Chat with Musician Hayley Westenra on her unique mix of classical pop, Celtic, and new age sound

I'd like to hear Hayley's comments on performing at the opening concert of Celtic Colours on Cape Breton this past October. Quite a varied line up, must have been an interesting evening.

I didn't know she had a new album coming out. I love her music. :)

I loved her first album, Pure. Beat Of Your Heart and River Of Dreams. I am trying to buy her second album though. I really want to know what her third album is going to be. I love Pop/Orchestra!(I don't know I spell it right) And also, she is only a year older than me! Wow! She has a career!

I am a vocal performance major. I was wondering if you had any suggestoins on how to break into the music business.

Hi! I listend to one of your songs Prayer on an vod English magazine "Crazy English" in China last year, and there was an article about you, that's the first time i got know you, and I love your songs very much, and that magazine has almost a million readers in China, and the readers are all teenagers whom love English learning and western songs, many singers got their first known on it, such as Westlife, BSB, Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem, Dido, Jenifer Lopez, ect. So you'll get many fans I believe. You should sell your album in China if you haven't, then I can buy them, they are such great songs! Do you have plans for the China market?
Thanks, and love u

Hi Hayley,
Your new album is a real "Treasure". I'm going to Pittsburgh on March 13, to see you in the C/W show. Can you tell me about a show on March 20, in New York??? I would like to see you there also......You're the BEST!!! Love XXX.....TimJ

Hello Hayley:

I believe you have everything it takes to conquer the U.S. market. How important is it to you to make it big in America, and would you be willing to take on a slightly different repertoire of music in order to achieve that goal?

I would like to compliment you not only on your perfect pitch and angelic voice, but mostly for being such a fantastic role model for the youth of today. You are not into drugs, drinking, piercings, tattoos, you have a great relationship with your family, you are proud of your heritage, not ashamed to sing religious-themed songs.

I wonder if your touring and consequential physical and emotional stresses coupled with the pressures of becoming independent and growing and learning about other cultures and lifestyles and places puts pressure on you? How do you handle or cope with this pressure as a young peson? Do you rely upon your family and friends and religion more? What advice can you give to others your age how to cope with their temptations and pressures to go along with the crowd and make poor choices?

By the way, I am so proud of the way you have handled yourself, Hayley, and your singing brings tears to my 58 year old eyes.

My goodness, Haley, I had no Idea! Being a big fan of Loreena McKennitt, I checked out your myspace spot, hoping to find another Celtic angel to listen to, when the mood strikes me, and was very pleasantly surprised! You and your music are things of beauty, and beauty is something I'd just rather not live without (to say the least).

Hayley, thank you so much for sharing your voice with us. It is the most delicious sound I have ever heard. Nine or ten different times, when hearing you sing, I have been so moved by the deep beauty of your sound that I have been brought to tears. Truly, your singing thins the veil between heaven and earth. Thank you for this precious gift.
I can't wait to hear you in person in Raleigh, NC on March 30. What a pleasure that will be!!!
Several of your songs are spiritual songs. Are you a Christian? Do you believe in and love the God of the Bible?

Hi Hayley!,it's nice to have a new music favorite that I share the same 1st name with.I live in manchester,england,Do you live in england now?in london?

Hi Hayley, though your music is not the type I normally listen too I enjoy it a lot especially when I'm stressed and just want to relax. This brings me to my question, when you have free time what do you like to do to unwind.

Hi Hayley,
There is a rumour that Celtic Woman will extend their tour to a few shows in Canada. It seems that the group might be in Toronto on June 15th. I don't think that the date is official yet. My question to you is; will you be performing with them if they do come to Canada? I see from your tour schedule that you have commitments in Britain on the 13th and the 16th so I am not hopeful. The bottom line is that if you are there I plan to be front row centre. If you are not performing I will not attend. Here's hoping. PS I think you are fabulous.

Hey Hayley!!! It's Caitlin In New Hampshire. I absolutely love your new album!!! All of the songs are fantastic, but my Favorite is Summer Rain!!! I would like to know what your inspiration was for that song! I would love to write to you, but I don't have a mailing address. Is there one you can share? I hope you got my messages on your official forum. I wish you all the best and would like to let you know that you continue to be an inspiration for my own singing, and are one of the bright spots in my life!

