A Conversation with Rachel Fabri By Alena Bond

Fans may recognize Rachel from All first audition lead to many more Angels or one of her many stage and at twelve Rachel made her performances, recently in Rock of professional debut as Annie. She Ages and the Sound of Music. With also began to study with soprano her big smile and honest Gillian Zammit and performed in performances, Rachel’s fan numerous other workshops and base continues to expand. master classes. “I kept on taking part in national theatre Like with many Rachel’s love for performances throughout my music started early. “Growing up in teenage years.” Her first degree was Malta was lovely – I had a very in Psychology but “Once that was happy childhood which was full of done I knew I needed to follow my music. Malta has influenced my true passion which was singing.” music and my love for the arts in a very profound way.” She took ballet, Rachel continued her education in piano and also drama lessons. “One England completing a Master’s day (at approximately age eight) I degree in Musical Theatre at went to an audition for Joseph & the Guildford School of Acting. “I had Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat he just turned 20 when I moved to the re in Malta, got selected and loved UK so I was already quite mature every second of the performances! I and ready to explore what living knew from that moment that I loved overseas was like – I was very eager music and the stage!” That to learn and focus on musical theatre full-time. Being in the UK brought a in the UK and would have the CD on deeper level of maturity and repeat back at home when I returned knowledge to my singing where I to Malta. I had never realized that could focus on my passion full-time.” classical-crossover was my niche After graduation, Rachel landed an until that very moment when I heard agent which opened doors for her the blend of their four beautiful, pure to appear in shows and eventually voices.” Nearly four years later replace Laura Wright in All Angels. Rachel was given the once in a lifetime opportunity to audition for Still, at times, Rachel was homesick. the group that influenced her so “It was only when I was living in the greatly. “I remember reading about UK that I realized how much I missed the audition to join the All certain things I had been taking for Angels quartet whilst browsing granted – family, the sea, the through The Stage newspaper in the weather, friends, the close proximity park. It said that one of the girls, of everything, the security…. I would Laura Wright, had decided to leave. often write songs in the UK about After a few weeks of nerve-wracking how I longed to see my boyfriend auditions, I couldn’t believe that I (now husband) or how I was missing was the chosen soprano to complete my family and friends in Malta.” the new line-up!” Despite the difficulty of studying and working so far away, Rachel The friendships were insists that she “thoroughly enjoyed” instantaneous. “I immediately the experience. She tells us, “Now clicked with the other three girls – that I am married and once again Daisy Chute, Charlotte Ritchie, and living in Malta, I try to visit and Melanie Nakhla – and just found it so perform in the UK whenever I can.” strange that I was actually once their no.1 fan, owning all three of One of Rachel’s best memories from their albums.” She describes the her UK years is her time with All other members as not only great Angels which she says was “one of friends but “incredibly down to the most exciting and thrilling earth and so funny!” experiences of my life.” For her, the journey began as a fan. “I remember After joining Rachel was quickly purchasing All Angels’ first album learning the soprano parts to their when it had first been launched and I repertories as well as learning new was immediately interested in this material. She was also “trying on sound. I bought it when I was new performance outfits, sitting at attending a random singing course meetings with management, doing photo shoots and interviews, intimacy with her audience. “My recording new tracks and traveling main thought throughout the to new performance destinations. As recording process was that I wished luck would have it, I was very unwell for the listener to feel as though I for my first concert with the group was singing right there next to them and could hardly speak let alone sing in an acoustic, raw, natural setting. I but I tried to take care of my voice as wished that my passion for live best I could and somehow, a voice theatre and music would really come managed to come out of my mouth. across. All instrumentation on the That first concert was held at the album is also live, featuring some of Leicester Square Theatre in London the best Maltese musicians on the and I still remember thinking that island.” even though I was so unwell, I had thoroughly enjoyed the performance She hoped to touch the listener with so much and I just couldn’t wait for a carefully selected track list that the next one.” combines both her passions, musical theater & classical For Rachel, some of the highlights crossover. “Being a religious person, with All Angels include I also wished to include a couple of performing at Wembley Stadium for traditional spiritual tunes.” The the Champions League Final 2011, album features some of her “all- TV appearances on BBC1 and time favorites” and others that are Channel 4 as well as the Classical less familiar to audiences. “All the Brits and being featured on the EP songs mean something to me and “Starlight.” As for countries? “I’d each has a special place in my heart. probably say Los Angeles and Spain All the songs were chosen with a but as a venue, I would definitely say particular thought in mind – a few Wembley Stadium for the Champions years ago, when the idea to create League Final 2011 and the Royal the album came to mind, I realized Albert Hall!” Yet as much as a how fortunate I am to have had whirlwind as these events were one some amazing and inspirational of Rachel’s fondest memories is when people in my life. Some of these she performed with the girls at her beautiful people are still with us and own wedding “as per my husband’s very much a part of my life and request!” unfortunately quite a few of the others are no longer with us but I Rachel recently released her debut treasure them having been a part of album, “Forever Yours” and it was my life very much. It’s thanks to all about achieving a sense of these angels that Forever

