[ ClassicalX ] Katherine Jenkins

Opera starlet, Forces sweetheart and multi-million selling artist Katherine Jenkins returns to one of her favourite Sussex venues, Victoria Park, Haywards Heath, on July 5 accompanied by Mark Andrew James and the Sussex Symphony Orchestra.

She spoke to Maheesha Kottegoda about her aspirations, glamour tips and how she will always be a country girl at heart

You have appeared in Haywards Heath a few times now – what keeps you coming back?
Victoria Park is one of my favourite venues. The atmosphere is brilliant and the audience has been so warm to me. Usually with concerts you would not necessarily go back every year because it is nice to have a change but each time Haywards Heath has been totally amazing, You can’t see any grass because it’s full of people. When you do rehearsals you can see people coming out on to their balconies and Sussex Symphony Orchestra is brilliant.

What’s your favourite part of the show to perform?
I really like the end when we do the Last Night of the Proms. It is a chance for everyone to get up and sing along and have a laugh. Fireworks go off and it’s a really nice end.

What does music mean to you?
To me it is so emotional. I love the idea it can make you smile one minute and the next you could be sobbing. It is a language that is international and it can reach anyone anywhere. It is an amazing thing and can get you through a hard time and give you strength to cope or cheer you up. What would we do without music?

How do you measure success?
That’s a tough one. I guess it is by things that have made me happy. I always set myself goals that I have wanted to achieve. It’s good to be able to slowly tick these things off like performing at Sydney Opera House. I don’t think I will ever stop. The other night I was a question on The Weakest Link and I thought, I’ve made it now.

What is the most expensive thing you have worn and how did it feel?
At the Grammy Awards I had £6 million in diamonds around my neck. I felt like Cinderella. It was a beautiful piece of jewellery by Mont Blanc [Katherine is the face of Mont Blanc]. Bodyguards had to accompany me to the toilet. I would tease them about trying a runner with the diamonds but they looked serious so I didn’t try to escape through a window.
What are you best vocal and beauty secrets?
Manuka honey is great for the vocal chords and for beauty drinking water helps. I have a few products I love. The first is Alpha Beta pads. They are daily acid pads. It is like using an exfoliant only without rubbing your skin off. It makes your skin look brighter. My friends have all gone mad for them. Clarins Anti-Eau Oil is good for water retention when you have been on a plane.

You live in London now so would you describe yourself as a city girl?
I am definitely a country girl at heart. I grew up in a valley. I am totally a girl from the valley. I love to be with nature. My family home backs on to a country park. I do love London but I don’t live in the centre because I like to have green space. At some point I am going back to the country. And I love dogs. I had a husky sheepdog cross when I was younger and I adored him. I am looking forward to a time when I can have a few dogs. They are a calming influence. When you come in from a stressful day and to have that welcome and that unconditional love is irreplaceable. For me, they make a home.

When was the last time you cried?
Watching the film Sex and the City with my mum and sister. The bit where Miranda meets the love of her life on the bridge. I think I cried at lots of parts.

Katherine Jenkins’ latest album Rejoice is available on general release. For Victoria Park tickets call 01444 255115

Source: Sussex Life