Hi Haley, my name is Noah and I am a college student and eventual music major. As a musician, I have always found it easier and more personally fulfilling performing and recording music which I myself have had a hand in creating. I believe I read somewhere that you recently began contributing to the writing for this new album, and I was wondering if you felt similarly? Also, I was wondering if on the celtic woman tour dates, you would be signing autographs after the shows? You won't be performing in my state, but if I knew you would be around after the show, I wouldn't mind jumping a few state lines to chat with you for a minute or two :) Keep up the great work and I will pray for your safety, well-being, and a warm reception of your music on this US tour.

I am very impressed with your choice of songs that you include on your albums. What can we look forward to in the future? Also, will you be doing any promotion for your album while on tour with CW? (Hint: do a signing in the Detroit area) :)

Hi Hayley, you have co-written some delightful songs on 'Treasure' such as 'Let Me Lie', 'Le Notte Del Silenzio' and 'Summer Rain'. Does this process normally involve writing the lyrics in full before developing the melody? Thanks, Andrew

Hi Hayley! I see you have worked on some dramas for TV recently such as 'Jekyll' Have you had any offers from the makers of hits shows like 'Lost' or 'Heroes' to use your music or record something original for them? BTW, your album has had the unfortunate side-effect of making any other albums I listen to sound a bit dull at the moment. It's simply amazing!

Hi Hayley! You are amazing. I love your music and I can't wait to see you perform again - this time with Celtic Women here in Southern California.

My question is about seeing you perform solo here in the US. Do you plan to do a tour with the release of your new album? Also, as an entertainment advertising guy, I see a big untapped market for you here in the US. Your genre has recently become more popular with the success of other vocal artists such as Josh Groban. I'm certain you could be just as big in the US as you are in Europe and Asia. Do you have plans for a larger push into the US?

Hi Hayley ........I'll skip all the accolades that you continue to receive ......by saying "ditto" to all of them.

What I'd like to know is where do you see yourself in 5, 10 or 20 years ? ........going to college ? .............having a family? .............ongoing music career ?

How about a trip to the moon during an eclipse to sing "who painted the moon black" ? .........that would be a "happening" !

Who are some of your role models ?.......your parents I would think ? ........you mentioned Celine Dion sometime ....any othe great performers ?

In any event .....here's wishing you peace and happiness, even if you never sing another note ...what else really matters .......

hi Hayley, I'm from the united states and I heard you for the first time on the new celtic woman dvd, and I think you have an amazing voice. Will you be singing with the others ladies again? When you sing it looks like the song is actually a part of who you are. You make it look so easy!! Good luck in the future and hope to see you more!!

HI Hayley,me again the "Other" Hayley!....I 1st saw you on the PBS telly show"a new journey" while I was visiting in the U.S. & you really sounded so great I was an instant fan of yours & Celtic Woman.I was wonderin do you get to view your official website forum very often?...good luck in all you do!

Hi Hayley, Is it likely that you might consider performing 'Whispering Hope' and 'Shenandoah' live with the accompaniment of a gospel choir (like the Elim Gospel Choir on your 'Live from NZ' DVD). That would sound absolutely incredible! Thank you SO much- I am delighted with 'Treasure'!!! Lots of love from Edinburgh, Andrew xxx

Hello Haley,
I will be at the Pittsburgh show tomorrow night and would like to welcome you to Pittsburgh, if it's your first time here. I hope your tour bus comes thru the Fort Pitt tunnels and you get to see the panoramic view of our great city as it come out the other end of the tunnel.
My question is will you be singing Danny Boy if you are I can't wait and I hope you have a great time. Kenny Koz

Hi Hayley!
As the number of your fans in Hong Kong is swelling, I would like to know when you will come to Hong Kong again. Many of us love your songs very much and want to have a close look to you. We are here waiting for you! ^^

Hello Hayley, I don't see what I thought I just posted, so here goes again. I wish you and Celtic Woman much success here in the States and especially in Los Angeles where I hope to see you in concert May 5. I'm so glad there are websites like Gather and of course your own site, but I was wondering if you'll be promoting your tour (and yourself) on FM radio. I look forward to the day when I can tune in to Celtic Treasure on the radio, perhaps a classical crossover station playing a mixture of classical pop, classical, arias, opera, new age, Celtic, traditional folk, showtunes, etc. What a heavenly blend! Unfortunately, there's nothing like that here in LA. Fortunately, I stumbled upon your music while searching ITunes a couple of months ago...but there are a lot of people out there like myself, potential lovers of your music, CW, Bocelli, etc. who haven't had the opportunity to hear you. I truly believe that you are the agent of change the classical/pop crossover genre needs, but for change to happen, I believe, a redefined genre must be introduced to the mainstream. A musical transformation! A crossover revolution! That's what I'm talking about.... In the meantime, I have Pure, Odyssey, and earlier albums - all wonderful!... and very, very soon, Celtic Treasure (can't wait!) to help satisfy my thirst, but the FM world needs to find the fountain too! Anyway, thank you for sharing your passion! You and your music are nothing short of inspirational!

