She studied violin, piano and ballet and had appeared in forty amateur stage musicals in Christchurch by the time she was eleven. Since then, she's wowed audiences all around the world with her wonderful voice.
Featuring 'Ave Maria', 'Danny Boy', 'Amazing Grace' and 'Never Say Goodbye'- this is a must for all fans. Universal. 2008. Review Hayley Westenra shot to attention five years ago at the age of 16.
Since then she has released seven albums into various national and international territories and contributed to a dozen others, out of which two permutations of greatest hits compilations have also been gleaned. River of Dreams is the first such compendium targeted at the UK market and if you are a fan of the still-young New Zealander, you'll know what to expect here and, more than likely, you'll be more than satisfied with what you get.
Initially touted as a classical soprano, Westenra quickly (and wisely) moved away from the operatic towards a more eclectic repertoire to showcase her distinctively flutey, helium-high, gravity-free, crystal-sharp, emotion-free vocals.
Sensibly, the classical element is downplayed and disguised here, not least in the title track where new-age lyrics are layered over a heavily rearranged version of Winter from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and in Never Say Goodbye, which re-works Ravel's Pavane to wistfully watery effect.
The approach to Puccini's O mio babbino caro, Bach's Ave Maria (one of three new tracks on the album) and Karl Jenkins's Benedictus all err on the side of botox-smooth textures (such as they are).
The other new material includes the album closer Now is the Hour, adapted from a traditional Maori tune, and Fleetwood Mac's Songbird, popularised more recently by Eva Cassidy, on which Westenra is pleasantly airy and clearly away with the dewdrop-drunk faeries. If the epic American folk song Shenandoah loses much of its heart-stopping grandeur, it gains in places from Westenra's trademark brittleness, as does the traditional Irish gem Danny Boy, and the cover of the Enya-penned May It Is from The Lord of the Rings soundtrack.
The same cannot be said for Amazing Grace which has the most peculiar vocal tick 2'55" in that launches itself out of the speakers at you like a Banshee on heat. In truth, this is a critic-proof album. With machine-tooled, nothing-left-to-chance production, on its own terms, it succeeds, and it will undoubtedly sell by the van load this Christmas. Whether it deserves to, on its singular musical merits, is another matter altogether. --Michael Quinn This link will take you in a new window
Delivery times are specified on a per product basis and are an estimation on processing speed and warehouse demand. Please see the product overview page for an estimation. We will do our best to adhere to timescales but please allow some leeway, especially when shopping on one of our international storefronts outside of the United Kingdom.
Please take note that larger multi-item orders are can take longer to process and it may be better to split your order into smaller shipments for faster processing times.
Please note that our warehouse is closed on Bank Holidays and we do not dispatch orders on these days and are not factored into estimated delivery windows.
UNITED KINGDOM DELIVERY
All our UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail on a tracked service.
For the majority of our UK orders you will receive a timed-delivery window and rearrangement capabilities including safe-place delivery.
Standard Tracked Delivery - £2.99 (FREE over £20) - Your order would be expected to arrive within 48-72 hours after dispatch.
Next Day Express Tracked - £3.99 Some of our media catalogue and easy to ship tems are available for express delivery - any orders received by 2pm we will deliver to your door 7 days a week on an express next day service. If your order is placed after 2pm your order will be processed on the next working day.
*Please note this service is not guaranteed* but we will do our best to hit delivery aims and of course reimburse where necessary.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OPTIONS
Europe:
If your order is being delivered within the EU, please be aware we have signed up to the EU’s Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS).
Since 1st July 2021, no additional VAT fees should be paid for the delivery of parcels in Europe under 150 Euros.
For orders over 150 Euros your order will be shipped DDU
DDU Incoterms payment (or delivery duty unpaid) mean the receiver/customer will be contacted by customs once their shipment arrives, and will have to settle any charges in order for customs to release the shipment and have it delivered to the customer.
Standard - From €4,95 - FREE over €49,95 (Country Dependant) - Your order would be expected to arrive 5-10 working days after dispatch. These orders are fully tracked from dispatch to delivery.
Canada:
Starting From $9.00
2023 Update: Unfortunately due to a large increase in shipping costs into Canada we have had to increase our shipping and remove our free shipping promotion. The delivery cost will differ depending on the weight of your order.
We also now offer an UPS Express delivery service. Please note that tax and duties may apply to your order before receipt of your delivery.
United States:
Standard - FREE - Your order would be expected to arrive within 10-14 working days after dispatch. Non-Tracked. We use Royal Mail for the majority of our deliveries and use DPD for larger shipments.
Japan:
Standard - ¥500 - FREE over ¥5,000 - Your order would be expected to arrive within 10-14 working days after dispatch. Non-Tracked.
PRE-ORDERS
Pre-order items are available for purchase on our website and are charged at the point of purchase.
Any orders that include a pre-order item will be dispatched once ALL items in the order are available. Please bear this in mind when placing orders containing both in-stock and pre-order items. If you would like in-stock items delivered sooner, please place a separate order for those items.
CANCELLATIONS / ORDER AMENDMENTS
You can cancel or amend any order before it is dispatched, please contact us and we will assist you further.
Let customers speak for us
Ordered a number of Arkham Horror LCG items from this store. All delivered on time and in perfect condition. Would definitely order from them again.
Bought for a gift
So thrilled thank you
I’m very pleased with this company. The price of the Macushield was one of the best I could find and items arrived as promised.
Easy to order; quick delivery
Amazing company with a great variety of stock. Although some items arrived damaged in transit the I’m company were quick to rectify. Highly recommend!
Excellent service and excellent album
![The Black Keys - El Camino (10th Anniversary [Vinyl]](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0574/3919/1207/products/81rZpiydx_L._AC_SL1425_250x250.jpg?v=1641883655)
Was a bit apprehensive about buying this but my grandson is mad about Thomas this potty is great and he is trying to use it straight away.
Fun, Compelling Game 👍👍👍
I received my package by the date advised to me. Well package and in perfect condition. The Angel Wings ordered are beautiful, so detailed and quite weighty and should sit nicely on my shelf. Great service from Yachew