Yours came to life.” She discovered studio. We recorded in a small the title track while studying at GSA studio, which was fine for most other and quickly “fell in love with it and instruments…but this harp was so its message. That song encompasses huge and we had a good laugh the message of the entire album.” trying to wheel it in.” She also carries special memories of “It’s a Rosebud in June” from her Fortunately, it all worked out in the first singing teacher and end. A cold made “All I Ask of You” “Scarborough Fair” which was and “May It Be” the greatest arranged by David Downes. “I was challenges of the album. Other fortunate enough to get the blessing commitments prevented from Sir David Downes to record his rescheduling “there was no other beautiful arrangement and have it option than to record the songs on on my album.” the given days. Inhaling was a major challenge but we got there in the Choosing a favorite isn’t an easy end!” task since she loves them all, so instead, we’ll settle for her favorite After the recording, it was time for to perform. These are Memory, Pie the launch. “The Malta launch took Jesu, and Someone to Watch Over place in August 2015 at Maria Rosa Me. “I simply get transported to vineyard and the UK launch took another land when I sing ‘Memory’ – place in October 2015 at The the lyrics are so meaningful and so Pheasantry in London. I was very easy to relate to by so many people. used to performing as a solo artist in ‘Pie Jesu’ is the hymn I sang at my Malta but suddenly performing as a dear uncle’s funeral and the solo artist in the UK was very new to overwhelming emotion I felt when I me. The whole process of not only sang that song for him is one I will performing but also of recording never forget and I will always have solo projects was new but exciting.” present when performing that song. Of course, she missed her All Angels ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’ is so friends. “I missed having the girls much fun to sing – especially to a live fooling around in the studio or audience. It’s a cheeky yet romantic during rehearsals or having the on- song. I love that Gershwin era and stage banter and creating beautiful sometimes wish I was born in it!” harmonies, however, this was a new and exciting time and I was all for it. One of her humorous behind-the- I felt a greater responsibility to have scenes moments was “trying to get satisfied listeners and also learned the massive harp into the recording much more as an artist.” In addition to her new foray into around cigarettes and other fumes, recording, Rachel has continued to to avoid caffeine and to have lots of make a home for herself on the fresh ginger & manuka honey. I also stage. One of her most recent roles enjoy drinking ‘throat comfort’ tea was Regina in Rock of Ages. “It is so and ginger-lemon tea.” much fun to play – she’s like a crazy, overly energetic Chihuahua! It’s a Rachel cannot picture herself very different type of show for me completely away from music. “I but fun nevertheless.” Of course, guess if I could no longer be a singer- Annie will always “remain close to musician, I would be a full-time my heart” but another all-time singing tutor.” She was previously favorite was Cathy in the Last Five the Head of Music at Masquerade Years. “I loved the music and the School for the Performing Arts in story-line. As a character, Cathy was Malta but had to stop “due to my quite complex and so interesting to solo projects and performer play. Presently, I am in rehearsals commitments.” Rachel says, “I love for The Sound of Music. I am playing working with kids!” the iconic role of Maria (no pressure there!) and the show run begins this In addition, to singing, Rachel also October. This is definitely one of my plays the piano. “I love playing the dream roles and I can’t believe I am piano and I aim at finding more time getting to perform this part! Other to hone my piano skills in the coming dream roles for me would be Cosette year.” Another surprise? and Eponine in Les Miserables and Glinda in Wicked.” “I’ve just bought a ukulele and decided I must try to learn how to She keeps her voice in shape with play it within the coming months.” “regular lessons.” In Malta were Rachel has also written several temperatures are frequently hot original songs. “I occasionally and humid it may seem crazy not to perform them at live, local concerts have the air-conditioning on full and have recorded a few of them but blast but, “I try to avoid them at all I never officially released them due costs. When it is inevitable, I try to to other commitments at the time stay as far away from it as possible that needed to take priority. and always have a scarf or cardigan However, I have just embarked on a handy – even in 35*C + weather! My music video project – filming is to routine for maintaining a healthy take place approximately during the voice is to drink lots and lots of end of October. It is thanks to fans water, not to shout, not to stay and their financial and unending, moral support that this music video with our readers: “Sometimes, the will be taking place. This music video reasons we may love music so much will be created for one of my more may be to escape the problems of life recent original songs called Let You but we can also use music and its Go. So keep your eyes and ears open messages to help solve and deal with towards the end of this year!” those problems. Let’s use music and allow it to teach us to be kind to each With her genuine passion for music other, to swallow our pride and help and kind spirit, Rachel is a breath of our neighbors, especially in such fresh air. She leaves the following trying times.”

