Catriona Murray
By Chantelle Constable
Soprano Catriona Murray became interested in classical music mostly due to her mother. “She plays and sings, and thought it very important that my brother and I learnt how to play an instrument of some sort. So I started learning to play the piano at age 4 or 5 and took up the saxophone and the flute a few years later.” Her instrumental teacher recommended that Catriona take singing lessons when she was about fourteen. “I started building confidence in my singing and was lucky enough to be accepted for a place at Birmingham Conservatoire’s Junior department where I studied voice and advanced music theory. By around 17 or 18 I’d decided I wanted to be an opera singer and so I went to study music at the University of Leeds. I’d always intended to study voice at a postgraduate level in London, but unfortunately, I wasn’t offered a place when I auditioned at 23. I was never great at performing under pressure – I guess I’ve learnt to cope with that a little better now. I’ve spent the last few years working in an office job, performing irregularly, until I was discovered.” The man who found Catriona her was Jamie Lambert who continues to assist Catriona as her manager. “[He] helped me get noticed and consequently helped me get the tour. He’s been absolutely instrumental to any professional success I’ve had so far and is a great, great friend of mine.”
Catriona’s self-titled album has only recently become available. “Nothing beats the feeling of having something tangible that you’ve made and which people are willing to part with their hard-earned cash for. I’m so flattered and appreciative every time someone buys it. I definitely plan to make another CD with my favorites, plus a few more! My favorite operatic aria (which is on my CD) has to be Vissi D’Arte from Tosca and I adore Angela Gheorghui’s rendition – she is everything,” she gushes.
Catriona toured with Paul Pots and also completed a tour with Collabro. Of the Paul Potts tour she shared with us, “The highlight of the tour – hands down – was meeting audience members after the concerts. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. Paul is one of the few artists who still takes the time to go out front, meet and sign things for his fans. It was so surreal sitting there and having people actually want my signature – me? I’m still perfecting my showbiz signature!”
Of her musical choices Catriona tell us, “I champion the music which speaks to me – and consequently, my soul. At times it’s difficult to choose what I want to perform and what I want to listen to – but neither is necessarily confined to any genre in particular. I look for songs I can find connections with – it’s so important if
you want to perform something with any integrity. I wouldn’t say I was picky though and I like to think I appreciate a good melody wherever I find it. I do have a penchant for more dramatic, emotive operatic arias (Puccini, Verdi, Massenet, for example) but then I enjoy English & French song (Quilter, Gurney, Howells, Duparc – I could go on). Then again, right now I’m listening to Adele’s new album – and loving it.”
Catriona is active online with facebook and twitter. “I’ve only been tweeting for a short while and I’m just getting the hang of it. I will certainly take the time to enjoy the finer things in life when I have the time and money to do so. I consider myself lucky in lots of ways. Wine… red wine is probably my guilty pleasure – and the only reason I say guilty is because, as a singer, your body is your instrument and so you do need to keep it healthy. That said, in my book, there are essentially two seasons: mulled wine season and sangria season. Other guilty pleasures at the minute include: making far too many Yorkshire Puddings on a Sunday, adding cinnamon to everything (not the Yorkshires), watching several hundred funny animal videos on YouTube and listening to Justin Bieber’s new album.”
Follow Catriona: facebook.com/CatMurraySoprano
Nadia Eide
Nadia Eide comes from a strong musical theatre background. “It will always hold a special place in my heart. But there is something about the freedom and excitement of doing crossover music that I feel really pushes me further and fully utilizes my vocal ability.”
She is a strong believer in staying healthy. “I really believe that staying active, fit and strong makes you a better singer. I feel my support is better and I have more energy to really go for those high notes when I’m fit and healthy. Also, I find stretching a marvelous way to relieve any tension.”
Nadia is also a member of the classical crossover vocal harmony group Ancora and she has other musical collaborations in progress too. “I have started touring around the world as part of the new classical duo Opera Girls. In addition to that I am setting up a crossover duo with my partner (Michael Storrs) called X-Over. We are busy recording our EP and getting all our arrangements written at the moment. In addition to this I have been working on a project with various record labels.”
