Dave
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Post by Dave on Apr 3, 2006 5:11:27 GMT
Media previews/reviews and fan reviews/photos of Il Divo's first concert in Glasgow (on 6th April) (preferably those mentioning Hayley!) should be posted in this thread, together with any follow-up comments.
Please stay on topic to this concert; off topic matters should be discussed in a more suitable thread or board.
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Steve H
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HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
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Post by Steve H on Apr 5, 2006 21:14:38 GMT
Hi Dave, Below is a preview of Hayley's visit to Scotland this week on sundaymail.co.uk 2 April 2006 CLASSICAL'S TEEN QUEEN COMES HOMEAvril Cadden You always get compared to Charlotte Church because you are a classical singer. How does that feel? I don't mind, I expect it. People want to pigeonhole you and when I was starting out she was the only female classical singer my age, so it was an obvious comparison to make. I've met her and she's lovely and I think it's great she's following her heart in what she's doing. Would you follow her into mainstream pop? I'm pretty happy with what I'm doing at the moment. It's not that I dislike that kind of music - I love everything - but what gives me the most enjoyment singing live is somewhere between classical and pop. It's where I feel most comfortable and I think it's important to stick with what you are good at. You've been on tour with II Divo. What's that been like? It's been so much fun. I've really enjoyed it but it's a gruelling schedule. I thought I was going to be completely exhausted. The Il Divo guys are lovely and friendly. The whole team are great. People say I'm so lucky touring with all these lovely guys but you miss female company after a while. Are you looking forward to playing in Scotland with them at Glasgow's SECC on April 6 and 7? I've been to Edinburgh and Glasgow a few times. They are beautiful cities. I'm looking forward to it and performing to great audiences. I like Scotland, it reminds me of my home, New Zealand. I think England and Scotland have the same relationship as Australia and New Zealand. And I have a bit of Scottish blood in me, so maybe that's got something to do with it. It's from my mother's side of the family and one of my great, great, great grand-parents was Scottish. I should brush up on my history. You've played some big gigs in Scotland before. What was it like singing at Celtic Park before their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in 2003? It was great. My manager is a huge Celtic fan and I've become a huge fan as well. I've seen them a couple of times on TV and I get all the updates quite regularly. I would love to see them play in Glasgow. You've played to some big crowds in rugby and football stadiums. Do you get nervous? I find that the bigger the crowd, the more energy they give off for me to thrive on. They create an atmosphere I enjoy. It's a lot harder performing in front of a small group and close friends. You are only 18 - do you miss doing normal teenage stuff? I miss my friends and family. But most of the time I'm so focused with what I'm doing. I just immerse in the music and in my shows. It would be nice to have a little bit more of a social life but you can't have it all. THE TEEN SINGER'S ALBUM, ODYSSEY: SPECIAL TOUR EDITION, IS OUT NOWwww.sundaymail.co.uk/entertainment/sevendays/tm_objectid=16891941&method=full&siteid=64736&headline=classical-s-teen-queen-comes-home-name_page.htmlSteve H PS I used your tip on the link! I learn quickly!! |
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Post by Andrew on Apr 6, 2006 9:17:05 GMT
Hi All, I've done a little research to find out more about time schedules for the concerts... I obtained the following information from the Glasgow SECC Website at the link below: www.secc.co.uk/whatson/index.cfm?inc_dsp=view&eventRef=0E602568-508B-E9FB-9878C27CD4290F0DComments:
CONCERT TIMINGS:
Doors open - main building : 6.00pm
Doors open - auditorium : 6.30pm
Support - Hayley Westerna : 7.30pm
Interval : 8.05pm
Il Divo : 8.30pm
Show due to end : 9.55pm
PLEASE NOTE - THESE TIMINGS ARE CORRECT AT TIME OF POST BUT ARE MEANT AS A GUIDE. TMINGS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE EVENT ORGANISER.From this information, it would appear that Hayley will only be singing for 35 minutes.  I don't have a ticket for tonight's concert (only tomorrow's) but I'm planning to be at the venue anyway... Hopefully, I'll catch Hayley  Regards, Andrew  |
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Post by roger on Apr 6, 2006 10:07:40 GMT
Hi Steve, Thanks for the item from the Sunday Mail. It's a nice article except for one omision. It doesn't actually name her!  Hopefully, I'll catch Hayley Regards, Andrew Why, is she going to *drop in*?  Roger |
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Post by Andrew on Apr 7, 2006 7:14:40 GMT
Hi Everyone, I was very fortunate to be able to buy a ticket for last night's show (and to meet Hayley afterwards too!). Watch this space... The Review will follow! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifRegards, Andrew |
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Post by Richard on Apr 7, 2006 7:45:14 GMT
Hello Andrew!  We'll wait patiently for your review. After meeting Hayley, you might need a day or two before you can think straight. Yes, that is the voice of experience! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifBest Wishes from London, Richard  |
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Post by george on Apr 7, 2006 7:50:20 GMT
Hi Andrew
Looking forward to your review. Glad were able to meet afterwards. I was sorry that I could not see Hayley after the Nottingham show. I am beginning to wonder now if she did appear and I was in the wrong place!
You are going again tonight aren't you? Have a great time and wish Hayley, Happy Birthday from me if you get the chance.
Cheers,
George
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Steve H
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
Posts: 1,756
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Post by Steve H on Apr 7, 2006 11:04:39 GMT
Hi Andrew,
Sounds like you had a stroke of luck there, well done, we look forward to reading your review, are you still going tonight as well?
