They are the most recognizable band in classical crossover music, with over thirty million albums sold, hit songs, tours, collaborations with industry legends, and a truly international fanbase. But as Il Divo celebrates their 20th anniversary, Urs Bühler shared that they are not dwelling on the past but instead focusing on the present and future:
On March 21, 2024, Tennessee marked a historic moment as it became the first state in the United States to enact specific protections for musicians against artificial intelligence (AI). The newly passed ELVIS Act, or the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act, signifies a groundbreaking stride in Tennessee’s legislative landscape. This act is paramount
As artists, we are constantly urged to adapt, to “pay our dues,” to give our art away without compensation, all while wearing a smile for the privilege of being born with talent. While the debate between nature and nurture regarding talent persists, the shift to digital streaming from physical albums has dealt a significant blow
Author of “Two Lives to a Destiny” Edited by Vaughn Harbin. Flashbacks Parts 1 through 5 recounted… • I began playing piano at age 30, and got very good at it, very fast. • Five months later, played Moonlight Sonata, and my own sonata called “The Dream”, at my first recital.• Traumatized by this event,
Why Creators Need Time Off Too For creators the pressure to constantly release new material can be overwhelming. Whether you’re a musician, artist, writer, or any other type of creative professional, it’s easy to feel guilty if you are not working non-stop. While passion and dedication are undoubtedly crucial for success in the creative world,
Jonathan Cilia Faro is a tenor who is comfortable in his own shoes. He began his now twenty-eight-year career as a teenager, and his music has taken him from a provincial life in Sicily to become a “citizen of the world” and a proud “self-made artist.” He has been in the military, fought cancer, sold
Timothy Schwarz is an acclaimed violinist known for his solid technique and considerable flair. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to championing American composers, and his latest album, The Living American, continues this tradition. CCM: What inspired you to record The Living American, and why did you choose to focus on contemporary American composers?
Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies of Alexis Ffrench, an extraordinary composer, pianist, and producer. With an impressive track record of over half a billion streams, Ffrench released “Peace” and was one of the performers at His Majesty’s Coronation Concert. Listeners will be able to see Alexis live this Christmas for a
Review and pictures thanks to Kevin Adams Russell Watson took to the stage at Winchester Cathedral on 31st March 2023 on the opening night of his magnificent buildings tour. The Godfather of classical crossover delivered two sets from his repertoire of favorite songs. He was accompanied by world famous pianist Mike Moran. Set list included
When John Riesen initially got the call for America’s Got Talent, he thought it was some kind of scam. “I got this message that’s like, ‘Would you please call this number immediately? It’s about an urgent matter in regards to America’s Got Talent.’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, right.’” Thankfully his gut told him to call
If you listen to the “This is John Riesen” playlist on Spotify you will find an extensive mix of standards, Broadway show tunes, and new works. His voice rings out with unabashed passion, thrilling in its heights during operatic selections, and has recently adopted a more gentle crooning when required. John was a regional finalist
Gregory Harrington’s new album “Live from the Irish Repertory Theatre” begins with a few hesitant notes on the violin and then grows into a rousing jig. Throughout the album he is often heard playing unaccompanied, letting the instrument and emotion shine without other adornments. It is this confidence and skill that has led Gregory to
Author of “Two Lives to a Destiny” Edited by Vaughn Harbin. Flashback • Let’s bullet point this… • I began playing piano at 30 years old and got very good at it, very fast. • 5 months later, played Moonlight Sonata and my own sonata called, “The Dream”, at my first recital. • Traumatized by
Acclaimed violinist, TikTok sensation, and rising star in classical music, Esther Abrami, released a visually stunning new video for her beautifully glistening adaptation of Walking In The Air from ‘The Snowman’™. The video celebrates the iconic Christmas classic’s 40th anniversary, with the track personally arranged for Esther by the film’s original composer Howard Blake OBE. In a fitting tribute to the nostalgic festive family film, Esther
Classical Crossover Magazine is honored to join forces with ClassicalXOver4U to present “A Crossover Christmas.” The concert will help raise funds for sick children and their families by raising money for the Wallace & Gromit Grand Appeal. Donate Now! Crossover stars already announced in the line-up include Holland’s Got Talent winner Amira Willighagen, Welsh soprano
Author of “Two Lives to a Destiny” Edited by Vaughn Harbin. Flashback What has really happened in Part One? Well, I began playing piano at the age of thirty, and although a very promising pianist at first, this house of cards fell apart due to an old medical condition after my very first piano recital.
