phil in a lift in Japan one day and had lunch with him and Andrew."Phil would let Andrew listen to the football talk for a while before he would tell him to get on with his studying.

"Mr McMenemy said that he took to Mr Carter straight away because of his "passion for life" and "great sense of humour".He added: "Andrew was a young man emulating his father's footsteps."The Stamford group were fabulous, they weren't reading from a script, they were reading from their hearts."A ceremony like this certainly brings home your priorities.

"The memorial service was also attended by Mr McMenemy's son Chris who once played for Southampton Football Club.Everyone at the ceremony was invited to make a donation to the Andrew and Phillip Carter Memorial Fund, which will support charitable causes which were close to the pair's hearts.The spokesman added: "We have established The Andrew and Phillip Carter Memorial Fund as a tribute to the two men.

"Andrew and Phillip were both involved in charitable projects and believed in actively helping others to fulfil their potential."In their memory, the fund will contribute towards causes that were close to their hearts, ensuring the continuation of their legacies.

"Peterborough businessman, and Mr Carter's close friend, Jon Waller (42) and experienced pilot Stephen Holdich (49) also perished in the crash on May 2.A memorial fund dedicated to the memory of Mr Waller has already raised more than £5,000 for charity.

Hundreds hear Hayley

From: Shropshire Star

Monday, 18th June 2007, 12:18 GMT

Classical singing sensation Hayley Westenra took to the stage in Telford for a sell-out performance at a church.

She wowed a crowd of more than 400 when she made a return visit to St George’s Church, St Georges, accompanied by fellow New Zealander, violinist Fiona Pears.

But despite praise for the singer’s performance, she was criticised for the length of the concert.

Phil Collins, who had travelled from Cannock, said Miss Westenra’s performance had been “beautiful”, but he had been disappointed she sang only a few songs.

“She was held up by the weather, but you can’t help that,” he said. “Her singing was lovely. It’s a beautiful church, the acoustics were gorgeous.

“She sang three songs and disappeared off stage and left the violinist to do a couple then came back and did two or three more, then had an intermission for goodness knows how long.

“The impression I got was that the violinist was practising, there was no question she was a talented violinist, but that was not who we went to see.

“She sang no more than 10 songs and at £20 a ticket, we were just a bit disappointed. I didn’t feel cheated but I just didn’t think it was great.”

Mr Collins’s wife, Teresa, added: “It was absolutely brilliant, but we were a bit disappointed that she didn’t actually sing that much.

“What she sang was very, very good, but she could have sung more.”

Hayley, I'm sure you put on a fabulous performance no matter what. People can be a little hard to please...

Sukayna

Thanks to Stephany from HWI, here is a brief mention of Hayley's teachers from The Times Educational:

My best teacher: Hayley Westenra

Anstead, Mark 18 May 2007

© 2007 Times Educational Supplement.

Classical/pop singer Hayley Westenra reminisces about not one, but two of her favorite teachers. Mrs. Butler and Mr. Haberfield had taught together for more than 20 years, and created a cozy "family" feel in the classroom.

Hayley at Telford (St.Georges)

On 16th June, Hayley, accompanired by her violinist, Fiona Pears, held a concert at Telford. Here are the reports: http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Concert&action=display&thread=1165107851&page=9

Here are some photos, click to enlarge.

For more, visit: http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Concert&action=display&thread=1165107851&page=9

Here is Mark's report from HWI!

Hi everyoneThanks again to Grant and to Martin for your reports. Grant has already covered the content of the concert and major highlights and so, like Martin, I will fill in (a little further) around the edges.

Having seen Hayley perform at Telford last December, I was really looking forward to this concert. My personal view is that Hayley is at her most relaxed at this type of venue, where there is an intimate feel and everything is very informal. Therefore, this time, my wife Karen & youngest daughter Sophie wanted to come with me. I can assure you that we were not disappointed.

We arrived around 5.15pm, having eaten a cooked lunch before we set out ( bringing sandwiches for in the car after the performance – I,m never very hungry just before a concert). It was good to meet Thomas again and to meet his twin sister, Simone, for the first time. Thomas was much relieved to see me as I had his tickets ! I made my way to the Church porch to find Grant, Theresa, Martin and of course Tim, who I also met for the first time. After exchanging pleasantries, Tim gave me something that he had brought with him from the States (more about that later). Steve & Stuart arrived shortly afterwards to complete our group.

