NZ Hayley News

[Belinda]

Get those magnifying glasses ready to read to letters to the editor Tuesday 24th January Chch Press

[roger]

Hi Jeremiah,

I agree with everything you have said with the possible exception of the implication that nerves prevent her from moving about the stage. Yes, she gets somewhat nervous prior to a performance but not to the degree that it would prevent her from being more mobile. Not only is she a wonderful singer, but also a perfectly capable actress and ballet dancer. And it is likely that she will be appearing in a stage show later this year (although no details have yet been released).

So the ability is certainly there. I can only assume that she deliberately chooses to remain within touching distance of the microphone stand for other reasons. But what are they?

Roger

[Dave]

belinda said:

Get those magnifying glasses ready to read to letters to the editor Tuesday 24th January Chch Press

Hi Belinda, thanks for posting those letters, it redresses the balance! Having also read the reviews of the tour from other NZ papers, the ChCh Press really are out on a limb regarding Hayley, I don't know what's wrong with them.

I couldn't find my magnifying glass so I magnified your 'letter' images in your original post, I hope you don't mind! But oh dear, they went smallified in the quote above!

Cheers, Dave

[Dave]

roger said:

Hi Jeremiah,

I agree with everything you have said with the possible exception of the implication that nerves prevent her from moving about the stage. Yes, she gets somewhat nervous prior to a performance but not to the degree that it would prevent her from being more mobile. Not only is she a wonderful singer, but also a perfectly capable actress and ballet dancer. And it is likely that she will be appearing in a stage show later this year (although no details have yet been released).

So the ability is certainly there. I can only assume that she deliberately chooses to remain within touching distance of the microphone stand for other reasons. But what are they?
Roger

Hi Roger and Jeremiah,

I assume that Hayley is jusy following the tradition and accepted standards for a classical recital. She does what Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti and yes, her "hero" Andrea Bocelli do. The rationale is that in classical recitals, it's all about the singing and there should be nothing to distract from that.

In pop music, of course, it's just the opposite but we do know that Hayley herself wants to continue to develop her classical repertoire. It could also be that in order to maintain her vocal technical excellence, she feels she has to concentrate wholly on just that - her singing - without distraction.

But when Hayley does sing (light) pop, she does it on stage as if it is classical - and I'm not sure if that's for the best or not. Perhaps she feels that her audience is mainly of an age and type that prefer her to play it that way - and certainly, I am one such person; it makes a nice change from typical pop stage shows (and quite a few classical crossover ones too). I actually *like it* when Hayley sings in such a restrained manner. I actually *like it* when she makes albums in a restrained manner (like Odyssey). Am I alone?

However... if Hayley is to move further into pop music and be successful at it, things may have to change; but I suspect that any such changes will be slow. Hayley is young, she can afford to take her time... and time is not her enemy!

But It will be very interesting to see if any changes are made for the Il Divo tour...

Cheers, Dave

[Richard]

Hello Dave!

I agree with you that I like Hayley's simple style of performance when she sings classical or gentle pop songs. If she moved around the stage too much it would distract from the tranquil quality of her beautiful voice. Watching her DVD, she is much more animated when she sings "Wuthering Heights", and it suits the song. I expect Hayley will sing songs from her usual repertoire when she is with Il Divo, so I will be very surprised if she changes her style significantly. We'll just have to wait and see.

Best Wishes,

Richard

[fusilier23]

I agree that some of the criticism of Hayley was off-base, but I think some of that might be because of her age. The reason I say that is that the review of her concert is certainly not the only review this person wrote or will write, and he has to think of what he says about her vis-a-vis what he will say about other artists, in particular the "true" classical artists and the older artists. He may well fear that his credibility could be compromised if he throws hosannas to a girl not yet 20 but is critical of someone like Dame Kiri, NZ's reigning queen of opera.

But, that said, I think Hayley's fan base is pretty solid and smarter than a lot of other fanbases out there. They know what they like and they will listen to it no matter what some critic says. Critics do serve a purpose, like it or not, they aren't just mean semi-educated reporters counting down the days to retirement. Some of what they have to say is valid, but it is up to the viewer to decide how much stock to put in it.

I do fear one thing from the reaction here, and that's that this site could appear to be too defensive. I have seen other sites for other artists where the posters get whipped up in arms the minute someone suggests their favorite star could be other than totally perfect, sometimes complete with posts in all caps and more adjectives than most of us use in a month. Quite frankly, that kind of reaction does nothing for the site's credibility or the artist's credibility, part of being an artist is being able to take criticism (though not the recent abuse dished out on American Idol) gracefully. I believe there is a line between criticism and abuse, and it is a visible one, though not what we call a bright line. I think Hayley is a wonderful artist and a wonderful person and she deserves to be defended against abuse, but she isn't above reproach, and there is always room for tweaking and fine-tuning, such as the question of how much moving around she does.

