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Natasha Marsh, at Llangollen Eisteddfod
SULTRY solo singer Natasha Marsh says she is looking forward to following in the footsteps of some big names when she returns to North Wales this July.
The 33-year-old soprano will be teaming up with boyband Blake at Llangollen's International Musical Eisteddfod for their second North Wales concert this year, which she says will be one of her most exciting and prestigious shows to date.
"I'm really looking forward to playing at the Eisteddfod. So many Welsh performers that have come up through the ranks and gone on to bigger things have performed there, and it's definitely a must-do when it comes to performances. It's a show I'm really excited about" she said.
"I haven't been to Llangollen since I was a student, but it's a really beautiful part of the world and it's great to be coming back. The great thing about the Eisteddfod is that it's very much an outdoor festival style of event, and I love doing festival performances. You get so many people there who wouldn't usually come out to see a classical concert."
The July 10 performance marks Natasha's second North Wales collaboration with classical band Blake, after a concert at Llandudno's Venue Cymru in March, where they received a standing ovation.
"You really can't beat the Welsh for audiences, as singing is something that's in their blood and has been for generations. Even though I'm more familiar with South Wales, I've done concerts all over the north, and it's great that people here are always fantastic. I love performing up here" she added.
"It helps as well that Blake are so great to work with. They're lovely boys and I really enjoyed touring with them, which is important when you're doing so many performances around the country. I was absolutely shattered after the tour finished, but I'm glad to say it was still a lot of fun to do."
"When you're travelling all over the world, you have to get used to living out of a suitcase, and it can get very tiring. Yet it's all worth it when you actually get out on stage, and do what you love doing."
Natasha has been described by critics as a singer who blows away dusty preconceptions of classical music, and even though she says she won't be crossing over into pop music in the same vein as Blake, a childhood listening to pop music and reading Smash Hits has helped her keep an open mind.
"I've just finished working with (Blur lead guitarist) Graham Coxon on his latest album, which was great because I was able to use my voice in a completely new way. It's not about pushing my music in any one direction, but more about keeping an open mind.
"Classical is definitely changing, and the days of singers being fat and stuffy are long gone. The audience is people of all ages now, and as long as the music itself is great and actually believable, they'll enjoy it."
Natasha Marsh will be performing with Blake at the International Musical Eisteddfod on July 10, at Llangollen's Royal International Pavilion.
For more information and to book tickets, which start from £12, contact 01978 862001 or visit www.llangollen2009.com.
