NEW DVD, "LIVE AT THE CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL," OUT NOW!! SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS...
Virtuoso New Zealand violinist Fiona Pears has spent the last few years performing at prestigious venues around the world. She already has a large fan base in New Zealand following the release of her three CDs and DVD which feature her own unique compositions.
Fiona’s early career as a musician saw her perform concertos with the New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, winning two national secondary school music competitions, one in piano and the other in violin.
She has opened for artists such as Tony Bennett, Ottmar Liebert and the late Victor Bourge. Fiona has also recorded for many artists around NZ including Hayley Westenra and Bic Runga.
Fiona has been based in the UK since mid 2004 and has already performed at most of the major concert halls there with various international artists. She has also been busy recording with classical artists such as, Hayley Westenra, Aled Jones, Libera, The Choirboys and All Angels for the Universal and EMI labels, alongside recording her own rendition of the theme from, “Schindler’s List,” for BBC1s “Songs of Praise.”
In September 2005 Fiona performed her compositions at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire receiving an overwhelming audience reaction. She also co-arranged three of her pieces for full orchestra and performed them with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in November of that year.
Fiona returned to New Zealand in December 2005 to several sell-out concerts around the South Island, which culminated in headlining the Nelson Jazz festival during Jan 2006 to an audience of over 5,000 people.
Following this she supported and accompanied Hayley Westenra on her nationwide tour of NZ to rave reviews.
When Fiona returned to London in 2006 she joined Heather Nova on her European tour, performing her own pieces as well as joining Heather on stage, this time filling the role of lead guitarist on the violin! This tour gave Fiona the opportunity to reach an entirely new audience. The response she received from her part of the shows has been incredible, not only did she sell out of CDs and DVDs during the tour; she has
subsequently acquired a large and dedicated fan base throughout Europe.
Following this tour, Fiona returned to the UK to complete her third album, “Memories of Home,” working alongside UK producer Ian Tilley, (known for his work with artists on the Universal and EMI labels).
This album, (which has already received phenomenal reviews,) contains fourteen tracks and features ten new compositions, which Fiona describes as her, “most exciting, enjoyable and captivating work to date.”
On the 16th July 2006, Fiona staged a UK CD release concert in London playing to a capacity audience. Everyone who was there agreed that this was a very special evening and it was clear from the audience’s reaction that Fiona now has a loyal following in the UK.
July/August 06 saw Fiona on a tour of UK castles with Hayley Westenra and Il Divo, performing to an audience of several thousand each night.
Fiona has just returned to the UK from a nationwide tour of New Zealand. She performed sell out shows and had standing ovations throughout the tour. The reviews have been outstanding. Her final show at the Christ Church Cathedral was a sell out performance with over 700 people queuing across the Cathedral Square to get into the concert. During the tour Fiona was also a regular performer on New Zealand national TV and radio.
2007 holds many exciting new projects for Fiona with the making of her latest music video for, “Memories of Martin and Mary”, and her new DVD, “Live at the Christ Church Cathedral.
Fiona will be performing at UK festivals throughout the summer. She also has a tour of Asia with, “Libera,” and will be performing in Bermuda in June with Heather Nova.
Fiona is already organising her return to New Zealand in December with festivals and another nationwide tour for 2008 already in the planning.
Thank you for your friendship. Your music is top notch. I will stop by often. I am at the DNC here in Denver this week. I am writing a daily blog for all to read. Peace and happiness, rob
*Thank U 4 being my friend*** **Thank U 4 being my friend*** ***Thank U 4 being my friend*** ****Thank U 4 being my friend*** *****Thank U 4 being my friend*** ******Thank U 4 being my friend*** *******Thank U 4 being my friend***
Thank you for the add. I'm very happy. The solo of violin in [Hymn to beauty] is romantic!! The accompaniment of violin in [Rest in peace] is also great!! I'm going to support you.
Hi Fiona. I hope that you are well. I just wanted to write and tell you how nice it was to meet you at your Finsbury circus concert. You were incredible! I especially loved the songs that you played that you had written yourself. I was wondering if you had gotten my email? I sent it to the email address given on your website. I know how busy you must be, but it would mean the world to me if you could give me some advice on how best to approach steve. Anyway, I hope that all is well with you, and I hope to catch one of your performances again soon- you were fantastic at Finsbury circus!! Talk to you soon I hope. Take care - Libby Elming
Spread the word to all your fans for 15th-17th August in Limavady. Should be a good one can't wait to see you play. tickets are going well and line up shaping up nicely! stendhalF
Thank you for adding me, Fiona. You really have a great sound and I'll be cruising your page often. For whatever reason I seem to be drawn to lovely, blond fiddlers. When I found Celtic Woman I never knew the connections in music that exist. Hayley is wonderful and the two of you together are a great team. New Zealand has always been my dream trip. May The Lord grant you continued success. I hope you'll visit the states on a tour someday soon. The mountains of Colorado are calling. Thanks again Fiona.