Classical crossover contralto Grace Foley will bring a special program celebrating female music icons to the INEC Club in Ireland on Sunday, May 29th. She shared a little bit about the special program in store. CCM: Tell us how the concept of “Women of Note” came about? Grace Foley: I had been thinking for quite
Speech-Language Pathologist Voice and Singing Voice Specialist Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and the work that I do with performers. I am grateful to have an opportunity to share information about this work that I am so passionate about. I am a speech-language pathologist (SLP) specializing in voice disorders.
Classical crossover Ayenn Legagneur Stark, pianist, and composer combines personally meaningful covers and original material in his 2021 album, “Me and My Piano.” CCM: How would you describe your sound for new fans? Ayenn Stark: I would say my music is Classical Crossover with a chamber orchestra feel. CCM: Tell us about your new album
Inspiration and collaboration meet with the release of “Sing Again (Canto Ancora)” from crossover tenor Jonathan Cilia Faro and Christian contemporary artist Michael W. Smith. CCM: Why did you choose this piece – what does it mean to you? Jonathan Cilia Faro: For the first time in my career, the song chose me. Michael and
Every great story needs a voice to elevate it beyond the page. For 40 years, Felicia Farerre has been using her pure soprano to do just that. Her voice has been featured in 300: Rise of an Empire, and promotion for Disney’s Maleficent. Through her work with the Taliesin Orchestra, Felicia’s vocals and lyrics have
Gianluca Ginoble, Ignazio Boschetto and Piero Barone make up the classical crossover supergroup Il Volo. They first came to the public’s attention competing against each other in the Italian television competition “Ti lascio una canzone.” However, when the show creator heard them, he envisioned the three voices blending in a format similar to that which
Meghan Picerno is capturing audiences with her colorful coloratura voice. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music she sang a number of opera roles including Die Zauberflöte, La Traviata and Lucia di Lammermoor. The legendary Hal Prince picked her to be cast in his production of Candide which led to roles in Love Never
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Lucy Kay with her second album ‘Dark Angel’ (due out Friday, November 12th, 20201). The soprano studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and won her way into hearts around the world with her audition on Britain’s Got Talent. Classical Crossover Magazine has been pleased to share
Natasha Barbieri: Why did you choose this piece – what does it mean to you? John Riesen: Elly (Elyse) and I wrote the song together over the course of many months in the heart of the pandemic shutdown. Elyse Kakacek: John and I wanted to create something new that fused our love for Puccini with
Joshua Goines: I’m beyond pleased to be interviewing one of the world’s leading a cappella ensembles, VOCES8. This interview was particularly interesting for me because I’m a conductor/singer who loves all types of choral music and because I have been privileged to hear VOCES8 in a live performance that was simply stunning. Thank you so
Although the spotlight shines brightest on the stage, there are many ways for lovers of music to be involved in the business. Previously in our Career’s in Music series, we’ve learned about the church musician, musical director, and elementary school music educator. Gillian Riesen is a classically trained mezzo-soprano and creative director of Emitha. Well
She’s done it again. The New Zealand singer-songwriter Anna Hawkins first came to our attention with the release of “Journey On.” The album was one of the most impressive debuts from a classical crossover performer in recent years – and an indie artist at that. Possessing a distinctive voice that, while classically trained, makes no
As the world changed around them two young singers came together to create a special duo. Conor Taggart and Victoria McClements now form “Bello Duo” and have released their debut album, “Out of the Darkness.” The album has since gone to No.1 in the Itunes vocal charts in South Africa and No.4 in the UK. 5
Sophie Clarke is a classical crossover mezzo-soprano. She has already become a seasoned performer both on stage and on the street through busking! Sophie has recently been chosen to sing and represent the classical crossover genre at the Miss England 2021 final event. So we decided to get to know a little more about Sophie!
