Hayley Westenra
-
Born: 10/04/1987 -
Nationality: New Zealand
-
Years active: 2000-present
-
Type: Soprano
-
Studio Albums: 9
-
Record Sales: 4 million
-
Record Label: Decca/Universal
-
Biggest Markets: UK, New Zealand, Japan
ARTIST OVERALL RATINGS
- Importance:
- Success:
- Talent:
- Interpretation:
- Creativity:
DESCRIPTION
Hayley Westenra is one of New Zealand’s biggest success stories. She started young (twelve) and local, releasing two domestic albums in her homeland that broke records, when she was picked up by Decca and transformed into an international star. Her main target was post-Charlotte Church UK where her album Pure broke Church’s previous record of having the fastest-selling classical debut album in the UK. Since then, Westenra has gone on to sell over four million albums. Whilst her first domestic albums were highly similar to Church’s material, Westenra progressed to more mature and original material. Her Irish and Kiwi roots influence her sound, including folk, celtic, easy listening, pop and classical. Westenra is not operatic, and carries a seemingly fragile, clean voice. The name of her first international album Pure is an accurate description, but she can pack power behind it when she wants to. Her voice can be compared to Sissel, Emma Shapplin and Sharon Den Adel, but none of these artists have the perfect pitch ability that Westenra has.
ARTICLES
Pure Album Review
Winter Magic Album Review
Concert Review: Brass & Choral Gala Concert (8th September, 2009)
Classical-Crossover.co.uk's Interview with Hayley Westenra (October 2009)
Classical-Crossover.co.uk's Interview with Hayley Westenra (May 2010)
YOU'LL LIKE HAYLEY WESTENRA IF YOU LIKE...
Kristyn Murphy
Taylor Caruso Kirk
Laura Wright
All Angels
Phillippa Lusty
Grace Bawden
Faryl Smith
Sissel
Cecilia
Mary-Jess
Toni Gibson
Becky Jane Taylor
Annelies
Patrícia Janečková