Once inside the church and deciding where we were going to sit, we eventually settled on the very front row, just a few feet from where Hayley was performing. Being on the front row, I was feeling just a little pleased with myself and was just starting to relax (the waiting over) when the vicar took to the stage with the usual safety notices – but that was not all – and what followed will perhaps go down as one of my most ever embarrassing moments !! A church full of expectant people, which I had to walk through the middle of, following the vicars announcement that my car alarm was going off. Somehow, for that moment, sitting on the front row didn't seem such a good idea !! Thanks for asking Stephany, yes the car was fine.

However, I can assure you, it was well worth the embarrassment, as we were treated to a fantastic performance. During the interval, some of us went off in search of toilets ( I told you I would fill in some of the details) which were in the community centre building next door, quite a trek through the churchyard is it happens ! Just as we arrived, who should we bump into but Hayley herself, followed closely by the vicar, who had obviously taken on the duty of escort ! “Hey Guys” she called out as we past each-other, much to the delight of some of the audience who were with us who I heard comment “ you don't expect to meet the star of the show in the toilets do you”.

After a fabulous second half and a stunning performance of Abide With Me, we waited for Hayley to reappear for the signing session as described by Grant. Sophie & I had a couple of things for Hayley to sign and thought we would wait until the non “HWI members” had finished. We stood to the side of where Hayley was signing which was close to an open door, as it was quite chilly, I put my arm around Sophie to keep her warm. Grant spotted us and aimed his camera for a photo. Suddenly, Hayley realised we were there and called “hello”. Despite not being in the official queue, Hayley beckoned us over and insisted on signing what we wanted signing. I explained that Sophie had been to a number of her concerts in the past but had not yet had her photo taken with her. We'll take care of that in a minute says Hayley. The results of which you will see when Steve posts his photos later.

After the photo, I had a few minutes to chat with Hayley, amongst other things, I asked her if she thought she would ever come back to perform at St Mary's Church, Banbury (my home town) as Steve Abbott had once mentioned that this was one of Hayley's favourite venues.In all, this concert for me rates amongst the top few Hayley performances that I have been too.

Hayley's Upcoming Events

Hayleywestenra.com updated the 'Events' page on her official website. Look out for Hayley coming to your place! Here is where she will be in the coming months:

June
Jun - 28: Grand Pavillion, Porthcawl (Concert) Click Here 01656 786996
Jun - 29: Grassington Festival (Concert)

July
Jul - 09: Chichester Festival , England (Concert)
Jul - 13: International Music Concert Eisteddfod, Llangollen Click Here
Jul - 22: Gawsworth Hall

August
Aug - 03: Shrewsbury Abbey (Concert) Click Here 01743 232723
Aug - 04: Shrewsbury Abbey (Concert) Click Here 01743 232723
Aug - 14: Isle of Man, Villa Marina with National Symphony Orchestra (Concert)
Aug - 17: Berverly Minster (Concert)
Aug - 25: Hurtwood Polo Club with RPO Orchestra (Concert)
Aug - 31: Shepard's Bush Empire (Concert)

September
Sep - 01: Dunkeld with Aberdeen Sinfonietta (Concert)
Sep - 06: Breda House with Glenn Miller Orchestra (Concert)

February 2007 BBC Radio Interview

A little late, I know, but here is a BBC interview from earlier this year.

"Hayley Westenra popped into BBC Hereford and Worcester to have a Pie and a Pint with Tony Fisher and to talk about the influences for her album Treasure."

Click here to listen:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/realmedia/radio/hayley_westenra.ram
You will need Real Player to listen.

Young Hayley's already become an old hand

From: The Daily Mail (London, England) Date: June 8, 2007

The speed of Hayley Westenra's rise has been remarkable. The singer from Christchurch, New Zealand, signed her first major record deal at the age of just 15 and became an overnight sensation, releasing an album that sold 900,000 copies in Britain alone. 'I remember driving past the Albert Hall when I first came to London and thinking, Wow, it'd be amazing to perform there,' says Hayley, speaking on the phone from London, which is her primary base nowadays. 'And I think that, within a couple of weeks, I actually was performing there. It's stunning.'

Now just turned 20, Hayley is still topping pop and classical charts around the world and has sold more than three million albums. She sings anything from classical to popular to folk and her arrestingly pure, effortless vocals have won her a legion of fans.

Her schedule is particularly crammed at the moment. She recently released a new album, Treasure, and is touring to promote it (she plays the National Concert Hall in Dublin with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra next week). But on top of this, she has been touring America as a guest artist with the group Celtic Woman. That tour included a St Patrick's Day performance in front of George Bush at the White House. 'It was a huge honour,' she says.

