[ ClassicalX ] Kath’s pop at stars

Welsh diva Katherine Jenkins has hit out at singers like Charlotte Church for turning their back on arias to concentrate on pop careers.

The 28-year-old from Neath said: “I don’t like it when classical singers take on something popular and then sound over-produced. I strive not to sound like that.”

Stunning Katherine, who is dating former Blue Peter presenter and Strictly Come Dancing semi-finalist Gethin Jones, has had her own share of commercial success.

Her fifth album, Rejoice, debuted at No.3 in the UK pop album chart, out-selling the Spice Girls and Girls Aloud.

But for her sixth – and final – album as part of her current deal with Universal, the modern-day diva has gone back to her roots by choosing to record a selection of sacred arias.

“I wanted to go back to the music I used to sing,” she said. “It’s like coming full circle.”

The album, out in October, will feature sacred and religious pieces that have a direct link with her past, such as the version of Ave Maria she sang in the Choirgirl of the Year competition.

Although Katherine admits to being religious, she maintains this album will be accessible to non-believers too.

“I don’t think it matters what your religion is,” she said in an interview for the August issue of Classic FM Magazine.

“I’ve chosen pieces with lovely words and beautiful melodies, so hopefully it will appeal to all sorts of people.

“I’ve been recording it in an old church converted into a studio.

“As I was singing Abide With Me, sunlight was streaming through the windows and I was actually getting tears – it was a really spiritual experience.”

Her next career move is to train as an opera singer with Placido Domingo.

“He’s invited me to go and study with him,” she said.

“I can’t think of anyone better to help me.”

Starring in a full-length opera is bound to irk some of her critics, who have claimed Katherine is not a “proper” opera singer.

“You can’t please everyone,” said Katherine.

“If I want to do something, I’ll do it – but I’m a perfectionist, so I won’t do it until I’m ready.

“I won’t do it before I’m 30, and I’ll take off half a year to focus on my first role.”

Katherine appears in the current issue of Classic FM magazine

Source Wales on Sunday