Post by Stephany on Mar 4, 2007 10:43:26 GMT
I searched the forums and I believe this recent article from the NZ Times hasn't been posted yet : Hayley still on a high with third Treasure. Nothing really new, though.
Already reaching out to millions around the world, Hayley Westenra has released a new album, Treasure. She tells TINAKA NIVEN all about the trials and tribulations of being one of the world’s most exciting singing sensations.
Westenra certainly isn’t your typical Kiwi girl on her O.E. in London. Her first international album, Pure sold faster than any other classical debut in the UK where it went triple platinum when she was only 15-years-old.
Now 19 and releasing her third album, Treasure, Hayley is a busy girl. She has performed at prestigious venues around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Wembley Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall.
She has performed for audiences that have included Helen Clark, Tony Blair, George Bush and the Queen. Hayley laughs, “The Queen probably thinks I am stalking her as I performed for her at three different occasions in one week. When we did the meet and greet at the Royal Variety Performance she said to me ‘didn’t I see you earlier in the week?”
One of the highlights of her career is when she gets to sing the New Zealand national anthem at rugby events for the All Blacks. “Performing for the All Blacks gives me such a thrill,” Hayley adds, beaming with excitement. “The atmosphere on the field before a game is just electric. I am singing at the Rugby World Cup later this year.”
On top of all of this, she is also involved in the Women’s Environmental Network – a group that raises awareness of environmental issues affecting women and she is also one of the youngest ever ambassadors for UNICEF. Hayley has recently become the charity’s second highest earner with ‘Hayley’s Bikes for Ghana’ - a project that provided 6000 bikes for children in Ghana, helping them attend school.
“Giving pleasure to people through my singing is fulfilling but this is really meaningful work and I feel lucky to be able to help make a difference in people’s lives,” Hayley said.
So you may wonder what on earth this remarkable young lady might get up to next. “I’ve recorded the theme for Al Pacino’s Merchant of Venice and done a couple of Disney films previously,” she said. “I am now recording for a BBC drama series called Jekyll and an ITV film called Flood.”
Does she ever get a chance to just relax with friends and do ‘normal’ teenage girl stuff? “When I am in London and manage to have a night off, I like to catch up on things like washing and sleep. But I don’t feel overworked. I don’t like to say no to things because you never know what opportunities may come out of them,” Hayley says – wise for her 19 years. “I’m fortunate that my work is my hobby and it really doesn’t feel like a job.”
With all this fame and success, it would be easy for a lesser person to play the diva. Not for Hayley, with a close-knit family and a younger brother and sister to keep her in check, she is a very well grounded lady. “My brother and sister’s achievements are just as important as me singing for the Queen and they will certainly pull me back in line if I ever got too big-headed,” she laughs.
Treasure is an album that rings true to its name. Hayley has the voice of an angel and if she has not yet managed to touch your heart with one of her beautiful songs, she soon will.
Hayley Westenra’s third international album, Treasure will be released in the UK on February 26.
Already reaching out to millions around the world, Hayley Westenra has released a new album, Treasure. She tells TINAKA NIVEN all about the trials and tribulations of being one of the world’s most exciting singing sensations.
Westenra certainly isn’t your typical Kiwi girl on her O.E. in London. Her first international album, Pure sold faster than any other classical debut in the UK where it went triple platinum when she was only 15-years-old.
Now 19 and releasing her third album, Treasure, Hayley is a busy girl. She has performed at prestigious venues around the world including the Sydney Opera House, Wembley Stadium and the Royal Albert Hall.
She has performed for audiences that have included Helen Clark, Tony Blair, George Bush and the Queen. Hayley laughs, “The Queen probably thinks I am stalking her as I performed for her at three different occasions in one week. When we did the meet and greet at the Royal Variety Performance she said to me ‘didn’t I see you earlier in the week?”
One of the highlights of her career is when she gets to sing the New Zealand national anthem at rugby events for the All Blacks. “Performing for the All Blacks gives me such a thrill,” Hayley adds, beaming with excitement. “The atmosphere on the field before a game is just electric. I am singing at the Rugby World Cup later this year.”
On top of all of this, she is also involved in the Women’s Environmental Network – a group that raises awareness of environmental issues affecting women and she is also one of the youngest ever ambassadors for UNICEF. Hayley has recently become the charity’s second highest earner with ‘Hayley’s Bikes for Ghana’ - a project that provided 6000 bikes for children in Ghana, helping them attend school.
“Giving pleasure to people through my singing is fulfilling but this is really meaningful work and I feel lucky to be able to help make a difference in people’s lives,” Hayley said.
So you may wonder what on earth this remarkable young lady might get up to next. “I’ve recorded the theme for Al Pacino’s Merchant of Venice and done a couple of Disney films previously,” she said. “I am now recording for a BBC drama series called Jekyll and an ITV film called Flood.”
Does she ever get a chance to just relax with friends and do ‘normal’ teenage girl stuff? “When I am in London and manage to have a night off, I like to catch up on things like washing and sleep. But I don’t feel overworked. I don’t like to say no to things because you never know what opportunities may come out of them,” Hayley says – wise for her 19 years. “I’m fortunate that my work is my hobby and it really doesn’t feel like a job.”
With all this fame and success, it would be easy for a lesser person to play the diva. Not for Hayley, with a close-knit family and a younger brother and sister to keep her in check, she is a very well grounded lady. “My brother and sister’s achievements are just as important as me singing for the Queen and they will certainly pull me back in line if I ever got too big-headed,” she laughs.
Treasure is an album that rings true to its name. Hayley has the voice of an angel and if she has not yet managed to touch your heart with one of her beautiful songs, she soon will.
Hayley Westenra’s third international album, Treasure will be released in the UK on February 26.