Forever Yours is available from Rachelfabri.com

Let’s Get to know Braxi By Chantelle Constable

Watch the latest video posted on impressed with the performance their facebook page, a live level of these ‘lady boys.’ Their looks, performance of their original their attention to detail, the way arrangement of “Nothing Compares they have no fear of going over the 2 U,” and you will see two top- it's inspiring! Glam Rock does performers who can’t keep their the exact same thing, with iconic eyes off each other. Every breath is artists like David Bowie, Freddy in sync, and at times, their synergy Mercury, Cyndi Lauper, Meat Loaf, is so complete that they seem to be all pushing the boundaries with their one body in two forms; singing with looks and performances; something two voices, but joined at their that has become very important to elemental core. This is BRAXI us. And if you listen to the musical Music, a husband and wife classical compositions of these artists, along crossover duo based out of the with many others in the Glam Rock Netherlands, and inspired by “true world, you can hear brilliance, love, divas, drag queens, glam rock, sometimes symphonic sounds that, if & Bocelli.” arranged in a slightly different way and translated into Italian, could “We watch Rupaul’s Drag Race on a very well be considered ‘classical.’” regular basis and are constantly

The story of Brandi (nee Russell) Specifically, the duo credits the and Max Himmelreich could be the song “Vivo Per Lei” with making lyrics of a sweeping, romantic them realize they had a special ballad. After completing her connection and potential as not contract with the Holland America only a romantic couple, but also a Cruise Line, Brandi moved from powerful performance partnership. America to the Netherlands to pursue a relationship. Although that Both members of BRAXI boast very love story was not to be her happily extensive resumes that led them to ever after, it did lead directly to this point in their careers. For Max, meeting Max, when she joined the his interest was fostered by his cast of a dinner theatre of which he family, who were all involved in was already a member. music in some way or another. He joined local musical theatre groups, Max: “I remember very vividly taking which were founded by his father, the tramline to work, knowing that then branched out into dinner day a new colleague would join us theatre, cruise ship tours, and even who had won POPSTARS. I had never modeling, which he credits for seen the show, so I had no idea what helping him “be comfortable with he/she looked like or sounded like, so standing out, and to not only rely on in the spirit of collegial sparring, I things I’ve trained very hard for like was looking forward to the singing and acting. But to truly challenge. In the tram I saw this accept who I am, what I look like and massive head of curly bright red-hair what I do and especially to enjoy in front of me, I, of course, assumed every moment. At the end of the day, she was in the industry. So when I the most memorable artists, or saw she was exiting the tram at the successful people in any aspect of same stop I knew that was her… She life, are those who stand out by being must be going to the Dinnertheater. I themselves. It seems like such a got there first, and when she entered repeated and dragged out statement, and introduced herself, we got along but finding out who you are and right away. So, we met through accepting who you are – are two music, and at the dinnertheater had very difficult things. A performers’ the opportunity to sing together… I mind has a default setting full of self- couldn’t think of a more natural doubt. For most performers, process, and it continues to conforming to something that strengthen our relationship every already “works” is much easier than day.” having a long look in the mirror, seeing what you might not like, choosing to embrace it and making escape. Both searching for love, both it work for you. ” devoted to their art, both with mental challenges that taunt Brandi has a long list of credits to their existence…. I would really love her name, from the Pensacola to delve into their worlds.” Children’s Chorus to studying classical voice at age 14 to After winning Popstars, she was attending the University of Central signed by major record label Florida to study in a BFA program Warner Music Benelux and also