Hi Hayley! I can't wait for the new album to come out here in Canada -- I'm like a little kid waiting impatiently for a Christmas present! From the samples, it sounds like it's going to be your best yet!

I was just wondering what your favourite song on the new album is. Mine is 'Sonny.' :)

Best of luck in the US market, and God bless you!

Oksana :)

Hi Hayley,
By the time you get to read my comment, you would probably be getting tired of responding to all the comments, but I want you to be patient a bit more.
When I heard your voice for the first time on Celtic Woman, it captured my heart and lifted my spirit!! Ever since, I have been a big fan of your voice and YOU!!
Everytime I hear your voice, I feel that your voice carries out your spiritual & warm hearted personality with it; therefore, making it to be so magical.

I can not wait to see you in Portland, Oregon on May 11th!! I will be ready to be touched again!!
Good luck,

Hiro T
P.S.
Is there a way to give you a personhal letter(on actual paper)?

Hello Hayley!
I am your biggest fan from China and one of the biggest fans in the world. Your albums are not sold here in China but I've listened to nearly all of your music. I love your new album. I also love Irish folk music very much. I hope to see you write more of your own songs. Good luck to you Hayley!

Yang

Hi Hayley,
I really like your singing. I always listen to your music. Your voice is very calming.Can you give me some advice on how to be good singer? Good luck to you!

Hayley!!!
I've been a huge fan of yours since 2003. I have all of your albums and DVDs.
Guess what? I'm going to see you with Celtic Woman on March 23rd!!! I can't wait and I'm sooo excited. It will be my first time to see you live in concert.
God bless you, Hayley!
Love, Cathleen

Hello! I know as an artist, after a big project- concert, tour, cd, I often end up feeling at a loss of what to do, siighh.
*What are your plans after the cd is out? What are your ambitions? Will you tour? *Will you compose?

I know that 'the most sublime act is to set another before you' :)

Hi Hayley!!! Firstly i wld wannna congragulate u on ur release of ur latest album, Celtic treasure. Cant wait to get my hands on it lol. Here's my question, When will you be doing a tour or performing in MALAYSIA/ SINGAPORE? Will u ever come here? Ohh pls do so i really adore your voice n music. Keep It up!!!

I truly admire your commitment to Unicef (Bikes for Ghana) and Women's Environmental Network. Will any of your future songwriting reflect your passion for these -- and other -- worthy causes?

Dear Hayley,
in your research on behalf of WEN have you seen the film/DVD "an inconvenient truth - a global warning" by former Vice President Al Gore? I thought that I knew quite a lot about the subject until I saw this film. If you have 93 minutes to spare on an internal flight this week it would give you some excellent 'ammunition' prior to your meeting with President Bush. I now see that if Al Gore had been elected as President then the world's environment would be in a better state today. I hope that your voice is mended and I look forward to seeing you back in UK. In the meantime I have your Treasures. Enjoy your tour as a Celtic Woman.
Love, 'drew.

Hi Hayley, You have recently contributed further to your extensive Film and TV work with your involvement in recording the themes for the BBC's six part series, 'Jekyll' and ITV's film, 'The Flood'. I would imagine that you have relatively short timescales to work on such projects. You obviously thrive on embracing new challenges! Approximately how long were you given to learn these pieces? You never cease to amaze me! Andrew xxx

Love your voice

Hi Hayley! My name is Brett and I've been HUGE fan since Pure. I've tried to find a contact address for you because there's some awesome things I was wanting to tell you about as far as your infleunce on my own personal music career. So, I was just wondering, Do you actually get the messages forwarded to you through Decca? If you don't feel like answering this question I totally understand. I think you're great Hayley!!
-Brett P.

This is kinda off subject but what are your favorite books, movies, etc.?

Hayley, your music is absolutely beautiful and inspiring. But I'd like most of all to thank you for your humanitarian efforts. You are changing the world for the better through your wonderful deeds. Thank you so much for being a shining light! May God continue to bless you.

