Blog messages from Hayley

xena · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2007 11:57 pm Post subject: Blog messages from Hayley

8 August 2007

Yay! The sun has finally shown its face! Maybe, just maybe, we'll get a summer after allhere's hoping. For those of you not aware, over the last few weeks the UK has been dealing with lightening, thunder, hail storms and torrential downpours resulting in devastating flooding across the country. I've been one of the lucky ones. Thankfully, the water that accumulated on my balcony during the major deluge didn't quite manage to overflow into my flatalthough it was pretty close to doing just that. Many others weren't quite so lucky and my heart goes out to them.

Since I've been back in the UK I've been keeping busy with concerts across the country, as well as making it over to Dublin to perform with the RTE Concert Orchestra. Performing with such talented musicians was a real honour. Just over a week ago I performed at Classic FM's Woburn Live concert singing some of the 'West Side Story' hits for the first time in public. I was joined on stage by the wonderful Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo and together we sang the parts of Maria and Tony. For those of you that didn't make it (as well as those of you that did and liked what you heard!), a 'West Side Story' recording celebrating it's 50th Anniversay will be released on the 13th August featuring Vittorio and myself …so get your copy! It's the best musical ever written in my opinion and you won't be able to stop yourself from singing along to all the hits such as 'I Feel Pretty', 'Tonight', 'One Hand, One Heart', 'Maria'I could go on and on!

So, what else have I been up to? Well, over the weekend I had two concerts at Shrewsbury Abbey (my third visit) which was a fun trip as I got to spend a day sightseeing around the beautiful town. I did get lost and spent most of my afternoon trying to find my way back in time for my soundcheck for the second show, but if you know me well, that is to be expected!

I also had a show at the Eisteddfod Festival in Llangollen, Wales last month which I'm thrilled to tell you was sold out with 4000 people in attendance. For my final number, 'Hine E Hine', I was joined by the New Zealand Youth Choir which included many of my friends from back home -some of them I hadn't seen for at least 3 or 4 years (!) so it was a special moment. The Welsh were very warm and welcoming as usual. J

Before I forget, I have to tell you about one other performance for none other than His Holiness the Dalai Lama! He had come over to Derry, Northern Ireland to support his friend's 'Children In Crossfire' charity. It was a moving event.

Better sign off before I bore you, but just one more thing! On the 31st August (this month!) I will be holding a concert actually, more like a gathering! -at the Shephard's Bush Empire in London called 'Hayley's Kiwi Ceili' to give the All Black's a fabulous send off for the Rugby World Cup. Dave Dobbyn, a kiwi legend, is going to be joining me up on stage to sing some of New Zealand's favourite songs as well as us both performing some of our own hits. For those of you in or around London, you gotta come!

Right, better be on my way. Lots of love to you all

Hayleyxxx

Source: Official MySpace Page
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Your attitude determines your altitude in life

xena · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2007 2:10 am Post subject: November - Konichiwa!

Konichiwa!

After a couple of hectic weeks back home in Christchurch (holiday, what holiday?) during which I launched my autobiography (just in New Zealand for now, UK is releasing in a month), I have just arrived in Japan. It's a country I always enjoy touring, with such friendly and appreciative audiences (and great food too). I have worked here a lot over the last few years and the Samon promoter team (Hiro, Michi, Shin and their boss, whom we have nicknamed "the Don") are almost like friends and Hiro, at Universal Music here, always has great new ideas for releases, the latest an album tying up the loose ends of the TV and film themes I have recorded, with a few other unreleased songs, entitled "Prayer ".

This tour takes me out to many regions of Japan, not just Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya (the only three cities I have visited on tours in the past, except for a guest appearance in Kochi) which is unusual for an international artist, but it gives me the chance to meet the people that have been kind enough to buy my CDs but usually would only get to see a live performance on a TV show.

My first show was in Fukuoka in the beautiful Symphony Hall, and here are some photos from my sound check. I am lucky enough to be working with a wonderful Japanese violinist, Yukiko and pianist, Makato. I am here for three weeks, with a big Tourism NZ launch at the very end, then back to the UK to do some shows as well as check up on my new flat (plus maybe buy some furniture for it as I think beds, tables and seating are always a nice touch).

For those of you downunder, We are just confirming a NZ tour for February and then hopefully a record will be recorded in March...yikes, that's not far off, is it?!

Matane (see you soon)!

Hayleyx
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Your attitude determines your altitude in life

xcept · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 2:53 pm Post subject:

29 January 2008

Why hello there!!

How is everyone?! Apologies for the extended length of time that has passed since I last showed my face here! There were a few technical issues that needed to be sorted out.
So...what am I up to?! Well, as some of you will know, I have been back in New Zealand since Christmas...enjoying some quality time with the family, friends and some quality time with the sun too of course! (sunscreen and hat ever present!) -I've had the best holiday ever. It's now back to the work though! I had a sold-out show in Keri Keri, Bay Of Islands, on Saturday evening which was a great concert to kick-start the year and have also been up in Auckland promoting my upcoming NZ vineyard tour with Dave Dobbyn. I really am very excited about this tour...the beautiful settings, the relaxed crowds, the wine (!) and of course having the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary Dave! Hope to see some of you there...

Well, better get back to...errr...well...the sun?! I'm sure you'll understand haha

Lots of love
Hayleyxxx

Source: OS

xcept · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject:

Hi guys! Hayley here Smile

So...I really need your help! My album 'Treasure' has just been nominated for ALBUM OF THE YEAR at the Classical Brit Awards!! I'm so, soooooo thrilled with my nomination as you can imagine, but it would be even more thrilling to actually win this award!
I would REALLY appreciate it if you went to http://www.classicalbrits.co.uk/ and voted for me!! Pretty please! Smile

As a kiwi gurl, I'm a bit of an outsider here in the UK, BUT it now seems that anyone and EVERYONE can vote online!!! Not just the Brits, but everyone, the world over!! This means that you could all really help me!!
Could you PLEASE follow the link and vote for my album 'Treasure', then spread the word by sending this page onto all your friends!!! It would mean the world to me to win this award.

Thank you!!!

Hayleyxxx