Classical Crossover Prodigy Laura Bretan

A young girl walks out onto an empty stage. The audience is waiting expectantly, equally ready to cheer or deride. The powerful voice that breaks the silence is so unexpected in one so young that the judges rise to their feet.

The America’s Got Talent ‘Golden Buzzer’ moment is one that stays with you. “I remember, the confetti falling, and the cheers of the crowd. It was a beautiful moment,” Laura Bretan remembers fondly.

Following Laura’s performances on Romania and America’s Got Talent, there were many critics ‘concerned’ for her voice. The best response she can offer at nineteen, is that she is still singing and stronger than ever. Her career has been filled with beautiful moments and the girl in the striped shirt is continuing to share her extraordinary gift with the world.

“I don’t think age matters when it comes to talent,” Laura tells us. “We shouldn’t underestimate someone because of how young they are, but by the way they work and the time they invest into doing what they do.”

Laura began singing at the tender age of four thanks to her mother. “My mom was my biggest influence. Though she wasn’t a singer, she loved listening to Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, etc. Because of her, I’ve also started researching and started listening to artists like Celine.”

Faith was an important part of her upbringing and Laura first learned to perform at the Elim Romanian Pentecostal Church. Laura also began to participate in various music competitions and broaden her study of music by learning the piano.

Her first album entitled “Jesus – The Story that Never Ends” is filled with inspirational material and showed the world her promise. Today, faith still keeps Laura grounded and she steadfastly shares, “I believe that all my talent comes from God!”

Laura’s music continues to reflect her faith background. In 2019 she performed the song “Dear Father” at the Romanian Final National Selection for the Eurovision Song Contest placing second overall. “Dear Father means a lot to me. I feel that through this song I was able to express my love for God and connect with heaven in a way.”

Laura has continued to perform at high profile events including singing the national anthem for the White Sox and Chicago Bulls. She has also been featured in different events by music mogul David Foster, and sung with Il Volo, Michael Bolton, Matteo Bocelli and most recently Jose Carreras. “One thing I’ve learned is to not pay attention to who they are. Just remember that everyone is human, and we all make mistakes.”

Giving back has been important to Laura and she donated prize money to organizations like ‘Safe Heaven’ to provide for the homeless. Laura is also an Ambassador of Star of Hope International.

Her work ethic has kept her moving forward, “I believe that if you work hard, and set goals for yourself, you could definitely achieve whatever you put your mind to/have a passion for.”

In 2021, Laura released her second album “World I See.” The album not only shows off her wide range but also a flair for mixing the contemporary and classical. “I love music. No matter what genre it is. So, I’m open to exploring new genres and trying new things with my voice. ‘Dear Father’ is an example of that.” The album also features The Tenors and Alberto Urso and is a beautiful second offering with many stand-out tracks including “Wide Awake.”

Coming to the public eye so early in life has caused added pressure on the young artist but Laura says, “I try not to pay attention to that.” Instead, focusing on the positive aspects, including performing where she looks forward to “being able to see and greet my fans for the first time.”

Laura reveals to us that there is new music on the horizon. “We are working on a new album, with more original music and Italian classics, which are my favorite songs to sing.”

Purchase a physical copy 

“The World I See” is now available to purchase from all music retailers.

To stay up to date with Laura Bretan visit her official website.

Stream the latest Classical Crossover releases on our Classical Crossover Discovery playlist.

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.