Speaking of Hayley Westenra....

Okay, I can assume that last Sunday was the first time for Jakarta to see Hayley Westenra perform. Perhaps, It was audiences' first time to hear Hayley sing. No one knows her, until her "Amazing Grace" blown their mind away.



Hayley signed a record deal with Decca (Universal Music) when she was just 14 (now she's 24). The native New Zealand singer's first album 'Pure' was recalled as the fastest selling debut classical album in 21st century. With total four international release album ('Pure', 'Odyssey', 'Celtic Treasure', 'Winter Magic'), Hayley has made 4 million record sales. With new album called 'Paradiso' on the way, Hayley is still taking the world by storm.


#things you should know about Hayley..
- Hayley is the UNICEF's youngest-ever ambassador. Her project: Bikes for Ghana Appeal
- Her duet partner lined-up from Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras, Ronan Keating, The Corrs, The Bedingfields, Il Divo, Mike Oldfield.
- Her audiences ranging from common people to top personalities such as HM Queen Elizabeth, Royal Family, Prime Ministers, Presidents, The Pope.
- Hayley is a sporty girl too. Means, she has opened many sport event: Football (the FA Cup Final, The European Champions League), Baseball (the NBA in the US), Tennis (the Mercedes Cup in Los Angeles)
- Japanese has a strong bond w/ Hayley. Japan is one the Hayley's biggest fans based. As a thank-you, Hayley has released two Japanese album.

Well, I'm not trying to sell Hayley, but I'm trying to introduce you some of good music out there and how it is being appreciated. By appreciating this kind of music, the more of you like it, the more class act musician perform here. The more fans, the cheaper ticket price will be sold :) Hoping this kind of music (read: Hayley) will stop by here again, in Jakarta. with NOTE: in   wallet-friendly price :)

Looking for Hayley in Jakarta's CD store:
So far, I've seen some albums like 'Pure', 'Odyssey', 'Winter Magic', 'River of Dreams: The Best of Hayley Westenra', which a national-released, are available in local store (Duta Suara, Beatz!, Disc Tarra). Imported CDs, like 'Celtic Treasure' and 'Hayley Sings Japanese Songs' are available too but in rare numbers.

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videos of Hayley:

more about Hayley
follow Hayley on twitter 

OH MY!! MOMENT : Ready for Bocelli & Westenra live performance

May 15 2011 looks so surreal for me. On that day, (who knows) I'm gonna attend a concert of the most-ever-multi talented slash world renowned (pop) opera figure, ANDREA BOCELLI. Not just that, he brings my fav. crossover soprano HAYLEY WESTENRA too. Two words : more surreal!

Hayley visited Bocelli, in his Italy house.

I think this is the first concert of internationally-known classical musician I ever attend to since it's a very rare event in Jakarta (this kind of music - some says but not for me - is very segmented, just for wealth people), and the ticket price is shockingly crazy (even the price of cheap seat can cost you a Blackberry device). Years before, Jakarta also welcomed same genra artist, like Sarah Brigtman (Bocelli long-time singing partner), vocal quartet Il Divo. Prior to the expensive ticket, I was absence to attend those gigs.

But it's different story for me when Bocelli & Hayley Westenra were planned to come. Bocelli is like an inspiration for me and Hayley has been my music crush since her debut in 2003. I live in Hayley's music for about eight years, I grew with her five studio albums, I breath by wathing tons of her video on YouTube, showing her performed in front of The Queen & Royal family, former US president, The Pope, Mandela or dueting with other music stars, from Il Divo to Ronan Keating. Really a misserable for my whole-life, if I skip their one-in-lifetime Jakarta appearance. That's why, just days before the concert, I already got the ticket. Platinum seat (no one wants to know about the crazy price. and how I got it. I can assure you. hha). It's a must-to-watch show man!

Already holding the ticket. Got the excitement. High blood pressure. Next, going to the venue & witness the heavenly moment of me, proudly brought by Andrea Bocelli & Hayley Westenra themselves.

to be continued...