Holly Holyoake

Born in 1988 and raised in South Wales, Holly Holyoake is one of the rising stars of the classical world. A persistent entrant in school events and holiday singing competitions, at the age of 11 she discovered a love for classical music. "It wasn't until I went for singing lessons, which was something I had been begging Mum for, and my teacher Irene asked if I would be interested in it. I just thought why not, it would be something different." She was further inspired after watching tenor Mario Lanza perform Ave Maria in the film The Serenade. Within months, after hearing her singing along to Lanza's recordings, her parents became aware of their daughter's talent. Her mother sent a tape of the 'duet' to Lanza's son Damon. Holly made her proper stage debut at the age of 12 at St Julian's Methodist Church, as part of the Newport Philharmonic Choir's annual spring concert. She sang Panis Angelicus, Vinalle and The Teddy Bears' Picnic. Despite describing the experience as "nerve-racking", Holly continued her vocal training, and was soon appearing regularly with the Caldicot Choir. She made her international debut in 2002, at the 41st Mario Lanza Ball in Philadelphia. There, she received an award "for blending love of Mario Lanza and devotion to Belcanto". During the weekend, Holly performed Ave Maria to Lanza's recording, in the same church where he had made his first public appearance at the age of 15, singing the very same piece of music. Holly's debut release, When Dreams Have Wings, was self-released that year, and recorded when she was just 13. In 2004, as the UK's sole representative, she won gold at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles for her rendition of I'll Walk With God. She also took bronze in both the opera and Broadway musical sections. She was also decreed, by Wales' Western Mail newspaper, to be Wales' sexiest woman. "It's a very nice surprise but a shock to be called sexy," she said. In March 2006 Holly was chosen to perform Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau .. at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, before Wales played France at the final Six Nations rugby match of the year. She agreed to stand with just three days' notice, after Katherine Jenkins was unable to appear. "I really enjoyed myself," she said of the day. "It was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and although I was nervous it didn't affect my performance - I find the nerves help to focus me." Holly has performed at numerous events, garnering massive public support and increasing visibility in the classical music industry, performing alongside classical stars such as Aled Jones, Hayley westenra, Mario Frangoulis and Jonathan Ansell (G4). http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/holly_holyoake/ Hollys music video 'I Vow To Thee My Country' can be seen on classic fm tv