Verena

"Music is my life, and singing is my passion" ... Verena's arrival in the United States some years ago was with the intent of perusing a career as a Classical Singer. “My mother used to listen to Opera when she was pregnant with me and swears that this is why I became a singer!” When Verena was 13 years old her school’s music teacher contacted her mother and told her that her daughter had a special gift that should be furthered and developed. From there on she was taken on by Opera Coach Erich Syri from the Mannheim Grand Opera who was impressed with the extraordinary range and purity of the voice. He accepted her as his last and only student in spite of his announced retirement.As an aspiring coloratura soprano from age 13, she favored Bellini and Donzetti, but also found herself drawn to pop. “ I love the idea of modern music incorporating an element of a classical sound.” When presented with the opportunity to write a pop Album she still found herself somewhat surprised and at first reluctant. “I was intimidated yet intrigued by the idea of writing my own songs and singing popular music. “It was quite a learning experience, but I found that I loved being able to capture my innermost thoughts and experiences creating “Something Real" …When she began studying with Internationally renowned Vocal Coach Miriam Jaskierowicz Arman (Author of: "The Voice: A Spiritual Approach to Singing, Speaking and Communicating”) she found not only her teacher and friend but also a great ally in making the necessary vocal transitions. Verena attributes her successful vocal performance and security to her teacher who continues to guide her. Almost at the same time, as though giving her a spiritual nudge into the right direction,” Verena was promptly cast on the national Reality TV series “Single in the City” where much of the musical journey was captured.Strange as it sounds “Something Real” is my own therapy. It is my journal of emotions, hopes and disappointments. For example the song “Something” was basically an account of a conversation that went on directly before a song writing session. Shane (who co-wrote this song) asked me: " How was your day? " and then pretty much proceeded writing down my responds…”"Something Real" is an alluring combination of soothing melodies and lyrics in an unmistakably beautiful, almost ethereal voice. A lingering melancholic streak mixed with silver lined dashes of hope weave their way though the songs leaving the distinctive vocals free to musically express this fusion of the modern and the classical.