Welsh opera star delivers classical crossover

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November 28, 4:42 PM

by Mike Parker, Entertainment Examiner

 

Sacred Arias
By Katherine Jenkins
Decca Records

If your idea of female opera stars is based on the proverb, ‘It ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings,’ Welsh opera superstar, Katherine Jenkins, is about to blow the doors off of your preconceptions. Lithe, blond, and beautiful, Ms. Jenkins has none of the qualities usually associated with opera singers with the exception of her stunning voice and magnificent stage presence. Her latest classical crossover release, “Sacred Arias,” is intelligent, accessible, and utterly enjoyable for folks with a wide range of musical tastes.

Yes, there are a few tunes that may remind you why you don’t go to the opera. “Panis Angelicus,” “In Paradisum,” and “Agnus Dei” are all sung in the original Latin making them incomprehensible to the vast majority of English speaking people. Still, the simplicity of the arraignments and the purity of Ms. Jenkins voice mixed lovingly with gorgeous background vocals allows even the uninitiated to appreciate the artistry involved.

But it is not all highbrow. Ms. Jenkins covers traditional classics such as “Ave Maria” and “Silent Night” with both verve and reverence. There are even a couple of relative newcomers among the tunes including “Down to the River to Pray” from the film, “O Brother Where Art Thou,” and a delightful interpretation of Leonard Cohen’s haunting, “Hallelujah.”

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