CLASSICAL crossover is a new genre which has stepped into the spotlight in recent years with artists such as Josh Groban and Il Divo the driving force.
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And for local fans of the classical, pop fusion, Western Australian singer Jay Weston will be that Mandurah Performing Arts Centre this month.
With quite a versatile range of songs to choose from, Weston will bring everything from Michael Bublé and Frank Sinatra to Andrea Bocelli to the Peel stage.
“It’s a fairly new style where classically trained singers sing more pop-based tracks,” he said.
“I just love it because it’s quite challenging.
“Songs from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables are always a hit, as well as the Italian type songs from Bocelli.”
Weston has just released his fourth album, Southern Crossover, which blends his classical crossover style with Australian tracks, many of which are tributes to some of the country’s great singers and songwriters.
Some of the artists represented have helped shaped Australia’s music industry, such as John Farnham, Olivia Newton John and Tina Arena.
Other Australian influences on the album include director Baz Luhrmann with his dazzling screen masterpiece Moulin Rouge and the late legendary performer Peter Allen with his musical The Boy From Oz.
But the album, which will be performed at Weston’s June 23 show, is more than just a tribute to these Australian identities, however.
Weston aims to embody each of the songs while on stage.
“I try to become the character in the song, instead of just sitting behind the piano,” he said.
“A lot of the other stuff I do I’m stuck behind the keyboard but with this I want to be out on stage, singing to the people.”
Weston will be at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre from 11am on June 23.
For more information go to manpac.com.au or call 9550 3900.