She has no favorite part of the recording studio process claiming, “I love all of it! I have worked extensively as a recording artist for the past two years and have recently set up my own recording studio at home. Singing in a studio is such a different thing to singing live. It really takes a lot more stamina and control. I love the whole process of mixing, EQing and mastering the tracks and get a huge satisfaction listening to the final product.”
For her the gift that music, particularly classical music, offers to the modern audience is “Escapism. That magical word. Throughout my career, I always felt maybe I should have done something more for humanity as perhaps become a nurse or doctor. Something to help people. But then I realized that entertaining people is such an important thing. And that in the midst of any trouble people actually need escapism, to be able to sit back and dream. I think music is the most beautiful thing in this world and has the power to life anyone’s mood.”
Nadia’s website: nadiaeide.com
Suzanne Rentzke
Suzanne Rentzke’s talent from singing was recognized by her teachers and parents from a very early age. She was “always encouraged me to develop it further. I entered Eistadfods and competitions from an early age. After school I started organizing my own solo performances and performed at local music festivals to get my name out there until such time that I was able to make my hobby my career.”
Over the years Suzanne’s most important influences have been her teachers. “My singing teacher in high school, Andrew Strauss, has played an important role in my early development, after which I was taught by Andrea Catzel. However my most important influence was Emma Renzi, who taught me for 8 years.” Other performers who have inspired her include, “Rina Hugo was also an inspiration over the years along with performers like, Sarah Brightman and Katherine Jenkins.”
While she loves writing her own material and working with other songwriters for Suzanne “interpreting well-known beloveds in my own style definitely is the best. However, local songwriter, Johan Oberholzer also recently wrote a song for me, ‘To the moon and back’, which I really enjoy performing as it suits my voice like glove!”
One of her favorites things about music is its storytelling ability. “I always choose songs with lyrics that I can relate to, even though it’s a cover song. Lyrics about loved ones and positivity would always grab my attention. Although music can be an important vehicle to portray a certain message I believe that we as musicians need to be sensitive about the messages we convey.”
Official Website: suzannerentzke.co.za
Louise Dearman
Louise Dearman is best known for portraying not one but both witches in the West End production of Wicked – the first woman ever to do so. “It was a very natural progression, I started dancing when I was three years old,” she says of her origins, “at the time it was just a hobby but as I got into my teenage years it became such a passion of mine, I started going to watch Musicals in the West End more and more. At 15 decided that there was no other option as far as I was concerned, a career in Musical Theatre was the only route I wanted to pursue and so off I went to train professionally at Laine Theatre Arts. Performers such as Ruthie Henshall, Linzi Hately and Linda Eder were all so inspiring to me and still are. At college, my singing tutor Mr. Brooks convinced me to take part in his opera class. At the time I found it terrifying but I’m so glad I did it, learning how to use my ‘classical’ voice has helped in so many ways.”
She says she has “genuinely loved every role I have played. I’ve been so fortunate to have played so many different characters and challenge myself as an actress and a singer. Ok so it’s impossible to choose but Wicked for me was a game changer, being in that show opened up so many doors for me. Playing both Galinda and Elphaba was a massive honor and an opportunity I’ll be forever grateful for. Guys and Dolls holds a very special place in my heart, being in the ensemble in the West End was terrific, I then went on to play Sarah Brown on the UK tour for 5 months which remains one of my all-time favorite roles. The show itself is on my top 5 musicals list, for me, it’s everything a musical should be.”
When it comes to recording Louise is less of a fan. “I feel very aware of my surroundings and I over analyze every sound that comes out of my mouth! Onstage it’s completely different, I have the edge of adrenalin running through my veins, what happens in that moment is all that matters so it’s easier to let go and allow myself to get completely absorbed in the atmosphere, the story, the character. There is no feeling like it.”
