Biography

In the space of three and a half years, New Zealand has been the scene of an extraordinary journey for Yulia. In September 2002, she and her mother arrived here from Russia as new immigrants. In October 2005, she was on stage at the Aotea centre-- receiving two TUI AWARDS for “Highest Selling New Zealand Album” and “Best Female Solo Artist”.

Her life during that time has been a whirlwind. Speaking almost no English on arrival and knowing nothing of the New Zealand way of life, Yulia proved herself a quick learner. Within six months she could speak the language fluently and was immersing herself in her new life as a Christchurch schoolgirl. Her favourite studies being music and guitar, she quickly discovered that she had a voice and began to sing Russian folk songs and learn songs in English.

She wrote some original songs and got a late call-up to perform on a local television station after the artist they had booked had to cancel. That performance left those in the studio speechless and a tape was duly sent to agents and record companies.

Yulia was signed almost immediately to SonyBMG Music and work quickly began on her debut album. This was her cue to take formal singing lessons with the added incentive of performing with Russell Watson in Tokyo. That performance brought a spellbound audience to its feet. It was, in fact only the second time Yulia had performed publicly and her first with the accompaniment of a full orchestra. The promoters of the show were unaware of Yulia’s inexperience in that environment and still are, such was the standard of her performance.

Her style has been described by industry insiders as ‘a bridge between the pop and classical’ worlds, and New Zealand Classical producer Carl Doy believes the young contralto has a depth to her voice that can turn itself to any style.
‘She has this amazing quality in her lower register that has soul and passion usually unheard of in someone her age,’ says Carl.

He adds that as well as an incredible natural talent she has an instinctive feel for an audience and a natural ability to entertain.

Her debut album, “Into The West” was released in New Zealand in October 2004 and debuted on the Top 50 album chart at #1 the following week. It remained the number one album for four consecutive weeks and went on to sell 4 X Platinum.

To cap off an incredible four years, Yulia became a New Zealand citizen at the end of 2005 and has returned to the studio with Carl Doy to record her second album. Entitled “Montage”, it is an apt title for a singer who has the talent to present effortlessly both pop and classical repertoire as well as a nod to her Russian heritage and her newfound Kiwi way of life.

All of this and she is still only 20 years of age.

The first single from Montage was, "Were All Alone". Yulia toured the new songs on a National tour with UK opera band, Amici Forever. Montage was released in New Zealand on 3 April.

Yulia took a break from music to pursue the discipline of acting, appearing in the Christchurch Musical "Urinetown" and modeling for the "Fruition" export clothing catalog. She has worked diligently to develop a well rounded stage presence in preparation for London''s musical theatre and hopes to follow in the footsteps of Sarah Brightman and Kate Bush. Yulia''s talent extends well beyond operatic theatre, and so we expect to see Yulia both on stage and screen along with the release of additional albums.

She signed to Oikos Music Management in NZ in Sept 2007 www.oikos.co.nz and to a worldwide publishing deal through BRM-OIKOS www.brmmusic.com