Westenra performs for Queen, Bush and Blair

22 November 2003

Christchurch singing star Hayley Westenra has performed at a private function for the Queen, United States President George W Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Westenra performed in front of the trio and 50 invited guests at Buckingham Palace yesterday morning (NZT).

Her father, Gerald, said last night she did not know the exact venue of the performance until just before because of security.

Westenra sang Pie Jesu by herself before being joined by Andrew Lloyd-Webber to perform a song from his new musical, which opens next year.

Mr Westenra said Hayley was asked to audition for the performance by Lloyd-Webber a few weeks ago.

"She performed in a really small room with the guests just sitting in front of her."

Mr Westenra said Hayley had posed for photos with Mr Bush and other guests.

The performance was the third time in three weeks that she had sung in front of the Queen.

Hayley would head to Edinburgh soon for the Royal Variety Performance.

Mr Westenra said she would be home to enjoy Christmas in New Zealand.