Interview with Holly Holyoake

By Chantelle Constable

How did you first become interested in singing, and how did you get your start as a professional performer?

I begged my mum for singing lessons when I was eleven as I was inspired by Celine Dion. Not long after starting lessons I heard Mario Lanza sing in a film called ‘Serenade’ and his voice moved me so much and made me cry that I knew straight away that I wanted to sing Classical/Crossover music. I sang at my first concert as a soloist when I was twelve and have not looked back since.

What is it about classical crossover and opera that appeals to you above any other genre?

I love all genres of music but most of all, I love singing classical music that inspires me and has feeling.

Who are some of your influences and heroes, in music or in everyday life? Are there any artists that you would like to work with someday?

Musically, Mario Lanza, Celine Dion, and Hayley Westenra have inspired me and I have had wonderful support from lots of wonderful people in the industry and everyday life who have helped me and supported me. I have been very fortunate to have shared the stage with many wonderful artists such as Hayley Westenra and Vittorio Grigolo. Last October I toured with Aled Jones on his UK tour which was a great learning curb. I would love to work with Josh Groban, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli in the future.

What has been the personal highlight of your career so far? Do you have any specific goals that you’re working to achieve?

I have had so many personal highlights, but the four that stand out the most are the Mario Lanza Ball in Philadelphia, winning a gold medal at the World Championships of Performing Arts for my country. Also singing the National Anthem at the Millennium Stadium along with 7,500 other people for the final six nations game last year which was amazing and singing a duet with Hayley Westenra in Llandudno in Wales.

Music has been proven to transcend language and cultural barriers; how do you think music functions in making the world a better place? Do you have any particular causes that you support through your singing?

Music is very powerful, it stirs up all kinds of emotions. It can make us laugh, cry and help us relax at the end of the day. Music brings people together from all over the world. Television, radio, film, and the internet play a major part in breaking down cultural and language barriers and makes music more accessible.

My singing has been an important part of my life and I try to do as many charity concerts/appearances as I can. I am in a privileged position that I get to do what I love – singing, and hopefully, help raise lots of money for good causes.

In a musical world already graced with Welsh divas like Katherine Jenkins and Elin Manahan Thomas, how would you respond to someone who said you “didn’t have anything unique to offer?”

I enjoy everything that I get to do with my music. As long as there’s an audience out there that wants to listen, that’s all that matters to me.

Thanks so much for answering these questions, Holly. I’d like to give you an opportunity now to share any future plans you might have, or just send a message to your fans. The floor is yours.

Things are very busy at the moment. I recently did a recording of ‘World in Union’ for the ‘Wales in Union’ album, a Welsh Rugby supporters album for the World Cup. I have also been asked to guest on an album which is being recorded next month as well as recording new material for my own album which hopefully will be finished soon. I have lots of concerts/appearances coming up and a showcase in the next few months. I would like to thank everyone for all their support and believing in me.

Quick answer questions

Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake

Favorite Movie: Vanity Fair

Favorite chill-out music: Eva Cassidy – Song Bird Album

Favorite perfume? Channel – Chance

Any pets? Not at the moment, as my dog has recently passed away after a long life with us, she was 17. I miss her a lot.

Favorite color? Pink

Guilty pleasure? Lots of cups of tea throughout the day, oh and chocolate.

Celebrity crush? I do have a little one… but TOP SECRET!

Dream vacation? Hawaii

Favorite tech toy? My pink MDA Pocket PC Phone

Featured in our Fall 2007 issue.

Keep up with Holly at hollyholyoake.com

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.