had for Musical Theater. Writing is one a contract with the producers of the of her hobbies, and she wrote cover show. “It was an incredible stories for the city-wide GLBT experience, life-changing. However, newspaper in Orlando, FL, as well the songs were chosen for me, the as writing and performing one of looks were chosen for me, and the the official songs for Stockholm way I was being developed felt Pride 2010. She won “Popstars” (a wrong. After one year, I separated Dutch TV series) in 2008 and also my contract with them in order to fondly recalls a performance as find my solo sound. I made a Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. “I pop/dance album that I am still enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek comedy incredibly proud of, called of the musical and the soulful music Reinvented, though at the time it that drives it. The absurdity that never really took off. I was so young little Audrey gets eaten by a plant and didn’t understand the music from outer space and sings the last industry, especially in The song as an actual PART of the plant Netherlands. I expected the industry just made me laugh and enjoy every there to be as boisterous as it is in single performance. the USA or the UK, but it was the opposite. Anything that ventured As I get older, however, I really love outside of these strict boundaries the idea of sinking my teeth into they placed on the performers was deep characters, with so many built considered wrong, over-produced, up emotional layers that would over the top and ‘trying too hard.’ I challenge me as an actor. There are actually fell into a depression then, two roles that I would LOVE to play: because the same people who told Sally Bowls from Cabaret and Norma me the year before that I was great, Desmond from Sunset Boulevard. were telling me this year that I Both of these characters have couldn’t sing. It beat me down and tragedy surrounding their lives and made me lose faith in my abilities.” have used their performances to

A mere two weeks after their as you take care of anything else. It marriage, Brandi and Max set out will be respected more, than being on a three-year adventure of careless. Keep your eye on the prize! performing abroad in theatres, The prize can be big, and it’s easy to onboard cruise-lines, and at high- say that the prize is fortune and end resorts. Their family jokingly fame. Unfortunately, if you look at called it a “paid Master’s degree.” the job that way, you have a great Max says, “It pushed us to use every deal of competition. Instead, aim to chance we had to try new things, be happy and proud of your work write/perform new songs, and yourself, that way the only discovering ourselves in new looks competition you’ll have is yourself.” and outfits. Since Brandi and I were both classically trained as vocalists Now, as a duo with two singles to as well as actors but also had an their name and an album on the established career in contemporary way (to be called “Musical music, we found common ground in Esemplastic,” on which you can our fascination for the old and the expect to hear songs in English, new.” Italian, and Swahili), BRAXI is dedicated to not only pushing the Referring to their growth as a boundaries of the classical performance team and a couple crossover genre, but striving to while traveling during those three promote equality, acceptance, and years, as a springboard for advice to education through their music, as other artists interested in the well. traveling lifestyle, Brandi says, “Whether you’re traveling together “Both of us grew up being bullied, or alone, I would say, embrace and teased, and beaten down for having enjoy every moment. Be ready for big dreams, being ‘different’ and some bullshit along the way and theatrical, and therefore we will don’t give yourself any excuse EVER always try and use our music to give to give a performance less that hope to others feeling the same way everything you’ve got! Part of the or experiencing the same (or worse) journey is strengthening your things. ” endurance and pushing yourself to breaking point. Take good care of A casting call for a music video was your body, since few other lines of posted on their facebook page, work require you as much to be in requesting dancers who were good health. Sometimes it’s like a big comfortable with GLBT themes. party, but take care of YOU as much