'It was the second time I'd performed for President so I'd already been through that surreal feeling - it's very bizarre when you meet someone who you've seen so much of on the TV and in the papers. Unfortunately, he was rushed off afterwards - due to a terrorist threat - we found out later – because I was really hoping to have a word with him about global warming. But you know, next time...'

Entertaining world leaders has become almost routine for Hayley, who performed for Tony Blair at a ceremony in London last year. 'Afterwards, Tony Blair shouted out to me, Well sung! as he was walking by. Oh, little things like that give me such a thrill!'

The new album features an impressive range of music, from Puccini, Holst and Dowland to Shenandoah and the hymn Abide With Me, as well as the breezy folk of Summer Fly and a couple of Westenra originals. Also on the album is Danny Boy, a childhood favourite of Hayley's. She did some research when making album and was surprised by the song's origins: 'It first appeared in an Irish music book, people obviously assumed it was an Irish song. But I think it’s actually an American-English creation. The lyric was written by an English lawyer, and his sister sent over this beautiful melody from America, which matched the lyrics perfectly.

'So it's probably not Irish at all? 'It's true. I don't want to burst the bubble, but…’ she laughs. Although there’s nothing specifically Irish on the album, there is a strong Irish folk feel on many of the songs. Indeed, much of it was recorded in Dublin. And Hayley has Irish roots, which she has recently begun to explore. Her great grandmother was Irish, but her mother discovered this only about 10 years ago. It was a revelation Mrs Westenra took very seriously. 'Within a couple of years, my mum was looking at moving the whole family to Ireland. She fell in love with the country. But it didn't happen – - it was going to be very expensive to move, because the New Zealand dollar is not very strong.'

Hayley does not come from a musical family so her choice of career was unexpected. The breakthrough came at the age of six: 'It was a teacher who picked up that I could sing and she gave me a solo in the Christmas school play and encouraged me to take up the violin.' Her new interest was encouraged by her parents and, within a few years, she had the confidence to go out busking. 'I used to go out on the streets on the weekends and I relished the opportunity to perform in front of a new audience each time. I liked the challenge of trying to stop people in their tracks with my singing and building up a big crowd. It was a lot of fun.' She used the money she made to make a recording and this led to her first record contract , at the age of just 11.

The breakthrough came four years later. 'I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity at that age, because otherwise I would have been stuck in school doing my maths and my sciences.' But there were downsides to finding stardom so young. 'When I was younger, there were times when I'd be missing out on parties and school dances. Sometimes I'd find it tough. But, looking at the big picture, gosh, most of the time I was very, very happy.

It's a busy life but I enjoy working hard. Sometimes I'll go back to New Zealand and have a couple of weeks off. It rarely happens but even then, I'm getting itchy feet. I long to get back on stage - I really thrive on that adrenaline rush performing gives you.' Perhaps part of the problem with going back to New Zealand is that she’s too famous there too relax: 'When I'm at home, I feel like I'm living in a fishbowl, because I've been around since I was 14 and I've just released my fifth album there. People are probably sick of me!' Life is far easier in London, she says: 'I feel pretty anonymous. I'm not Britney Spears.'

The NCH concert next Wednesday will be Hayley's first headline performance in Ireland (she played support for Il Divo at the Point). One of the attractions of coming here is the smoking ban, because anything that could damage her voice is a worry so smoky bars are bad news. She's longing for the ban to be imposed in Britain. 'I can't wait. I went out in London last night and we were having coffee in a smoky bar and I couldn't really relax. A ban will help my social life a lot!'.

Hayley Westenra plays the National Concert Hall in Dublin next week.

SHENANDOAH: Probably the strongest performance on the album. A hauntingly sparse arrangement is the perfect backdrop for Hayley's pure, subtle vocals and unaffected phrasing. She lets the very familiar melody speak for itself. 9/10

ABIDE WITH ME: It takes courage to tackle such a familiar, powerful melody. Hayley opens with no accompaniment and slowly swells with a rich accompaniment. A perfect ending that will send a shiver up your spine. 9/10

Treasure, is out now. For more information, log on to http://www.hayleywestenra.com/

Hayley at National Concert Hall in Dublin

On June 13th, Hayley held a concert in Dublin, Ireland. Thanks to George from HWI, here are some photos. I also found a live video of Hayley singing May It Be and Prayer. Enjoy!

Photos: Click to enlarge

Video of May It Be: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrxANMoVF4Q

UPDATE!

Video to Prayer now on Youtube.