She keeps herself in performing shape in her words by, “Being incredibly boring!” Incredibly boring means getting a lot of rest, not going out to party or staying up late. “When I’m playing a demanding role I cut back on caffeine, alcohol, drink loads of water. I steam a lot, I’ve had the same steam inhaler for over 10 years, and it’s battered but amazing! Stamina is hugely important so I exercise too. When I’m not in a show I get very lazy with exercise but I’m pretty good with eating well and all the other stuff that keeps you healthy.”
For a song to capture Louise, “it has to grab my attention within the first few bars, if I’m trying too hard to like it, it never works for me. My problem is that I love so many different genres of music. At home, my radio mostly plays Classic FM but then if the mood takes me I’ll switch to Radio 1 so it completely depends how I’m feeling. I have to feel moved by a song, whether it gives me goosebumps or brings a tear to my eye if I don’t feel anything when listening to it then how can I deliver that song to the best of my ability and make my listeners feel those very emotions that drew me to the song in the first place?”
In her career, she has learned most importantly to, “Be myself. I’m still learning to do this. Show business is a tough industry, constantly trying to impress and it becomes draining at times. I’m getting better at just thinking before a meeting or an audition, ‘be yourself, show what you have to offer and that is enough’ that’s all you can do. Trying to mold yourself into something you’re not will only make you miserable.”
Official Website: louisedearman.com
Emily Estelle
Emily Estelle’s debut EP is called “More Than Words.” For Emily, music is just that. “Music for me, as I’m sure it is for most people, is full of emotion. Whether it be rock, classical, jazz or any other styles, everyone has a song that they completely relate to and the music really is more than words!”
The EP is an important tool that helps artists establish themselves and so song selection is vital. “I wanted to create an EP that had something for everyone, which is why the album includes a mixture of popular songs, film music and music from the classical genre. I then worked with my amazing producer for the EP, John Haywood, to create orchestral arrangements that would connect the songs, so that each one had a classical twist!”
For Emily, it all began at primary school. “My music teacher at the time gave me the part of Blousey in Bugsy Malone for one of the school productions and I can remember loving every moment of performing in front of an audience and at that point, knowing that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. My parents were incredible with supporting my love for music and it is thanks to them that I have been able to follow my dream career.”
Emily studied opera at the Royal Northern College of Music but admits, “[the] Classical crossover style has always been my passion. I love all music and its great being able to have the flexibility to perform such a wide range of repertoire and even more fun working out ways to give them a contemporary classical feel. It’s because of ‘classical crossover’ that classical music has become more accessible to the general public and hopefully from my concerts they can see why I love performing it so much.”
She is currently working together with award-winning pianist Mariana Lieberman as ‘The Duo.’ “Our shows are called ‘Beethoven to Broadway’ and we infuse operatic pop, jazz standards, movie soundtracks and musical theatre with classical precision. I also work with the group ‘Bravo Amici’ who I’m going to be touring in America with for a month. It’s so great to be able to share the stage with other brilliant artists and the laughter backstage leaves your tummy hurting for days!”
Emily’s Official Website: emilyestelle.co.uk
Lovers & Monsters
Abbie Sands & Kristyn Murphy
Singers Kristyn Murphy and Abbie Sands are known collectively for their “Lovers & Monsters” cabaret show. Abbie tells us that they “began collaborating on Kristyn’s new album “A Time to Remember”, and during that time we discovered that we worked well together, have similar goals, and have a complementary toolkit of skills. Our voices blend well together, and it made sense to combine our efforts to create a new kind of show.”
Over the course of a year, the project evolved into a 2 woman cabaret act that has seen the pair tour in various venues including the NYC Metropolitan club. “After we had our initial idea we pitched the show to individuals we wanted to work with and whom we knew could help the show move forward.” Their team includes a music director and arranger, choreographer, creative director, business and tour manager “all working towards making Lovers & Monsters a successful nationally touring show.”
Both ladies are very self-motivated and have “a very clear idea of the direction we want our careers to take, and do make many decisions on our own. With that said, we are very lucky to have a wonderful organization and team of people to help and guide us as we develop as artists individually, and as a team.”
