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Post by grant on Sept 22, 2011 18:10:05 GMT
For all the wonderful entertainment value we get from Hayley, she is still a most serene presence at times like this, providing solace and hope like few others. I totally agree Steve and I guess that's why she is in such great demand for this type of ocassion and, whilst they're not the type of performance she can necessarily enjoy in the same way she does a concert she must feel a great sense of satisfaction knowing she is prividing that solace and hope you mention. Best wishes Grant |
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Post by postscript on Sept 22, 2011 20:05:02 GMT
Following on from my earlier post on this I have now discovered the following, extracted from the local paper news report at the time:
Hit songwriter's Remembrance song.
Published on Friday 14 November 2008 16:08
Prolific songwriter Geoff Stephens played his part in honouring the fallen at the Festival of Remembrance, in The Royal Albert Hall, on Saturday, November 8, by writing scores for two of the songs performed.
A couple of months ago he teamed up with Oscar winning lyricist Don Black to produce the event's opening song, Today Wont Come Again.
Hayley Westenra and G4's Jonathan Ansell sang it at the prestigious event, which was attended by The Queen and many other members of the Royal Family.
It was the fifth year that the 73-year-old Potten End-based [village on the hill above Berkhamsted] hit maker had been asked to write a score for the annual event at The Royal Albert Hall.
Three years ago he wrote the music to For The Fallen, which was performed again at the weekend by and Alexie Kalveks and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins.
Geoff, who attended the event with his wife Pam, said: "It went very well. It's always an honour and a very nice thing to do. I didn't do last year but in 2006 I wrote music to In Flanders Field and a tribute to the Queen in honour of her 80th birthday."
Geoff's friendship with the event's producer Tim Marshall has seen him have an influence over the music for the service and the pair have already planned to meet in January to throw ideas around for next year's event.
As well as having a huge audience at The Royal Albert Hall, millions of people watched the festival which was broadcast on BBC1.
In the UK and US Geoff has had no less than 30 top ten hits, three number 1 hits, a Grammy, four Ivor Novello Awards and countless accolades.
He got to number four in the UK charts with his Christmas hit It's Gonna Be A Cold Cold Christmas, by Dana, and he has written many more songs for top artists including Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, The Carpenters and Hot Chocolate
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Post by martindn on Sept 22, 2011 21:49:00 GMT
She has never engaged people with much eye contact when singing.....and it has always been the soul-stirring voice  Well, Simba, like Martin I couldn't disagree more, perhaps you should see this video. www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0zotVShxtAShe hardly ever stops making eye contact with a number of people in the audience including me. I can tell you that is a wonderful experience, makes you feel as if she is singing just for you. Part of Hayley's brilliance as a performer is her ability to get her audience involved. And she likes to acknowledge people she recognises in the audience too - it is a very nice gesture. And something I know that her regular fans treasure. Martin D This post is off-topic - Richard |
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Post by Richard on Sept 23, 2011 7:15:50 GMT
Can we please keep this important thread on topic.  Many thanks, Richard  |
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Post by mattmonteith on Sept 23, 2011 7:34:25 GMT
Thanks Libby for finding that clip, and thanks Martin for your video too! Might just be my favorite of yours. I agree that Hayley is a true pro at knowing just how to handle each different type of performance, whether solemn or joyous. All part of what makes her the best. Matt |
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