“[The casting call] is for our music fans want to hear them over and video for the song “Breathless (Senza over again to find that ‘something Fiato).” Through the dance and new.’” music in the video, we hope to show that love can be a beautiful thing, no The list of influences they name is matter who it is between.” all-encompassing. John Mayer, “I really believe that love can and Coldplay, and Adam Levine impact should be celebrated, and if anyone Max’s songwriting, and both can find the love that Max and I members mention Sia as a leading share, be it two men, two women or pop icon. Max emphasizes that he a man and woman, it should be grew up listening to legendary celebrated and not shunned. There is artists such as The Beatles, Michael so much hate in the world, and I Jackson, and Frank Sinatra, as well choose to move forward with love. ” as hearing classical music (Bach, Mozart or Debussy) played around BRAXI is also working with a US- the house by his parents. Brandi based charity called AO Music, pays tribute to great divas of the which helps children in past and present, including Kate underdeveloped countries across Bush, Bette Middler, Lady Gaga, and the world have a musical education. Sarah Brightman. They drop names They will be filming a video clip for such as Phil Collins, Brian May (of the Swahili song “Kuimba” in the Queen), and Andrea Bocelli as Caribbean rainforest and with dream collaboration partners. children on the island of Saba. Max: “I’d also like to give a special Proceeds from the venture as well mention of a Dutch artist named as a percentage of the sales from Theo Nijland, who during my the single will go towards AO Academic years was a great mentor Music’s charitable endeavors. and inspiration.”

“The songs on this album are true While music is their primary focus, messages of hope, love, and fighting BRAXI always looks for additional through the darkness; some of them elements they can incorporate to have even been our therapeutic way broaden the audience experience of of dealing with things in our past. “BRAXI” as a complete art form. In They were all written with the idea the future, BRAXI hopes to develop that the listener would FEEL a large theatre tour, “together with something when they hear it the first two dancers and an aerialist, truly time. There are many layers to each ‘crossing the classics’ in music and piece, which we hope will make our dance.” Even now, they incorporate dramatic makeup in their photos parts of the world, and gave us a new and performances, feeling that “It is audience every single week. We another art form that we can use to would listen to the local music in complete the ‘experience’ of BRAXI these new countries, watch street (not to mention the fact that it is so musicians perform, and listen to the much fun).” lyrics and languages that expressed In addition to independent makeup how each country felt. We would brands that they have discovered, train vocally every day with online their primary loyalty is to MAC vocal lessons and spend late nights cosmetics. Brandi worked with engulfing ourselves in the music of them as a makeup artist and knows our influences. Then onstage, every their products inside and out and week, we would change our show, respects the high quality of the experiment with vocal arrangements brand. Also, she says, “I know the and visuals to see how each audience company donates a lot of money reacted until we found the perfect towards people infected or affected balance. This is how we developed with HIV and AIDS, so I don’t mind our sound, and how I found the joy in spending that extra few dollars.” my work again. ”