Individually both Abbie & Kristyn “place a great deal of focus on the storytelling aspect of singing, so naturally, we explore many different characters and emotions on stage. We don’t change this when we perform together. Collaborating together has increased our exposure and opened up performance opportunities. By working together, we both have learned new musical material through collaborating in concert and in the studio.”
How are they inspired? “Instead of taking inspiration from small groups and duos we take our inspiration from artist collaborators such as the Rat Pack, who took each artists’ strengths to craft a unique performance experience.”
Both artists have also released solo albums. “A Time to Remember” and “Journey” are available now through major digital download stores: loversandmonsters.com
Elowen
Abigail Seabrook & Sally Holiday
Elowen is a classical crossover duo that features vocalists Sally Holiday and Abigail Seabrook. “It all started when Sally and I decided to do some busking one Christmas in Shrewsbury. I had a battery amp that I bought for Lady Georgianna’s outside gigs and we had mics. We got our hands on a few backing tracks and away we went! We didn’t make a lot of money, but we had a lovely day out nevertheless. We carried on busking together in Victorian costume and getting some local gigs (mostly at Christmas) and the response to our act was pretty good, so last year, we decided to branch out and include a less seasonal repertoire. We mostly just picked the music we liked, as well as popular classical music. Gothic and Fantasy are favorite genres of ours.”
They enjoy both presenting audiences with an authentically vintage music style and also changing it up with some modern elements. For them it’s all about the audience. “Some want the traditional carols, and we try to include those that were popularized in the Victorian era or before. However, with other gigs, we’ve mixed in operatic duets, and some pop songs that have the right feel, such as Hayley Westenra’s ‘Dark Waltz’ and ‘May It Be’ from Lord of the Rings. It’s about creating a mood really.”
Both women have other musical projects they are involved in. Sally was a part of the orchestral gothic band “Hanging Doll” and Abigail had several projects including a gypsy jazz group (Playing Django) and an 18th century popular music group (Lady Georgianna). How have these other collaborations influenced Elowen? “I think that it all goes into the mix, whatever music you happen to be performing! For me, learning about historical music helps when looking for specific repertoire to fit a particular era, on the flip side, having experience of popular music helps me to “think out of the box”, interact better with audiences and deliver an experience that is a little different to a straight classical performance. Having the skills to set up amplification and adapting our vocal technique when using microphones is important too,” Abigail shares.
For Sally, “I definitely feel the more theatrical side of our influences is most apparent. Visually we like to dress specifically for the audience and setting. This with the operatic vocals makes for an elaborate combination. Hanging Doll used this method quite a bit too although I toned down the operatic vocals as I feel that operatic vocals with metal music has become a little oversaturated in recent years. My other projects include a traditional Goth cover band (Cure For The Mourning). This style of music is where a vast amount of my musical inspiration comes from. A wartime set (Blitz Time Sally) which is what I am doing for my main income. This has become most popular with the big band revival. And finally a folk, rock acoustic duo with medieval elements (Maidenhair). I enjoy the variety and take inspiration from all of these styles. I really like the vocal style of the likes of Vera Lynn and the haunting, dark quality of traditional Goth, Folk and Medieval material. The operatic style of music does have quite a haunting quality to it too and I think that is why it also appeals. I would love to experiment more with different instruments and looking for Abi and I to work on some original material which adds fantasy aspects with ethereal undertones.”
They think you would be surprised at just how many elements from the Victorian era are still popular in our modern world. “The entertaining spirit of the Music-Hall is still with us, and orchestral instruments are widely used in popular music. Gothic, Metal and Rock genres still show a theatricality that our forebears would have appreciated, and the attention that Steampunk has had lately also helps to widen audiences’ experience.”
There are currently no recordings available from Elowen but “we have been dying to do some for a very, very long time! We’re both in a transition phase work-wise, I have just got my first job as an assistant psychologist after several years working in a variety of creative fields, and Sally has recently relocated. Hopefully, when things settle down a bit we can get some recording done. You’ll be the first to know when we do!”
Information on live bookings can be obtained at: elowenmusic.co.uk and abigailseabrook.co.uk