Hayley Westenra

New Zealand-born soprano Hayley Westenra returns to the stage to air popular and classical songs from her albums River Of Dreams, Odyssey and Treasure. A performer since the tender age of six, she has achieved international prominence in a remarkably short space of time. Her debut album, Pure, released when she was just 16, reached number eight in the UK album charts and number one in the classical charts. In 2007 she became the biggest selling classical artist of the 21st century and was nominated for Best Album at the Classical BRIT Awards. She is in high demand, duetting with the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel, and her haunting vocals have featured on film soundtracks including Al Pacino's Merchant Of Venice and Terrence Malick's New World. Initially compared to Welsh songbird Charlotte Church, Westenra stuck to her classical roots as she achieved stardom but she occasionally veers towards pop and folk. Her talents do not end with her heavenly vocals; she is also a classically trained dancer and has enjoyed acting roles including the US television drama American Dreams. She is heavily involved in charity work and is an ambassador of Classical FM's Music Makers, which promotes music projects for disadvantaged children and adults. Westenra may have the voice of an angel, but she clearly has the heart of one too.

• Website: www.hayleywestenra.com