Isabella Gueck always dreamed of being on the stage. “I would always sing for special music at church when I was like five, and then run off stage,” she recalls with a laugh. Some of her earliest memories include playing Angelfish No. 1 in The Little Mermaid Jr., as well as roles in Honk Jr.
Dr. Matt Cook’s work reflects a deep curiosity and a love for weaving together different forms of storytelling. As a composer, author, and game developer, he has taken a thoughtful approach to connecting music, narrative, and technology in his multimedia project, Braveship. In this interview with Crossover Music Magazine, Dr. Cook shares the joys and
Catrina Scullion is a classically trained soprano with an impressive career spanning performances with Anúna, Eontas Choir, and Celtic Women. But in our conversation, we’re diving into something much deeper than music—Catrina shared her personal mission to raise vital funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a cause close to her heart. Jannie: I’d like
The life of a creative individual, especially musicians, often seems to require being perpetually ‘on’. But what happens when the stage transforms from a place of joy into a source of fear? To explore this common issue of performance anxiety among musicians, we spoke with Dr. Jessica Quiñones, a specialist in psychotherapy for musicians. NB:
Written by Mira Ormala ABBA – a childhood inspiration Having been born and grown up in Scandinavia, I had plenty of childhood memories of singing along to ABBA on long car journeys to the countryside or dancing around the living room to some of their disco classics. Growing up in Helsinki, Finland, I spoke both
Founded by artistic director D.F., Shen Yun is a performing arts company dedicated to reviving traditional Chinese culture. The shows offer an immersive experience featuring traditional dancing, short skits, and musical performances. Each year’s touring shows present entirely new storylines and scores, ensuring a fresh experience for returning audiences. The Shen Yun orchestra is unique,
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
In honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrating her 70 years on the English throne, coloratura soprano Christina Johnston and composers Andrew Rayner and Wendy Rayner will be releasing a new single “Queen of Our Hearts.” The piece is a tribute to the Queen for her reign and has been heard and approved by
Many crossover fans know that Australian superstar Mirusia was the youngest ever winner of the Dame Joan Sutherland Opera Award and that her aunt’s message to the “Waltz King” Andre Rieu changed her entire life. However, what fans may not know is that when Mirusia first began performing it was assumed she would become a
Olga Thomas is known as the ‘royal composer’ for writing musical gifts for the British royal family as well as her work with charities such as the Cruse Bereavement Care. Three of her compositions have gone to No.1 in the charts including, Royal Platinum Love Song, By My Side, and Flowers on the Doorstep. To
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
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. What sets Lucy apart is not only her
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. What sets Lucy apart is not only her
If you want two performers that put the fun into classical crossover you should meet Natalia Tsvi and Gilad Paz. The pair make up ‘Voce Nova’ and they include classical with top 40 hits, disco and… well you name it! Natasha Barbieri: How did Voce Nova come together? Voce Nova: We met in February 2018 when we
Listening to The Red Quartet’s debut album is like taking a journey through time and over borders. The mix of traditional classical and Latin tracks is sure to delight and Marissa Steingold’s vocals are a lesson in vocal freedom. Natasha Barbieri: Can you tell us about how this group came together? Philip Vaiman: I met
Elizabeth Tryon is a soprano from New York. Throughout her career, she has sought to blend the classic elements with the modern. She has released one album “Metamorphosis” and is a member of The Recording Academy. Natasha Barbieri: Very early on you had a music teacher point out your potential. Did you have any inkling
Maimuna is a violinist from Belarus. She has built a reputation for herself performing in various competitions and concerts and is perhaps best known for representing Belarus in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest. Now Maimuna brings her classical skills to a range of crossover music. She has recently released “Lacrimosa” by Dmitry Friga. Natasha Barbieri:
Irish singer Rebecca Winckworth has graced stages around the world. She has performed with world-famous groups like Anuna, Celtic Woman, and Celtic Nights. During lockdown, Rebecca touched hearts by singing concerts from her balcony and then went on to organize a highly successful online concert series entitled, “Citizens of Song.” Natasha Barbieri: Rebecca, you
Soprano Nadia Eide may be an independent artist but she has already achieved a No.1 single in the classical charts and has performed all around the world and in many prestigious productions. This past week, she put it all on the line for an audition that could take bring the worldwide attention her talent has