The theme of individuality and Though they personally compose staying true to your personal vision their own lyrics and melodies, they is a recurring one with BRAXI. After place a high value on collaboration. her experience with Warner Music “We feel that having that one extra Benelux, Brandi credits Max with ear outside of our own can help take helping her find her true identity our music to the next level.” once again. “When Max and I met, he helped me to build up my confidence They make their musical choices again. When we began making music not based on what is popular or will together, that was when the pieces “make money” in the industry, but began to fall into place. But in The rather what they feel will most truly Netherlands, it was difficult for us to represent them as artists, and what experiment and find our sound, for will push the boundaries beyond the same reasons I just told you. So what is expected. When trading we decided to take time outside the vocal lines between the English so- country, as much time as we needed, called “pop” melodic line and the to study, experiment and search for “Italian operatic,” they easily trade the ‘secret’ of our music. We did this back-and-forth themselves, ditching by performing on cruise ships, which the classical-crossover stereotype allowed us to see many different for a Broadway-styled male vocalist and an operatic soprano (though toned-down look because they think when the song is served, they do it’s what the audiences expect from a adhere to that pattern.) Rather, they classically trained singer. And yet, choose to arrange the song Brandi and I have consciously chosen according to the story that the a different path. To turn heads and melody and lyrics tell. They know to reach out in unexpected ways to how their voices fit best together, audiences. We’ve really taken our and that determines the time experimenting with the effects arrangement they perfectly of different visual and musical customize for each song, with an genres. It took us quite a while to ear towards ultimate emotional figure out what BRAXI really was, impact and what they want the and luckily we were both very happy listener to feel. when we did. In the end, it wasn’t so much a choice, but more like running BRAXI tells it best in their own into the dark and seeing what we’d words: “We have been told many bump in to. I’d like to think it’s times by our fans that they never worked out pretty well. ” thought they liked opera until they came to see us perform, and that Brandi: “We both had interests and opened a door for them, in fact, most respect for classical music we were of them tell us they now visit the younger. It wasn’t until I ventured opera house on a regular basis. This away from it that I realized how makes us wonder, if someone were to much I loved it and missed it in my do the reverse of what we are doing, musical career. Because Max had perhaps they could also broaden the this natural talent for opera, it was a minds of those audience members very easy choice to put it in our who have never listened to music. We both loved it and felt like contemporary music? We strongly the classical elements really added a believe that the future of music is new level of beauty to the new music genre fusing, and would, therefore, we were making. ” love to see an artist from the classical world meet up with an EDM Max: “I think the core of what BRAXI DJ. I bet it would sound pretty is us just being Brandi and Max. amazing. ” Because we insist on being ourselves, and we’re ‘many facetted’. We love Max: “I can imagine that many the art of creating and nothing feels artists affiliated with the classical better than working together. All the variant of crossover would visually people we’ve worked with and will like to represent a more subtle and work with in the future will inspire us and help shape our musical- BRAXI is booked for a show at the output.” Albany Theatre in Coventry on the 21st of January, 2017, in addition to Brandi: “I hope to always grow in a few other UK theater dates, and our music. When I hear recordings will be headliner from a few years ago, it’s amazing to entertainment/guest acts onboard me how much our voices have various ships and resorts grown, how much our actual sound worldwide throughout the year. has changed. We hope to continue They have set their sights on along this path, always participating in the Eurovision Song experimenting with our voices and Contest; having nearly reached the different sounds influenced by the goal twice in the past, they are cultures we experience. This is the placing their hopes in a recently excitement we hope our fans will written song that they feel will be jump onboard with: you never know perfect for the multicultural what surprises we will throw into competition. our music and performances….” BRAXI admits that “Another goal The title of the upcoming album, that we would absolutely drop “Music Esemplastic” (expected to everything for, would be to sing in release worldwide in early 2017) is Cirque du Soleil.” Brandi auditioned inspired by a word-of-the-day that 4 years ago and are currently on a happened to flash across their waiting list/database, but the idea studio screensaver. of BRAXI working together with Cirque is something “that remains a “When recording the vocals for “IL huge dream.” NOSTRO AMORE,” the word Esemplastic came up with the I can do no better than to close this meaning: Def: adjective: rare; interview with, once again, words Having the ability to shape diverse from BRAXI themselves: elements or concepts into a unified “We realize that we have chosen a whole. road not yet traveled. It might be more difficult to break into We looked right at each other and mainstream music scene; it might knew it. This is exactly what BRAXI mean we have to work harder to does, but with music! And so, Musical gain respect from the classical Esemplastic was born.” crossover fans and industry professionals, but it is the right path for us, and we believe that audiences are ready for something new. We are and Bocelli inspired music, they will 100% true to ourselves and strongly never look back.” believe that once people open their minds to our glam-rock, drag queen

