Review: Hayley Westenra, Victoria Hall, Hanley
SHE first burst onto the classical music scene in 2003 aged just 16 with her debut best-selling album, Pure. Now, just five years on, New Zealand singing sensation Hayley Westenra is about to impressively release her 'best of' album, River Of Dreams, aptly coinciding with her current UK tour.
Starting the proceedings at Hanley's Victoria Hall on Saturday night, the audience was filled with anticipation – and quite rightly so after last year's hugely successful concert that raised a fantastic amount for UNICEF.
As the charity's youngest ambassador it was no surprise that the proceeds of this concert would also benefit the charity, with all monies raised being divided equally between this and COPA; an organisation designed to support communities in the Dominican Republic.
Opening with Prayer, a Celtic piece about Hansel and Gretel, Hayley quickly displayed her vocal ability that oozed like melted honey through the hall. If there was ever a chance to witness first hand how effective the acoustics in the Victoria Hall are, this was it.
At times hauntingly beautiful and at others sincerely pure, this is a woman who, despite her young age, is able to grasp the meaning behind the song and project it emotionally.
Whether it was the popular Maori song Pokarekare Ana, her version of Fleetwood Mac's gentile Songbird, the beautiful Scarborough Fair or Kate Bush's passionate Wuthering Heights, Hayley nailed them all. Her concept seemed simple, yet impossible to master.
And, as an added bonus, young string quartet Raven, accompanying Hayley on the tour, treated the audience to a selection of music that highlighted their obvious talent.
Mature in nature with a voice to match, Hayley Westenra has certainly come along way in a short time. Judging by Saturday's success, it seems doubtful that her first greatest hits album will be her last.
Liz Rowley
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