Maria Priestley talks to the talented tenor about life, family and his beloved hometown.
Have hope. Believe.
It's a simple statement but it's one former Hawke's Bay opera star Geoff Sewell lives by.
It's also the title of the London-based tenor's debut solo album. Believe is inspired by Sewell's life philosophy and his belief in a positive prognosis for his autistic daughter, Sienna.
Two years after leaving the successful opera group Amici Forever when Sienna was diagnosed, Sewell released his album on Monday - the day Sienna turned 5.
Sewell, who has set up a foundation for Kiwi parents of autistic children and is donating part of the proceeds of his album to the cause, said Sienna had already been at school in the UK for six months and her progress was "awesome''.
His decision to leave Amici was "difficult and painful'' but it was what Sewell and Kiwi wife Simone Lanham had to do for Sienna, he said.
"I wasn't giving up the music industry, I had come to a crossroads in my life. I had to focus on giving all the energy I had to Sienna and my family. I just hoped that, God willing, one day the time would be right to get back into it.''
And, now that Sienna is doing better, that time is now.
Sewell wants to "hopefully make a difference'' with the album. "It's 13 of my favourite songs. The songs are personal, inspirational, classic and fun. They are a collection of great songs that have inspired me on my journey so far.
"When I sing I let the soul soar. I'm bringing my own personal experiences into it.''
Sewell and Simone, who are also parents to 3-year-old Olivia, co-wrote Sienna's Song on the album and say it's about giving parents hope.
"People in New Zealand have been so good to us. When Sienna was diagnosed, it was New Zealanders who came to the party first for us. For families affected in New Zealand, have hope, believe.''
Sewell is passionate about his home country - and his hometown. He misses Hawke's Bay and he's "trying to work out a time'' to perform "at one of the beautiful venues there'' sometime soon.
"It's such a wonderful place, I miss it. I've had so much support from Hawke's Bay people and I have so many wonderful memories growing up there.''
Sewell grew up in Havelock North, singing in the Havelock North High School's Colla Voce choir, becoming head boy in 1989, and has been a patron and supporter of the school's fundraising projects.
After Sewell's sister Julie died when she was just 21, a trip to Memphis following the tragedy spurred Sewell to ditch his merchant banking job for a musical dream.
Amici Forever sold millions of albums and although the group have gone their separate ways, Sewell and Simone's entertainment company Incognito Artists has become hugely successful.
Life's an adventure, Sewell reckons, and juggling his business, solo music career and family commitments is "all about balance''.
"You learn as you go along. You learn by your mistakes. My dad is a motivational speaker which really helps me. It's a bonus,'' he laughs.
"I dreamed big dreams and if I can do it anyone can.''
Source: Hawkes Bay Today
