Classical Reflection By Chantelle Constable Identical mirror twins Hannah and conjunction with the EP, which is Naomi Moxon grew up singing titled "The Night Before Christmas." nursery rhymes and listening to "Our video was really something Emmanuel & ourselves had been Vivaldi and Shania Twain in the car. talking about since we left The Voice. "We remember singing along... it was We had so many lovely comments probably quite embarrassing!" Now, about the song so we felt we really at the ages of 20, they are veterans of wanted to give back something to popular television talent show The those who support us!" Voice, and have just released their The girls' love of singing was instilled first Christmas EP. "We love from an early age. "Since the moment everything about Christmas... we could talk our mum would sing probably our favourite things are: with us for about an hour every Getting up early on Christmas morning. It was never about being perfect but just having fun!" Classical morning, dinner, wrapping everyone’s crossover seems to have also been an presents, and having family board instinctive choice, with the freedom it games." offers in its blend of styles and relaxing mood that appeals to a wide A video for "The Living Years," audience, even those who primarily featuring The Voice co-competitor listen to other genres. In choosing Emmanuel Nwamadi, was released in songs for their repertoire, melody enjoy everything!" takes top priority. The twins love As expected, the girls' voices are both "emotional songs," and love having soprano, and nearly identical to the audiences leave their concerts feeling point that they will often tradeoff "uplifted and happy." between the high and low harmonies within the same song ("It seems very "We always feel really honored when confusing but it happens naturally"). someone cries or is touched by a In their blind audition for The Voice, song. We had a lovely compliment the judges weren't certain that there from a 90-year-old gentleman were two vocalists until they split into recently who said that we were the harmony after beginning the song in pinnacle of his life! We were really unison. Naomi and Hannah admit to moved by that comment!" the occasional argument like normal siblings, sharing that "it’s easy to In life off the stage, Naomi and annoy each other when you are so Hannah present an image of close," but in the end they get along refreshing relatability. Some hobbies very well, aided by the fact that they they enjoy are "learning how to do "share the same opinions which is makeup online, watching reality TV quite useful." shows and having long walks with our dog Wylie!" They enjoy listening to The pressure of being in the public popular artists such as The Civil Wars eye and competing on a reality show and Charlie Puth. While they does not seem to have fazed them. "personally feel more comfortable They admit to being "the least getting dressed up when we sing," competitive people, especially when it because "it makes us feel in the zone," comes to each other," and have this they share that "our everyday style is sage advice to share: "...we do feel the very girly, we mostly wear skirts and music business can be a tough one. here in the winter always a scarf!" We have had our fair share of rough experiences within the music business, Their experience on The Voice was especially when it comes to approached with the same down-to- management, however we feel it's so earth equanimity. "[it] was definitely important to keep focusing on all the something we will never forget! We positives that you gain every day & never really had any expectations not just the negatives, but most going in for the show, we tried to take importantly not to compare your each stage at a time, not thinking too career to anybody else's as everybody far ahead. We were really surprised is different!" at how relaxed we felt through the whole experience, we just wanted to Another high priority alongside their career is teaching music to children, made audio CD’S, learnt a bit of something they intend to make time braille and helped on reception. It for, no matter how successful they really made us appreciate just how become with their performing career. important the charity is." They "We know just how important anticipate supporting the charity in sometimes a singing lesson is; upcoming events. because when we were at school we As to the future, a new album is in the had a bit of a hard time. Singing was works for 2016; no specific songs the thing we really looked forward to were mentioned, but the sisters did all week, we hope that the lessons can drop a few potential hints, mentioning be a time for the children to have fun! that they were keen to work with We think the most important thing to modern composer Christopher Broom teach a child about music is to have again, that while they did not determination, confidence & to enjoy anticipate writing their own music singing always!" However, they share they would "love to take a classical that in order to maintain the health of piece of music such as Swan Lake and their voices they are always careful to have lyrics put to it," and that some of "not talk too loudly when teaching a their favorite classical composers are large class, so our voices aren't Ludovico Einaudi and Debussy. strained at all," and they also ensure that they never get too cold Classical Reflection is a duo with a ("especially where we live in the genuine passion for connecting with winter"), drink a lot of Vitamin C, and their fans. Unlike some talent show "of course warm up our voices before contestants who flare up only to singing!" quickly fizzle out again, their work ethic and love of music has them on a In addition to teaching, another cause sure and steady path to success! close to Classical Reflection's heart is "Its great to make people feel an the charity "The Guide Dogs." They emotion through singing. We also have boarded guide dogs in their love meeting the audience afterwards, home for ten years, and adopted a it is so lovely to hear their stories and former guide dog as their family pet. how music helps them. " "We worked with the charity for a week so we could see all the various ways they help. It was so amazing, we For more information visit the official website: classicalreflection.co.uk Lisa Peretti By Natasha Barbieri Lisa Peretti is a very busy woman; an I chose Mountview because I was actress, singer and songwriter. “I do already there attending a summer course. As a low-income student, I like being busy but I find that I have only had enough cash for one to do my work in stages, in seasons,” audition! If I didn’t make it into Lisa shares when asked how she Mountview then I didn’t have an manages her time. She has taken time alternative!” She advises students to off from acting since 2012 in order to do their research before applying to a focus on her songwriting. “My program. “Try to attend drama school showcases and see which graduates personal life is most important to me. are doing good work. Also, ask what I have two children, so there are times sort of industry connections and when work is put on hold. But, when I showcases the drama school will am performing and writing, family life provide so graduates have the best stays balanced because my husband is exposure to agents and casting so supportive. I am blessed!” directors.” Since graduating Lisa has gained Lisa trained at Mountview Theater recognition for her classical crossover Academy on scholarship. “I don't music and she also has a special know what scholarships are offered fondness for American standards. “I these days, but the scholarship I was raised in a musical household,” received enabled me to take extra she tells us. “ but mostly American singing lessons while at acting school. gospel music as my father was a minister. My mother taught me to She has the advantage of writing play the piano, and we all loved to music that particular suits her unique watch the wonderful MGM musicals voice. “I do write differently for my on TV.” Lisa would also listen to own voice. The main criteria is that many Broadway soundtracks. “I the song has to be a pleasure to sing. loved singing along with Julie For myself, I tend to write songs with Andrews. Later, I started listening to vocal range. It’s more interesting.” Gershwin, Sondheim and Cole Porter Lisa is careful to ensure that the songs on Barbra Streisand albums. I didn’t don’t all follow the same formula. think my soprano sound was ‘cool’ She also enjoys the challenge of when I was young. Then through my writing music for other people’s training at Mountview I realized voices. “When I write contemporary there’s support for sopranos who sing Christian or gospel songs, I write for a range of styles.” group singing or a different voice. I tend to use simpler chord One of the things that sets Lisa apart progressions, a narrower range, and from others in the genre is her talent an easily memorable melody line - but for songwriting. She currently writes even songs of worship do better if they music for BMI Records and also have a ‘hook’! Writing for other recorded her own self-titled album.