To learn more about Braxi pleas visit Braximusic.com

Ana Magiar By Natasha Barbieri

Ana Magiar is a classical crossover Tarja Turnuen.” Their tutelage singer who is breaking new ground allowed Ana to develop her voice to in her home of Argentina. From her its full potential. humble beginnings as a chorister, she quickly became a soloist in the “My musical life has always been first opera choir in her city. “It was strange!” Ana shares. It has been my first contact with classical difficult for her to find a single music,” she tells us. There Ana was genre that could define her. She has first exposed to the great operas “nourished many styles.” In her and the music of composers like native Argentina, Ana was exposed Verdi, Mozart, and Puccini. to the classical crossover genre through performers like Andrea Her education progressed with the Bocelli and Sarah Brightman. While help of prominent instructors. “I many Argentinians enjoy the music started taking master classes with of these performers she tells us, important teachers including Omar “There are no artists in this genre. Carrion, Salvatore Caputto and

Sadly it is not yet widespread in my She has the sensitivity to channel country.” through music and songs the emotional values such as love and For Ana, the genre was the perfect the spirituality of man. It is always a solution to her eclectic love of many challenge to get to meet the sounds. “Thanks to Classical expectations of each composer but Crossover, I find the possibility of for me, it was a beautiful embracing each of them.” She has experience.” since become an ambassador for the genre and is known as one of When it comes to keeping her voice the most successful Latin crossover in top condition Ana says there are artists. “no secrets.” Rather simply, “I try to rest well, drink plenty of water. And Ana’s training in classical music I like to take a moment alone with helps her create the music she the venue before each show.” loves. She tells us that the classical crossover techniques “Allows more She especially values live voice flexibility. You can further performances. “To me, a very enhance the style on the crossover particular visual energy only side, but I think it is thanks to the happens during a live show. When opera technique that it can be you choose to do what you like and accomplished.” She enjoys being concentrate all your energy into it, able to play with her voice and it just flowers. And it is impossible create new sounds and colors. not to feel its fragrance and admire its beauty.” Some of the artists that continue to inspire Ana are Sarah Brightman, Ana stays upbeat positive when it Lisa Gerrard, Anna Netrebko, and comes to the ever-changing nature Loreena Mckenitt among others. In of the music business. “I think the the future, “I would love to work music business has evolved along with Alessandro Safina, and it is a with the growth of technology and possibility in which I am currently with everything change has its focused.” advantages and disadvantages. I choose to focus on the positive Ana performs original music by the market there is today for live composer Graciela Murano who she entertainment.” says is an “extraordinary pianist and composer from our country. She shares this exciting news with experience has allowed her to fully us, “I am currently working on a express her creativity. Ana is also new album. Under a Neoclassical continuing to organizing future concept with my own compositions performances of her Classical alongside a Finnish musician.” The Crossover repertoire.