[Andrew]

Hi Everyone,

Was anyone listening to Classic FM at 12.10pm today?

Several people had written in requesting a piece from Hayley... and guess what?

"Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini
Hosanna in excelsis"...

Amen!

Andrew

[Andrew]

fusilier23 said:

I agree that some of the criticism of Hayley was off-base, but I think some of that might be because of her age.

I do fear one thing from the reaction here, and that's that this site could appear to be too defensive. I have seen other sites for other artists where the posters get whipped up in arms the minute someone suggests their favorite star could be other than totally perfect, sometimes complete with posts in all caps and more adjectives than most of us use in a month. Quite frankly, that kind of reaction does nothing for the site's credibility or the artist's credibility, part of being an artist is being able to take criticism (though not the recent abuse dished out on American Idol) gracefully. I believe there is a line between criticism and abuse, and it is a visible one, though not what we call a bright line. I think Hayley is a wonderful artist and a wonderful person and she deserves to be defended against abuse, but she isn't above reproach, and there is always room for tweaking and fine-tuning, such as the question of how much moving around she does.

Hi there,

Some interesting comments there... i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

No "pot-shots" at anyone here, but here's my opinion...

First and foremost, I would disagree that Hayley's age should be an issue in the critique. Why? Well I don't think anyone can disagree that Hayley is a BORN NATURAL. If the reporter is too proud to admit that, then more fool him. I don't think he need worry about his credibility as a reporter in terms of giving her more credit. Artists who are "longer in the tooth" are often humbled by people like Hayley no matter how much more experience they've had on the stage...

Constructive criticism is a good thing... providing that it is Constructive!

Andrew

[Dave]

Recent Off Topic posts in NZ Hayley News

I think the (very interesting) discussion on Hayley's stage movement has now drifted far enough off-topic for this NZ News thread to take it to an existing thread in the Hayley in Concert board for further discussion. So, I will be making my next comment about it in the Use of the Stage thread, please follow suit, everyone!

The separate discussion about The Christchurch Press concert review should now also continue in the Hayley in Concert board as above - there is an existing thread called Christchurch 18th January 2006 - please take any further discussion about this topic there.

Discussion about critical concert reviews generally will need a separate thread of their own in the Hayley in Concert board - make sure someone hasn''t already started one!

Cheers, Dave

[Belinda]

New Article in The Christchurch Star 27th January 2006

Wild,Wild Westenra

Back from London for a family holiday,chart topping Christchurch singer Hayley Westenra talks to Mary Durham.

Nice.SIT there and think about it for a moment.
Let it roll slowly off your tongue.Nice
It should be pleasant and yes, it is, but why is it that most of you are already stifling yawns?
Isn't it simply that nice is just another word for,well, boring?
But if there's one adjective associated with Hayley Westenra, it is the "n" word. And if that's her worst crime, Westenra is happy to plead guilty.
"i don't mind being called that," she laughs."I'm not opposed to that term."
Let's qualify this. When Westenra agrees to our interview, she's just back from her London base and is in the middle of a two-week family holiday in the upper South Island. This folks,is sacred time.
It's her first real break in a whirlwind year of planes,hotels and concerts; a much-longed-for opportunity to just hang out with her beloved whanau.
Yet Westenra sacrifices a day's kayaking with them to talk to the media.
It has been a long journey from not so long ago busking at the Arts centre.
"oh. look, it wouldn't have been that great out there today anyway,"she says,trying to make me feel better about interupting the holiday.
It's a bit cloudy." You see that's the sort of person Westenra is.
So incredibly well adjusted, it's hard to believe.
A million miles away from most 18 year olds. So yes Westenra is nice.
Which leaves the world almost waiting-if not wanting-for her to stuff up.
It does feel a bit that way",she admits, "but at the moment there's not much dirt.I haven't had enough opportunities to go out partying and do completely crazy things. But there's time yet."
It's likely, however,that Westenra will leave that to Charlotte Church, the angel-voiced, foul-mouthed strumpet who figuratively gives the world a two-fingered salute while strutting around with welsh rugby player Gavin Henson.
Westenra does admit to her own liason with rugby players,accepting an invitation to an All Blacks private party after she sang the national anthem at Twickenham last year.
Any Charlotte-type hook-ups? I ask hopefully.
"There are some really cute guys," she laughs.
"I think all the girls would have to agree."
The truth is even if she wanted to, Westenra doesn't have time to misbehave. While everyone else describes her as nice, Westenra chooses another word. Driven. Extremely driven.
"Now that i've had this opportunity, i just want to go for it because that is really what i want to do. I want to go as far as i can."
She's well on her way to doing just that.
Westenra has sold two million albums worldwide. her latest, Odyssey,entered the Uk pop chart at No 10 and has gone three times platinum in New Zealand.
It's predecessor,Pure was the fastest-selling classical debut album in the Uk of all time.
She has duetted with Andrea Bocelli,Jose Carreras,Bryn Terfel,and Russell Watson, in venues such as Carniege Hall, Sydney Opera House,Wembley arena and the Royal Albert Hall.
Then there's the famed private performance for the Queen,George Bush and Tony Blair. and she's even made Andrew Lloyd Webber cry. True
Westenra was auditioning in front of Webber's musical director for the Liz,Bush and Blair gig,
"i heard someone creeping up behind me and it was him (Webber)," she recalls. then he came down and sat at the piano and started playing. I think i was singing Wish You Were Here Again because he was asking me which of his songs did i know and i was, 'Yeah that one' and then,suddenly part way through the song i looked at him and he was crying, which is real sweet.

