[ ClassicalX ] Hayley’s triumph

Dudley Concert Hall was alive with the sound of music as internationally renowned singer Hayley Westenra took to the stage.

The 22-year-old New Zealand singing sensation joined forces with the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir at their annual autumn concert.

Compered by Midlands Today presenter Michael Collie, the Gentlemen Songsters performed a varied repertoire, which included a Cole Porter medley, an amusing version of children’s nursery rhyme This Old Man, to When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.

However, the star of the show was Hayley, who accompanied by fellow Kiwi pianist and musical director Tim Evans and Scottish violinist Stephanie Benedetti, from the string quartet Raven, performed two haunting 25-minute solo slots in the two-hour show.

The young singer, who performs classical, pop, Celtic and folk songs and is the best-selling classical artist of the 21st century, dazzled as she sang her spine-tingling set which included Prayer – a Celtic piece about Hansel and Gretel – Scarborough Fair and Danny Boy.

Before leaving the audience in awe, as she performed Fleetwood Mac’s Songbird and Joni Mitchell’s classic Both Sides Now.

But one of the highlights of the evening was when she joined forces with the Gentlemen Songsters to perform a traditional Maori lullaby, which was truly beautiful.

And the star, who has performed around the world and in some of the most impressive venues – including Syndey Opera House and The Royal Albert Hall – praised the Dudley venue.

She said: “This is such a beautiful, beautiful hall. It was a pleasure to hear its sound quality and beauty during sound check.

“You are really lucky to have a hall like this. It is a privilege to perform here.”

Source: Dudley News