Hayley in concert with the RTE 28th March 2014

[comet]

Mar 30, 2014 21:20:52 GMT martindn said:

Martin D

This is a beautiful picture of Hayley Martin, the red bit is Larry's arm I think.
great to see you in Dublin, glad you enjoyed the concert, it was particularly wonderful, Hayley was in top form.

[grant]

Many thanks for the great pictures so far. Here are a few from me.

More later

Best wishes
Grant

[Martin]

Thanks to all for their superb photos. I spy a very happy and contented lady.

I am not going to add further to the detailed reports and comments other than to say it is a sign of a true professional (who has not performed live since December) that can turn up and give such a truly wonderful performance.

Martin

[grant]

A few more pics from me

A close up of Hayley's necklace for the ladies

There will be more!

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hello all

This review just appeared on Twitter

GoldenPlec ‏@goldenplec 6m
Review: @hayleywestenra with the @rte_co at @nch_Music bit.ly/1e4fwzO

I don't agree with the comment that her vocals were weak at the beginning but otherwise it's very positive.

Best wishes
Grant

[comet]

Mar 31, 2014 14:16:45 GMT grant said:

Hello all

This review just appeared on Twitter

GoldenPlec ‏@goldenplec 6m
Review: @hayleywestenra with the @rte_co at @nch_Music bit.ly/1e4fwzO

I don't agree with the comment that her vocals were weak at the beginning but otherwise it's very positive.

Best wishes
Grant

I think it took Hayley the two songs to get up to cruising speed,
Amalia por amor and drove gently through Scarborough Fair to avoid the pedestrians,
She was running nice and smoothly by the time she got to Let Me Lie
but she was up to full throttle by the time she headed for Wuthering Heights and heading for the Bridge Over Troubled Water it was an Amazing grace that she didn't go over the edge for she would have Never saw Blue like that before.

[martindn]

I didn't notice any problems with her early songs. For me she dove straight into Amalia, and sang it well, despite no easier stuff to warm up on. Let Me Lie wa I think the best rendition of that song ever.

Martin D

[Dave]

Many thanks all who attended the concert and who have posted their reviews thoughts and photos, I clearly missed a night to remember but for personal reasons, Dublin was never going to be possible on this date.

I have posted a small page about the concert on our website at www.hayley-westenra-international.com/content/concert-nch-dublin-28-mar-2014 to include a small gallery of photos (9) and I hope that's OK by you lucky concert-goers, but if not just let me know.

There is room for at least one more photo in the gallery to balance it up so if anyone has a favourite that isn't up there and should be, or anything else I should add to the page (or remove!), please say so. There could be more photos, but I usually limit this kind of gallery on a news page to 10 - 15 or so.

Cheers, Dave

[Libby]

Thanks for the necklace close-up, Grant (as well as everything else)! You know us ladies too well. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

[Richard]

Here's the full review from GoldenPlec:

Hayley Westenra with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the NCH | Review

BY THELMA HARRIS

Hayley Westenra with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the NCH, Friday 28th March.

Having not graced our shores for two years, Kiwi soprano Hayley Westenra was greeted by a packed NCH for this the latest instalment of the RTÉ Concert Orchestra’s Signature Series. Considering the huge success she has had since her first international release in 2003, it’s refreshing to witness her humble presence on the Dublin stage. The crowd seem pleased too when she announces her love of the city and its Concert Orchestra.

Those familiar with her must will be aware of her career spanning well over ten years, a large feat for the twenty-six year old. Tonight Westenra is sporting a new look, with her shorter, darker hair and as her newly placed wedding band catches the stage lights the reality that her fans have literally watched her grow up hits home. Her latest release, Hushabye, sees her take on a selection of popular lullabies but tonight’s programme is filled with snippets from all stages of Westenra’s rich career.

Initially her vocals are weak and perhaps this is because this is her first performance for 2014. However, during the chorus of My Heart Belongs to You it’s almost like a switch turns on and her true ability resonates through the NCH. Throughout performances of Scarborough Fair and Let Me Lie, it is clear why Westenra was an obvious choice to join the Celtic Woman line-up for a short stint in 2006. Blessed with a voice that can be crafted to any genre and a youthful, delicate timbre she not only performs the songs but embodies the characteristics of these airy tunes.

A post-interval selection of tunes from her favourite female singers sees Westenra cover more, much loved songs. The highlight of the evening comes with her rendition of the Les Misérables classic, I Dreamed a Dream. Here her interpretation breathes new life into the well-known lyrics and it’s almost as if you are hearing the song for the first time. The same can be said for her take on You Raise Me Up, one even she admits has been sung by everyone.

Although she may have started out off form, Hayley Westenra redeemed herself early into tonight’s performance. Those who may have struggled with the reason for her huge success must have come to a realisation as she proved her ability this evening. Her unique charm, clever choice of programme and clear talent was a real treat for her fans. Her humble approach was flattered by the ease with which the Concert Orchestra accompanied. Considering what seems to be a warm relationship between the two, it’s easy to see why she is so taken by them.

Richard

[grant]

Apr 1, 2014 4:36:23 GMT Libby said:

Thanks for the necklace close-up, Grant (as well as everything else)! You know us ladies too well.

You're very welcome Libby

[grant]

Hello everyone

Another batch of pictures including a few personal ones this time

Hayley with Michal and Ezequiel



Hayley with Juliette



Hayley with yours truly - expertly taken by Juliette using my camera

Will try and sort a few more for later.

Best wishes
Grant

[susieverity]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the great reports and photos, it looked like a great set list and so many of my favourites in there too. I'll have to make an effort to get to the next Hayley concert since I have not seen her live in ages and it would be nice to meet some people from this forum too.

Susie

[Simba]

I wish I got to hear Let me lie, speaking of forbidden cameras, how would they know if your phone is recording just audio? that's always a possibility right?

[grant]

Hello again

A few more pictures

Best wishes
Grant