There is about as much again Part 2 Coming Soon

Belinda

[Belinda]

Wild Wild Westenra part 2

"I'm not quite sure what that mean't but i think it was a good thing,"Westenra laughs.
"I was actually quite emotional as well. he's such a musical legend, in my world especially, so for me to be singing for him, it was pretty incredible.'
Such is the unreal life of Hayley Westenra. and it'll be just as unreal for the next few months.
There's her current New Zealand tour ("I love singing at home, in front of my own people, people who understand me and my sense of humour. It's a real joy, very fulfilling"),then a gruelling four months on the road with Il Divo,performing worldwide.
I'm really looking forward to it and it's a huge opportunity," Westenra enthuses.
They're very popular and it'll be great to get in front of new crowds and visit new countries.
"But it's also going to be incredibly full on. There aren't many days off and the days off are largely going to be travelling days.

As many performer will tell you, the international travel isn't as glamorous as it sounds,Cities,people,venues become blurs. Hotel rooms echo with soullessness.
It can be very lonely," admits Westenra, the first time she's come close to complaining.
"There are times after shows when you're on your own in your hotel room and you're isolated from your family and friends and that can be tough. But i guess that's just one of the sacrifices you have to make."
Westenra's London lifestyle is a bit like that too. many's the day spent pining for this piece of paradise.
Her vowels might not be as blunt as many New Zealanders but make no mistake about it - this gal's Kiwi through and through.

I miss the space we have and the serenity,"she say's.

"Living over in London is a lot of fun and it's an exciting place to live, an interesting experience as well but it's very busy, quite manic really,just the pace of life.
It's very hard to find your own space and completely unwind. On a hot summers day everyone goes to the park because no one has there own back yard. There's just swarms of people everywhere.
"So it really makes me cherish the fact that i can come back here. I feel very lucky to have citizenship here, to have a New Zealand passport.
"So many people would love to have what we have."Her parents Gerald and Jill have been the rocks behind this prodigy.In the early days, one of them would accompany her wherever she travelled. But with success at such a young age,mum and dads are almost always looked at askance.
I do feel a bit guilty about that,"she says.It's tough on my parents because people do make assumptions.
And while they have played a major part in my career and getting me to where i am today,they're not at all pushy.
My mum's alway's going,"Oh,are you sure you're ok?"
She's not desperate for me to go off and travel internationally.She'd much perfer me to stay home longer but i'm going, "Well, i do need to go off to this country."
I guess it's because most singers just want to be heard by as many people as possible and my dreams aren't far from that. I want to evolve as a singer and develop as a musician.Just lead a really fulfilling life. I want to be happy basically."
And there's nothing boring about that.

A very nice interview from a paper who knows how to treat ,An ambassador for their Country with the respect they deserve.
Well Done Christchurch Star

[Oksana]

Thanks you so much for that article, Belinda! I particularly enjoyed the Andrew Lloyd Webber story. Making him cry is an honour for a singer!

Oksana

[Dave]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading that article Belinda, thanks very much! That is how the local press of Christchurch *should* treat its most famous daughter - with due respect. Unlike a certain other local paper that I could mention...

Did you have to type it all in yourself?

Cheers, Dave

[Belinda]

Hi Dave ,
I agree its a great article and yes i typed it all in myself Hayley's worth that effort , i did try and scan it always goes to small when i try and put in.
PM me and tell me the trick to puting scanned text in the forum .
It was an article which was on two pages quite a large one, our newspapers are like a uk one but not folded in half.
You are quite right the local "Press" should treat its most famous daughter with due respect . You could mention them Haha you did .

[Richard]

Many thanks for all your hard work in typing that article Belinda!

I really enjoyed reading it. It was a very respectful article, and I also particularly enjoyed the story about Andrew Lloyd Webber. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best Wishes from London,

Richard