Video to Porakarakara Ana on Youtube.

Take a look!

Victoria Hall Concert: Photos!!

Thanks to Grant from HWI, here are some photos from the event!


Click photos to enlarge!

Hayley at Victoria Halls, Stoke-on-Trent - 8th June

Hayley was recently at the Victoria Halls concert to make money and charity for Hayley's Bikes for Ghana project for UNICEF. The photos and reports can be seen here at HWI: http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Concert&action=display&thread=1171141091&page=3

Hayley in GekkanNZ Magazine

Hayley is featured in this month's Japanese magazine, Gekkan NZ. If there are any Japanese viewers, please send me some translations!! Here are the scans:

UPDATE! TRANSLATIONS!

Thanks to Stephany from HWI, here are the translations!

GEKKAN NZ - JUNE 2007

The path she chose to follow

Treasure, Hayley Westenra’s latest album, has just been released.
Although she now considers London as her base, she still travels around the world and recently returned to New Zealand, her home country, for a temporary visit. Just in time for Anzac Day ! Despite her busy schedule, she takes the time to answer our questions and talks about her projects and passion for music.

Music & travels

Hayley Westenra discreetly arrives in the hotel’s lobby for the interview. She wears a very pretty outfit that she bought in New York, the city of fashion. She looks thin, fragile and gentle.
Although she is officially based in London, she visits lots of different countries. Before coming back to New Zealand, she went to Australia, Japan and the US. Even with such a hectic schedule, she manages to remain healthy. How does she do it ?

"I guess I just got used to this lifestyle. It requires a lot of traveling but I love working in different countries". As Hayley speaks, you can feel in the atmosphere her mental strength and determination. She speaks admirably and very brightly.

"Working in different countries is a very rich experience. I learn a lot when I’m away from my native country. Each time I go to a foreign country, my vision changes. Less stereotypes". Her latest album Treasure gathers various elements of world music along with Hayley’s own history and heritage. The influence of her grandparents and Celtic roots was very strong but she also included songs from her multiple travels.

"It’s good to have a mixture of old and new. I was keen to create new music to keep the cycle going. The tradition is important, but the music is also eternally developing".

Music & talent

Hayley is clearly different from all the other artists in New Zealand. She’s constantly praised for her vocal talent and has an impressive fanbase. She’s musically gifted and is a beautiful woman. On top of that, she remains herself…Hayley. The little girl who started recording at 13 years old is now a worldwide star and yet, she remains pretty much the same.

"Contrary to what some people may think, what I do is not always easy and pleasant. It can be difficult to see my friends and family. I travel a lot so I usually have to get up early and leave at midnight with the last plane of the day. I am always very busy but I wouldn’t want my life to change. I love what I do, music is my passion and I know how lucky I am to do what I love as a job".

Hayley is often called "The World’s One Pure Voice" or "The Voice of an Angel" but she never becomes bigheaded and works very hard to give her maximum. "I really want to perform at my best so I keep working on my voice".

Hayley & her fans

After the succes of her first album, the fans’ expectations were enormous. Hayley has a very close relationship with her audience and it’s something very important for her. "When I’m on stage, I feel their energy. They are very supportive and I’m so glad that they appreciate my music". As she talks, Hayley is widely smiling. Her determination and happiness are more palpable than ever !

Hayley on Classic FM Magazine

Hayley is featured in this month's Classic FM magazine. Click here for more information: http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Media&action=display&thread=1176222688&page=2

TONIGHT Talks Treasure

Treasure - Hayley Westenra
Peaceful music to go with an angelic voice

June 6, 2007By Daryl Paranada
Decca

Rating: ****

On Treasure, Hayley Westenra celebrates her musical roots with a collection that includes classic arias like One Fine Day (Un del bi from Puccini's Madama Butterfly) and Irish folk tunes like Danny Boy.

With her pure and soaring soprano, Westenra navigates through songs like a skilled veteran. The rich orchestration in songs like Shenandoah provides a nice backdrop for her delicate voice. Westenra does misstep, however, midway through the disc, when songs blend in together. She breaks up the monotony with a beautiful acoustic piano version of the folk song, Sonny.

Westenra helped write four of the tunes on the disc. She shows promise in the pop-leaning Let Me Lie, which is perfect music for meditation with its ethnic flutes, but Summer Rain sounds like it was ripped straight from Enya's songbook.

In Abide With Me, the music fades and her gorgeous voice is the last instrument heard. At only 20, Treasure establishes Westenra as the next great classical songstress, in the vein of Sarah Brightman.