Steve H
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Post by Andrew on Apr 7, 2006 12:16:38 GMT
Welcome back to "Bonnie Scotland" Hayley! [/color][/center] Hi All, These photographs were taken after the Concert - it was very cold and windy outside!  The tartan sash which Hayley is wearing in the photographs has been woven in a unique tartan... Hayley's very own registered tartan, entitled: "Westenra of Christchurch NZ". This tartan was designed to commemorate Hayley's visit to Scotland. It was woven in her honour... as a tribute to her outstanding singing gift and beautiful personality! Here is the Tartan Registration Certificate: "Westenra of Christchurch NZ" Hayley you are legendary... You make us all SO Proud! God Bless You Andrew |
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Post by Andrew on Apr 7, 2006 13:09:57 GMT
Concert Review: Glasgow SECC Clyde Auditorium
April 6th 2006
Hayley Westenra By: Andrew Fenning Hayley arrived at the Clyde Auditorium just after 4.30pm and was whisked in for the "soundcheck". There were 4 "Il Divo Divas" standing outside waiting for "their boys" when I arrived... One of them was American and was talking about "cookies she had sent to the boys"! She mentioned that front row seats for the Concert had sold on eBay for £10,000! I immediately made my way to the Box Office on the off chance of snatching the opportunity to buy a ticket. I was very fortunate indeed, as seat "H26" in the front stalls had been released in addition to one or two seats further back in the auditorium. I have a front row ticket for tonight's (Friday) Concert... seat "A11". At 7pm I returned back to the auditorium and browsed through the merchandise on offer at the stand in the foyer. It was pre-dominantly 'Il Divo' items which were being promoted, but there were Hayley "fern leaf" T-Shirts available, although unfortunately only in small sizes - for the finer sex! Copies of 'Odyssey' (New Edition) were also for sale- I bought one of these (which Hayley later signed for me) along with a Concert programme. I weaved my way into the auditorium to find my seat whilst 'Rapture' by 'Blondie' played quietly over the P.A. Attendance looked full as I chatted to a few of the folks seated close by. 7.30pm... the Concert began. There were no announcements before the lights dimmed and the pipe introduction for 'She Moves through the Fair' filled the hall... This alone was dramatic! Hayley slowly entered onto the stage in front of a light coloured backdrop amdist the hue of blue and green tinted spotlights. She was dressed in a dark green dress and silver high heels. I was captured by the fact that this first piece sounds wonderfully stirring, when performed live- it could make one feel somewhat patriotic! Throughout the set, Hayley was the only musician on the stage. In terms of the stage effects, these were simple but worked very well. I noticed that most pieces began with the projection of blue and green spotlights and as the songs proceeded, there were pink and red projections of light. The balance of colours seemed to portray the changing emotions of the pieces. Hayley proceeded to recite the second number, 'The Water is Wide'. It was fantastic to hear Hayley's own piano playing introduction in the background! Hayley then introduced, 'Amazing Grace' and explained that she was singing an arrangement of the song written for her by Sir George Martin. This song was received with great applause. 'Both Sides Now' followed as the next piece in Hayley's repertoire and then 'Scarborough Fair'. The bass frequencies in the musical accompaniment to this piece were gripping - a great contrast to Hayley's soprano vocal line. Hayley then introduced 'Pokarekare Ana' and explained the Maori connections and the theme of this song. The audience were truly hypnotised by Hayley throughout this piece. A lot of people conveyed acknowledgement that they knew the piece too, following the introduction. Hayley then announced that the final song of the evening was, 'Across the Universe of Time' and jested with the audience that they would be "glad that this was the last song", and "I bet you can't all wait any longer for 'Il Divo' to come on stage". The sound of amusement echoed around the hall. The audience were very appreciative throughout the evening. Although there was an abundance of flashlight photography throughout the set, which was very disconcerting, Hayley didn't show any signs of distraction. Andrew |
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Post by roger on Apr 7, 2006 14:12:52 GMT
Andrew, that is outstanding. What a fabulous idea to design the Westenra tartan, a truly lovely gesture which I know Hayley will appreciate.
And many thanks for the review of the concert so soon after the event.
If you haven't sent all the above through to Simon, please do so as we would love to have it on the main site.
Have another great evening tonight!
Roger
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Post by Richard on Apr 7, 2006 14:31:53 GMT
Hello Andrew! Many thanks for your excellent review and the wonderful photographs. The tartan sash looks beautiful on Hayley, and it really suits her! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gifI hope you enjoy tonight's concert too. Best Wishes from London, Richard  |
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Post by Raymond on Apr 7, 2006 15:12:27 GMT
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for the excellent photos and excellent review.
Raymond
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Steve H
Global Moderator
HWI Management Team / Official Site Photographer & Videographer
Posts: 1,756
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Post by Steve H on Apr 7, 2006 15:51:38 GMT
Hi there from your jealous PROMO buddy!  Andrew, you have excelled yourself this time, I am very pleased it worked out well for you in the end and you found a ticket! Hayley looks well in the great pictures, have another good evening tonight.  Enjoy it !!! Steve H |
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Post by Stuart H on Apr 7, 2006 18:46:18 GMT
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for the review. I am going to Wembly next Wednesday and just reading about your experience and the music makes my mouth water! What a lovely idea re the tartan. I am sure Hayley really appreciated it. Did she do the signing at the end of the entire concert or after her session Love to know as need to make plans for Wembly.
Glad to hear that the audience were appreciative of her music. Welcome Home Hayley!!
Stuart H
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