Latitude Magazine - Summer Issue 15

[Richard]

Hello folks!

Fiona Pears is featured in the Summer Issue 15 of Canterbury's Latitude Magazine.

More information: www.latitudemagazine.co.nz/cms/

Having fun with Music - Fiona Pears



Unassumingly brilliant, Lyttelton violinist and composer Fiona Pears has come a long way from rebellious teen to internationally acclaimed performer.

Fiona Pears is not one for apologies. This is a woman who remains true to herself, and it shows. What you see, is what you get. Barefoot and beautiful, her long blonde hair flowing as she effortlessly bounds across the stage with joyful abandon playing an eclectic mix of musical pieces straddling many genres, Fiona’s exuberant and animated performances have drawn world-wide praise, escaping the typical mold of a traditional violinist.

Richard

[Ross]

i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif I got the Latitude magazine today and I really enjoyed the 5 page article about Fiona. It went over her musical history.
The following quote is about her involvement with Hayley.

On her return to New Zealand Fiona was approached to do Hayley Westenra's first world tour after the album Pure was released, initially turning it down. "I have to be honest, at the time I knew little about Hayley. I had just returned from a fantastic trip and I didn't think I was the right person for the job. I hadn't concentrated on classical for a while and I was very used to being my own person, plus I had another commitment that I had to keep."
Fate somehow intervened, Fiona putting her personal doubts aside accepting the opportunity. "It was insane; it was as if it was meant to be. I was so lucky I had this chance. I played in some stunning venues and met some wonderful people," she says.
It was during the trip that Fiona met her husband Ian Tilley, who was Hayley's musical director, and technically her boss! The couple married at Godley House in December 2009.