Katherine Jenkins

The Welsh Mezzo-Soprano Making Classical Music Accessible is Katherine Jenkins

Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins is a well-known singer, songwriter, and actress. She started singing as a young child and later attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She was born in Neath, Wales, in 1980. She is now praised for her distinctive fusion of classical, pop, and musical theatre genres, which has helped her become one of the most popular classical crossover performers of all time.

Childhood and Career

Katherine Jenkins was raised in a musical home and displayed early singing prowess. At the age of seven, she started taking lessons. She later attended the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to further her education. She worked as a freelance singing instructor after completing her studies before being found by music producer Steve Abbott, who signed her to his label, Universal Classics and Jazz. Her debut album, "Premiere," which she published in 2004, was the fastest-ever classical album sales in the UK.

Style and Legacy in Music

For her distinctive fusion of classical, pop, and musical theatre elements, Jenkins is well-known. Her music has been categorized as "classical crossover," a style that combines classical elements with well-known musical genres like rock, pop, and folk. Over ten albums, including "Living a Dream" (2005), "Rejoice" (2007), and "Believe" (2009), have been released by the artist. Her album "Sacred Arias" (2008), which included a selection of traditional hymns and classical works, made history by being the first classical album to top the UK charts in more than 20 years.

Jenkins is one of the most popular classical crossover performers of all time with over 10 million records sold globally. A few of the most prominent venues in the world, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, have hosted performances by her. She received the Freedom of the City of Neath, where she was born, in 2005 in honor of her contributions to the arts and music.

Acting and related endeavors

Jenkins has pursued acting and other endeavors in addition to her fruitful music career. She made her acting debut in the 2007 movie "Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song," and since then, she has participated in a number of theatrical shows, most notably the 2017 West End run of "Carousel." She also participated in the 2012 season of the US reality competition "Dancing with the Stars," where she placed second.

Philanthropy and Charitable Work

Jenkins has been involved in numerous charitable and philanthropic causes throughout her career. She is an ambassador for several organizations, including the British Forces Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Royal British Legion. In 2018, she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the charity, Help for Heroes. She has also performed at numerous benefit concerts and events, raising funds for a range of causes, including cancer research, children's charities, and military veterans.

Katherine Jenkins is a remarkable artist who has made classical music accessible to a wider audience. Her unique blend of classical, pop, and musical theatre styles has earned her a legion of fans around the world and cemented her place as one of the most successful classical crossover artists of all time. Her philanthropic work and dedication to charitable causes also demonstrate her commitment to using her talent and success to make a positive impact on the world.