Classical Crossover 2022 Highlights

2022 has seen many classical crossover acts returning to the live stage. It has been encouraging to see that indie stars like Nadia Eide as well as big acts such as Celtic Woman, Sarah Brightman, and Lindsey Stirling have had a busy schedule.

Sadly, Broadway did not return unscathed from the pandemic. Theatre fans were shocked when it was announced that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” (the longest running musical on Broadway) would close after 35 years.

Sarah Brightman’s record-breaking career was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kristin Chenoweth, Emilie Kouatchou and Anthony Van Laast were on hand to honor her.

Classical Crossover has been represented in the mainstream media. Daniel Emmet, John Riesen and Patrick Dailey voiced Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel and Terry Crews respectively as part of the Metaphysic AI act. Their performance of “Nessun Dorma” was not only a viral moment but one Simon Cowell called “the best act of the series.”

Josh Groban took on the role of the Beast in the Live 30th Anniversary special on ABC.  He joined a cast which included H.E.R and Shania Twain. Josh will return to Broadway in the title role of Sweeney Todd on Broadway in 2023.

Following the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE was invited by the BBC to record the first version of “God Save the King.”

Celtic Woman announced their 17th soloist since it’s founding in 2004. Hannah Traynor joined as original member Chloe Agnew left. Hannah was a former member of ANÚNA.

At Classical Crossover Magazine we have had an incredible year speaking to wonderful artists, fans and continuing on with our virtual concerts and physical issues. We look forward to growing our reach and continuing to promote this incredible genre in 2023! Here are a few of our highlights:

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.