Sarah Brightman hopes to spread ‘hope and light’ in PH comeback

Sarah Brightman

British soprano Sarah Brightman, one of the pioneers of the classical crossover genre, is set to return to the Philippines after 15 years and take the stage at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 10.

Mounted by Wilbros Live, the one-night concert is part of the Asian leg of Sarah’s world tour, “Hymn,” which was launched in support of her 12th and latest studio album of the same title. Tickets are available at TicketNet outlets; call 8911-5555.“‘Hymn’ is excitingly eclectic, encompassing many different styles, and I’m looking forward to performing the new songs on my world tour. Every project I have done has come from an emotional place, and I wanted to make something that sounded very beautiful and uplifting,” she said of the album—her first since 2013—in a statement.

For the 59-year-old singer-actress, the term “hymn” is analogous to “joy.” “A feeling of hope and light, something that’s familiar and secure, and I hope that sentiment resonates through my music,” added Sarah, whose biggest hit to date is “Time to Say Goodbye”—an operatic pop duet with Andrea Bocelli.Sarah, who can seamlessly shift between pop and classical vocal styles, is reportedly the best-selling soprano, having sold over 35 million albums worldwide. Before her foray into the classical crossover genre, Sarah released disco songs as part of the dance group Hot Topic.Sarah then went on to become a theater superstar, starring in various iconic West End and Broadway musicals like “Cats,” and originating the role of Christine Daaé in “Phantom of the Opera.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO INQ