Hi Hayley, I do hope that you are feeling better now and are enjoying your tour of the U.S. I am really looking forward to seeing you again on the 7th April. I wanted to say that I think "Treasure" is a simply fantastic album and I love every track, although I do have several special favourites. One favourite being "Sonny". My question is, I understand that it is you playing the piano on this track, do you sing and play at the same time ? Also, I am really looking forward to your live performance of this song and I wondered if you are planning to sing & play live ? That would be a special treat. Thankyou for bringing music back into my life Hayley. Mark xx

My name is Sukayna, but I am Dori on the HWI forum. I am quite an active member!! I live in Auckland. Me and my mother have given your parents a gift for you in hopes of the success of your new album (which is already going so well!!) I am curious to know, if a fan wrote a song and dedicated it to you, would you ever sing it? I'm looking forward to he NZ release!! Thanks Hayley, and good luck with the success of Treasure!

Hi Hayley,

glad youre feeling better since last weekend. I hope you didnt catch your cold from the kids when you visited Alfred Salter. I hope the CW tour is a big success and you find lots of new fans in the U.S. Good luck with your petiton for the President. Lots of the pupils have been signing the petition.

See you soon
Stuart

Hayley,
I'd be interested to know what area(s) in Ireland your family comes from.
best of luck with the chat tonight.

Hi Hayley! Some nosy questions about your personal life, if you don't mind. LOL Since you are so busy, do you date a lot? Do you have anyone special in your life? What sort of person are you looking for? What do you do for fun when you have time off? You are awesome, and I wish you every happiness!!!

Hey dear Hayley :)
You can sing beyond the range of human hearing, so we ( whales and dolphins) can hear you, as well...
You can sing some notes that can be heard only by animals, and you sound wonderful to us :)
Thank you sweetheart .
We Love you.

Hey there Hayley. My name is Ceilidh. I am from Nova Scotia and I just wanted to let you know that you're performance with Celtic Woman on PBS is AMAZING. Are you ever going to come to Atlantic Canada? P.S. I love your music soooo soooo much. The Last Rose of Summer is my absolute favorite. Thankyou for finding me a new favorite type of tune. :)

Two Questions for Hayley:

What kind of music do you most enjoy singing?

What kind of songs do you most enjoy writing?

Hi Hayley.......
I caught the CW show at the Wang Center in Boston. What an amaziing show. You all have fantastic voices. Adding to the comments and questions about any solo tour you'll be doing to promote the new album here in the states, particularly in New England. Would really enjoy seeing the concert if you are planning one..........Your voice is incredible!

Sorry, but I've never even HEARD of you. My question is "What in God's name is "classical pop"? That has to be the MOST absurd juxtaposition of terms I've ever heard.

Hi Haley,
I first want to commend you on all of your achievements. You are an amazing musician with a wonderful gift.
I was wondering something....as a fellow musician(I have been performing since I was 4), I find that there are somedays that are harder than others to perform. I am by no means a professional and if I do not want to perform I do not. You are in a different situation, I bet that it is difficult to say no. how do you deal with this and what helps to motivate you so that you can perform on difficult days?
Thank you so much for doing this. It means the worl to us.

HI Hayley,
I've got a reservation for the March 20 show in New York, see you there!......TimJ

Hello Hayley,
I recently had the pleasure of seeing you perform at Jones Hall in Houston, TX on Jan 26th. You were amazing! Are you planning a "Treasure" world tour after the "Celtic Woman" tour is over? I would really enjoy seeing you perform again, only this time a little longer. If you do plan on touring, could you please come to Texas again? I do live in San Antonio, and the Majestic Theatre would be the perfect venue. Take care Hayley and thank you for sharing your amazing talent with the rest of the world.

To participate in the 7:30pm live chat with Hayley Westenra please click on the link below:

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976929700

hi hayley is chris holdens partner her how r u chloe is off to school in june and we have a daughter sophie she is 16mths now

Hi Hayley
Good evening,morning or other I've been your fan for only a short time, In that short time I've grown to like your music and Appreciate it very much. I've only got one question and one question alone for the time being, I've watched most of the youtube movies and some of them Displayed you wearing boots. Do you like wearing them alot?, if so I would figure they would be uncomfortable to be in. Thanks for reading my reply, Many thanks
Whitesoulhawk

hola buen dia quiero contarles que me llamo pablo fisser soy de argentina y hoy 21 de marzo del año 2007 es la primera vez que escucho a hayley westenra y me enamore de su voz y de su belleza es la mujer mas bella que vi en mi vida .espero que alguien entienda español asi me pueden hablar .hayley westenra muchas garcias por existir .te prometo que desde hoy voy a conseguir todos tus discos .te amo mujer.

I think Hayley Westenra is the best female classical vocalist ever. I own all of her cds and I love them all. Her voice is very beautiful, and the music is just great she is wonderful.

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