Songstress raises the spirits

Singer Anna Hawkins' new album Divine will be performed live in the city this weekend.

Music has always had the power to spiritually rejuvenate and Tauranga-based singer Anna Hawkins says it was at the request of her fans that her new album, Divine, has a spiritual element.

It was released this week and the inspirational song choices resonate with her personally and will also resonate with listeners.

"As an artist that is what you want to do, move people to a deeper level, uplifting them through music," she says.

Her voice has been described as rich and captivating, with a soulfulness that can move people to tears: this in combination with song choices such as Amazing Grace, You Raise Me Up, O Holy Night and Hallelujah is a guarantee that it will be under a few Christmas trees next month.

She describes Polish producer Pawl Zarecki as a genius and their work in studios in Poland and Israel has added freshness to many of the tracks.

Also included on the album are unique choices such as Avinu Malkeinu, a Hebrew song where she flew to Israel and was coached in Hebrew to do the performance justice. This, she says, was a special experience that has made the song a personal favourite.

Another highlight of the trip was the making of a music video in the desert and streets of Jerusalem for her haunting rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

The album also features rising tenor Filipe Manu for a duet of The Prayer and Hans Kraenzlin joined by daughter Sariah for the reworking of Be Thou My Vision.

In the past, Anna has toured with famed Welsh tenor Paul Potts, as well as taking lead roles in international musical theatre productions, most recently as Christine in the Phantom of the Opera in Tokyo.

She is performing the first release of Divine in the city this weekend and will be joined by her sister, Lisa Grace Hawkins, and supported by an eight-piece ensemble orchestra.

the fine print
What: Anna Hawkins, Divine.
Where: Holy Trinity Church
When: Saturday, November 21, 7.30pm
Tickets: www.iticket.co.nz