Source: http://www.tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3869801&fSectionId=432&fSetId=251

US Hayley Fans: Hayley Ringtones Now Available

If you're living in the US and would love to have Hayley's voice on your phone, you can now do so by buying ringtones from songs from her previous album Odyssey. Click the links below from the song of your choice to download them:

'Both Sides Now' ringtone
'Prayer' ringtone

(May It Be is also available, but technical problems have been avoiding me from linking them to you)

From hayleywestenra.com

Hayley's Upcoming Events

From hayleywestenra.com, here are Hayley's upcoming events for the next few month. Check out the official site or related links for more information, and of you're in the area, keep an eye and ear open for any news about Hayley coming to you!

June
Jun - 08: STOKE ON TRENT - VICTORIA HALL
Jun - 09: Fort Regent, Jersey with National Symphony Orchestra (Concert)
Jun - 13: RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Dublin, Ireland Click Here
Jun - 16: St. George's Church - Telford, England Click Here (Concert)
Jun - 28: Grand Pavillion, Porthcawl Click Here (Concert)

July
Jul - 09: Chichester Festival , England (Concert)
Jul - 13: International Music Concert Eisteddfod, Llangollen Click Here
Jul - 22: Gawsworth Hall

August
Aug - 14: Isle of Man, Villa Marina with National Symphony Orchestra (Concert)
Aug - 25: Hurtwood Polo Club with RPO Orchestra (Concert)

Hayley in The West Side Story: New Updates

As mentioned earlier, Hayley will be part of a special recording of The West Side Story to commemorate its 50th Anniversary. New information from www.hayleywestenra.com and Woburn Live 2007 bring us news of the recording and event:

From hayleywestenra.com:

06 Jun 2007 - Hayley in new recording of West Side Story

To mark the 50th anniversary of one of the most lauded musicals ever written, West Side Story, a brand new recording has been made with Hayley taking the female lead role of Maria. Hayley is joined by Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo in the role of Tony. Other stars on this recording include Connie Fisher, Melanie Marshall and a brilliant new singer, Will Martin.
‘West Side Story' the album is released 30th July
Two days before the album is released, on Saturday 28th July, Hayley and Vittorio will be giving a world exclusive performance, playing the parts of Tony and Maria singing selections from West Side Story at the ‘Woburn Live' event. For more information on this event click the link: www.woburnlive.com

From Woburn Live:

Saturday July 28th: Classic FM Live! With Hayley Westenra and Julian Lloyd Webber!

An evening of popular classics, film themes and favorites associated by 60-piece English National Orchestra.

Special guest stars Hayley Westenra, Julian Lloys Webber and Vittorio Grigolo.

Exclusive 50th Anniversary celebration "highlights" from West Side Story.

Hayley in BBC Radio Wales Studio

On June 4th, Hayley attended a BBC Radio concert. She sang O Mio Babbino Caro, Shine, A Nun’s Chorus, and Time To Say Goodbye, and my personal favorite song from Treasure, Let Me Lie. She was acompanied by her violinist, Fiona Pears. Despite having an audience, this was more of a recording, than it was a concert. Visit HWI for more information on this evening. Thanks to everyone, especially Cait, and other from HWI for the photos and report. Click here to read, and see more photos! http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Concert&action=display&thread=1171470974&page=6

Hayley's Realm Reaches 500 views!!

Thanks to everyone for visitng my blog which I work very hard at trying to find every little bit about Hayley that I possibly can. Your support and encouragement is great. We have reaced over 500 views on this blog, and that is amazing!! Thank you so much for your continuous support, especially from HWI. This would not be possible without you guys.

And to Hayley, I hope this blog is making your sales higher, and making you more known around the globe!!

With support,

Sukayna

Hayley in a Japanese Boysenberry Commercial!!

Hayley is featured in a Japanese commercial advertising New Zealand boysenberries! She sings Summer Rain from her new album Treasure, which seems to be a very clever way to promote herself! A cute commercial with beautiful New Zealand scenery and Hayley's pure voice. Take a look!!

http://www.bourbon.co.jp/cm/boysen1/index.html

http://www.bourbon.co.jp/cm/boysen2/index.html

http://www.bourbon.co.jp/cm/boysen4/index.html

Thanks to Dave from HWI for this!

Hayleywestenra.com Updated

Please check out Hayley's official site www.hayleywestenra.com as it has been updated, where information about all her music has been put back up (it used to be about Treasure only). Also, have a look at the Event page to see Hayley's upcoming performances.

Sukayna