Whispers in a Dream

"Whispers in a Dream"
Song by Hayley Westenra
from the album Paradiso
Released18 April 2011
Recorded2010
GenreClassical
Length4:27
LabelUniversal Decca
Songwriter(s)Hayley Westenra
Producer(s)Ennio Morricone
Hayley Westenra

"Whispers in a Dream" is a Christian hymn, written in 2011, by Christchurch Anglican soprano and songwriter, Hayley Westenra. It was recorded as the first song on the international album Paradiso.[1][2] It was released worldwide on 18 April 2011, beginning with New Zealand.[3]

Background

Speaking about the hymn, Westenra mentioned in some interviews that she was not only inspired by "Gabriel's Oboe" (the theme from the 1986 film classic The Mission), but also contributed lyrics to "Whispers In A Dream" (music: "Gabriel’s Oboe"), with her genuine wish for world peace.[4][5] The tune of the hymn was from "Gabriel's Oboe" – the main theme for the 1986 film The Mission, written by Italian composer Ennio Morricone.[6]

International performing

On 17 July 2011, classical singer Hayley Westenra talked about cooperation with world-renowned composers in Paradiso, when she was interviewed by Terry Wogan, and performed live for a BBC Radio 2 program, with the track "Whispers In A Dream".[7][8] On 1 September, Premier Christian Radio interviewed Westenra about recording Paradiso with Morricone and an orchestra in Rome.[9] On 15 September, Westenra appeared as a guest star on the popular Italian reality TV show for children, "Io Canto" (Canale 5), and sang "Whispers In A Dream" with last year's winner,[clarification needed] Benedetta Caretta.[10] In October, BBC programme Songs of Praise broadcast a performance of "Whispers In A Dream" by Westenra in Salisbury Cathedral.[11][12] On 5 December 2011 Westenra performed "Whispers In A Dream" on the Royal Variety Performance show, in the presence of The Princess Royal.[13][14] During the Paradiso Homecoming Tour, Westenra performed "Whispers In A Dream" in concert, traveling to New Zealand, eastern Asia, and the United Kingdom.[15]

References

  1. ^ "Hayley Westenra Paradiso". DECCA RECORDS. 2011-08-29. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  2. ^ "Album: Hayley Westerna, Ennio Morricone, Paradiso (Decca)". independent.co.uk. 2011-08-26. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  3. ^ "Hayley Westenra Paradiso album to TaiWan". books.com.tw. 2011-08-31. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  4. ^ "海莉.韦斯特拉《天堂美声》 (Paradiso)". fashion.ce.cn. 2011-09-28. Archived from the original on 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  5. ^ "Interview: Classical Singer Hayley Westenra Opens Up About New Album". ology.com. 2011-11-01. Archived from the original on 2011-11-10. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  6. ^ "Hayley Westenra teams up with Ennio Morricone". DECCA RECORDS. 2010-06-16. Archived from the original on 2012-01-02. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  7. ^ "Hayley Westenra Live session". BBC radio 2 program. 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  8. ^ "Hayley sings on BBC Radio 2". Hayley Westenra International. 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  9. ^ "Classical singing sensation: Hayley Westenra". premierradio.org.uk. 2011-09-01. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  10. ^ "Hayley on "Io Canto" (Italian TV)". Hayley Westenra International. 2011-09-15. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  11. ^ "Summer in Salisbury". bbc.co.uk. 2011-07-31. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  12. ^ "Hayley on Songs of Praise". Hayley Westenra International. 2011-08-01. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  13. ^ "Manchester Lowry". The Royal Variety Performance. 2011-12-05. Archived from the original on 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  14. ^ "Hayley Westenra on Royal Variety Performance". celebrity.uk.msn.com. 2011-12-06. Archived from the original on 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2011-12-25.
  15. ^ "Review: Hayley Westenra, The Sage Gateshead". chroniclelive.co.uk. 2012-03-02. Retrieved 2012-03-04.