Haley Westenra

Hayley Westenra is a New Zealand singer from Christchurch, best known for classical crossover, operatic pop, Celtic-influenced music, folk songs and light classical repertoire. She began performing as a child and released her international breakthrough album Pure when she was still a teenager; Decca Classics describes it as the fastest-selling debut album by a classical artist, reaching the Top 10 pop charts in 11 countries.

Her most important albums include Pure, Odyssey, Treasure, River of Dreams: The Very Best of Hayley Westenra, Paradiso and Hushabye. Well-known songs associated with her include “Pokarekare Ana,” “Amazing Grace,” “River of Dreams,” “May It Be,” “Both Sides Now,” “Who Painted the Moon Black,” “Ave Maria,” and “Gabriel’s Oboe / Whispers in a Dream.”

She is known for her exceptionally pure, clear soprano voice, her ability to move between classical, folk, Māori, Celtic and popular material, and for helping bring classical crossover music to a wider international audience. Decca also notes her large worldwide sales and her charity work, including her role as a UNICEF ambassador.