Jenkins and Westenra join Wales side

Hannah Jones, The Western Mail


TWO of the world's finest voices will buoy the Welsh rugby team into action in today's final Six Nations showdown.

Katherine Jenkins, the Neath-born diva who has signed a seven-figure deal with Universal Classics believed to be worth £1m, has taught the biggest-selling operatic star the national anthem.

For the past two weeks, 23-year-old Katherine has coached teenage singing sensation Hayley Westenra in Welsh.

The pair will team up to sing the nation's pride prior to the Wales game with Italy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

New Zealander Hayley, the biggest selling classical star in the world, said she hopes she gets the pronunciation just right.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I hope I do the national anthem justice.

"Katherine has been working very hard with me and has had to be very patient.

"I've sung in Wales a few times, the highlight being with Bryn Terfel and Jos Carreras at Bryn's Faenol Festival in North Wales last year.

"But it's just wonderful to be at the Millennium Stadium and it was a dream come true for me to be invited by Katherine to sing with her there.

"That place really has a wonderful reputation."

Katherine, who is supporting Hayley on her UK tour and will sing with her at a concert at St David's Hall in the city tomorrow, added, "This is a really exciting time for me and it's great to be back singing for the boys before such a big match.

"Not only do I get to sing at the Millennium Stadium again, I get to do it with one of the world's great young stars."

 

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