South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Having fun with Sarah Brightman
SarahBrightman’sworld tourwas canceled earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the British singer-songwriter knownfor herwork in “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera” is doing her part to keep her fans entertained. OnDec. 20, she will perform in the livestream concert, “Sarah Brightman: AChristmas Symphony.”
“Iamverymuchlooking forward to this concert as it ismy firstChristmas show,” she said. “I have been thinking about doing a livestream for quite some time now, but I really wanted to find the right time to entertain. Christmas ismy favorite time of year and I thought this would be the perfect time to bring something uplifting to everyone around the world after a very challenging year.”
Brightman has teamed up with the Global FoodBankingNetwork to raise awareness of food insecurityworldwide.
Q: Whydid youdecide toteamupwith the GlobalFoodBanking Network?
A: This year in particular, there has never been a greater need to help families around theworld. The hardships everyone is facing are unprecedented, but are heightened considerably around the holiday season. Iamjust honored to be associatedwith them and hope this helps, even if it is just a little bit, to raise awareness of their incredible efforts.
Q: Iunderstand your concert will include classics like “AveMaria” and
“SilentNight.” Will you sing someof your other well-knownsongs that aren’tnecessarily Christmasrelated?
A: Yes, I handpicked the songs to include both holiday classics and a few festive fan favorites. I’m fortunate thatmany ofmy songs throughout my career transcend any specific theme. I amvery muchlooking forward to reuniting and performing “Christmas Dream” with AndrewLloydWebber. He created a beautifulnew arrangement for this song.
Q: Howhave youspent someof your pastChristmases andwhere you will be celebrating this year?
A: Ihaveaveryclose family and have spent previous Christmases with them just outside of London. Of course, my beautiful two little dachshunds are alwayswith me! Aswith everyone else around theworld, this year will be a bit different and I will be celebrating quietly inmy homecountry.
Q: Have youever spent Christmas in awarmweather destination?
A: Over the years, I have enjoyed the holidays in
many different climates includingwarm ones such as Miami, theBahamas. … But as it ismy favorite time of year, I just enjoy embracing the season regardless of where I am. It is such an uplifting time and I enjoy listening to themusic and feeling the energy.
Q: Whatis your favorite vacation destination?
A: I amextremely fortunate to have the opportunity to travel theworld throughoutmy career. There are somany places that I love to visit and spend time enjoying the culture. It isverydifficult to just pick one, but I do enjoy spending personal holiday time in the South of France. ... Embrace every moment and invest in a very comfortable pair of shoes. Walk asmuchas possible and explore all the museums.
Q: Wherewould you like to go that youhave neverbeen tobefore?
A: Perhapsmaybe India—somuch beautiful music, culture and history there.
For more from the reporter, visit www. jaehakim. com.