Visit Ana’s official website for the latest releases anamagiar.com

Scarlett Quigly By Natasha Barbieri

Scarlett Quigley first bounded onto has helped me to develop my the classical crossover scene with the confidence when performing by release of her debut album, “If I Only bringing me some fabulous Had Wings.” With her lovely voice performance opportunities. She and youthful energy she quickly also created my debut album ‘If only I found a supportive audience for her had wings’ and came to the studio growing talent. Getting to that point with me to stand by my side.” It was though has been the result of hard also Rebecca who created a website work on Scarlett’s part and also the for Scarlett and continued to offer assistance of dedicated mentors. advice. For Scarlett, she is “such an inspiration and a massive help along The first of these was previously my musical journey and I’m so featured as our cover star and is none grateful to her for her help.” other than Rebecca Newman. “I met Rebecca over social media. She We discuss her album which Scarlett discovered me and initially asked if I says was a “fun and interesting would be interested in being a part of project to do.” Like her first release, a music video she was making. We Scarlett learned quickly what the communicated via recording experience is like. “As Twitter, Facebook and emails were much as I enjoyed doing it, it taught exchanged. I was thrilled when she me how tiring making an album is. asked me if I would guest at one of We recorded the album in just two- her shows.” afternoon sessions at the studio so it was quite full on.” She readily The relationship continued to blossom acknowledges that there’s “a lot of and Scarlett tells us they got along work that goes on behind the very well. Rebecca saw a special scenes” but also that “it is worth “sparkle” in Scarlett’s voice and it” as her fans would readily offered to help mentor her. “Rebecca agree. After recording Scarlett first saw her album at the launch something she takes very seriously. “I concert, “It was incredible to actually prepare for my concerts by doing lots have in my hand.” and lots of practice.” For Scarlett preparation includes breathing As her artistry continues to develop exercises, vocal warm-ups as well as Scarlett hopes do careful study of her repertoire. “I something “challenging” and “brand love being prepared for a concert as new” when it comes time to her next there is nothing worse than worrying record. “I love learning new things last minute. You can never help being and I’d love to surprise everyone with nervous but you definitely don’t want something different to what I usually the added pressure of being do.” It will be exciting to see how unprepared. I love the performance these desires materialize on her next itself but I have to say, release. my favorite part is at the end. Now, this may sound strange, but Scarlett studies voice with Robert when I know I’ve done it and all the Johnston, an international tenor. He is audience is clapping it’s the best the choral manager of the BBC feeling in the world.” Singers at the British Broadcasting Corporation. “I was introduced to him Scarlett has performed with another of by the composer Chris Broom who our featured artists, thought he would be a good coach to Alessandra Paonessa. Again their take me forward. After a meeting and “Oceans Unite” concert was thanks assessment with Rob, I was delighted greatly to the assistance of social that he was keen to take me media. “We organized the concert on.” Given the names, in his roster of over the internet on Facebook and students, Scarlett tells us she Skype. It was so lovely to meet was “over the moon” that was Alessandra and we got on incredibly interested in teaching her. “I have well and had so much in common.” It been seeing him for just over a year also made it special to finally “put a now. I think we work great together face to the name.” She describes the and he’s so much fun to be around. concert as an “incredible experience Yes, we do all the serious stuff but we and it was wonderful to duet and have a giggle too!” share the stage with such a talented performer.” Fans will be happy to Scarlett has been described as learn that the duo plans to reunite a “natural performer” and she sometime in the future. “We hope to continues to charm new audiences and be performing together again soon so has also recently toured. It’s watch this space!” Thanks to the variety in the crossover Scarlett is currently taking a gap year genre, each performer has their from her studies. “This will allow me own specialty. “I like to challenge to focus on my performances and myself and am told I have a powerful allow me to do more as college five voice so love to sing a good operatic days a week was quite restricting. I aria. I am a very emotional singer feel like I have more freedom now to and like to throw all my emotions into do more things. That’s not to say I my performances. I try and make sure won’t be furthering my education at a my live performances are captivating university in the future but right now and tell a story. I equally like to sing I’m just taking some time out.” a good classic song for example Moon River but with my own classical When it comes to her music her twist and deep soprano tone, as well family and friends are unfailing as giving my own interpretation of the supportive. “They all say they are piece. I am very lucky to be sent really proud of me and that means a original pieces by composers that lot. My Mum, Dad, and Grandma haven’t been released before. For especially Not that they are example, I was the first artist to biased,” she says tongue-in-cheek. “I release Dolce Vento by Chris Broom could not go without mentioning the on an album.” Since then the song amazing Quigletts.” The Quiglett’s ar has been recorded by several sopranos e Scarlett’s band of supporters. “We including Alessandra and the tenor, got the name by combining Jonathan Antoine – the singer who the Lett from my first name and just so happens to be an inspiration the Quig from my second name,” she for Scarlett herself. “I really admire tells us. “The support I receive from Jonathan Antoine he is a little older the Quigletts is incredible. It is this than me but still young. I think we are support that makes me strive to similar in personality; in fact, we succeed. Without people supporting actually have the same birthday! I can you, coming to your concerts, buying really see how he has grown as an your music and just giving artist and I hope I can follow in his encouragement you cannot grow as footsteps. One day maybe I’ll even an artist. I really mean it when I say sing with him!” the Quigletts mean the world to me.”

Follow Scarlett’s Journey at scarlettsoprano.com