New Zealand teen
Hayley Westenra burst onto the international music scene three years
ago with “Pure,” a
CD that placed in the Top 10 of both British classical and pop charts - and made
her a sensation in Japan, where her version of “Amazing Grace” became
a No. 1 single.
Now 18, the ethereal-voiced singer
is back with a new CD, “Odyssey,” and the choice opening
spot with crossover group Il Divo on a tour that comes to the Wang
Theatre tonight.
Like this British quartet of
singers (the brainchild of Simon Cowell of “American Idol”),
Westenra fits neatly in this new music genre that merges classical
styles with pop - and which has its roots in the concerts of the
Three Tenors and tenor Andrea Bocelli.
It was, in fact, Bocelli who was
a huge influence on Westenra when she first started singing in
the streets in her hometown of Christchurch at age 11.
“He introduced me to
the idea that you can combine classical and pop,” the singer
explained from New Zealand. “I used to sing a lot of his
music and I never really thought too hard of the style I wanted
to create for myself. I just sang songs I liked the sound of, and
they fell into the classical-crossover genre.”
Comparisons to another crossover
artist, Charlotte Church, are inevitable. But unlike that diva-ish
British singer, Westenra is more likely to be found in her hotel
room after a performance than socializing.
“I’ve missed out on a
lot of partying, but I don’t really miss it,” she said. “I
have no cravings for that lifestyle. I’m keen to being disciplined.
The first few years of your career, when you are setting yourself
up as an artist, you have to put your heart and soul into it.”
Nor is dating an option: “It’s
hard when you’re traveling so much, and you’re not
in one place for a decent amount of time. You meet someone, and
you have to say, well, I’m off tomorrow to, say, Boston,
and I won’t be back for six months. That kind of kills it.”
Hayley Westenra and Il Divo perform
at the Wang Theatre tonight at 7:30. Tickets: $49.50-$75; www.
wangcenter.org or 800-447-7400. |
