Music Stars Sing For Democracy
MEDIA RELEASE 17 November 2009

Music Stars Sing For Democracy

The March for Democracy will feature two kiwi music stars who will entertain the crowd before and after the march up Queen St this Saturday.

“We’re thrilled to have such awesome talent as Yulia and Lapi Mariner make themselves available to lead us in the national anthem and to perform other items before and after the march,” says organiser Colin Craig.

Yulia, who was born in Volgograd, Russia and emigrated from Russia to NZ in 2002 becoming a NZ citizen in 2005 says, “As a young girl I grew up with the concrete dust of poverty and the ruin of Volgograd as my playground. Now that I am a NZ citizen who is representing NZ with my artistry, I want to lend my love and support to my fellow kiwis as we encourage the NZ government to value the vote of its people.”

“By marching for democracy, I believe we honor the families who sacrificed their loved ones for our freedoms. Let us not take these freedoms for granted. Let us not forget the horrific price of totalitarianism. By marching for democracy we demonstrate that despite being from many cultures and backgrounds, we are one people under democracy.”

Thousands of families are expected to march for democracy this Saturday in Queen St starting at 1.30pm. The family-friendly event will also feature clowns, balloons, bands, most creative banner competition, and spot prizes.

A household name in New Zealand, Yulia was born in Volgograd, Russia. She emigrated to New Zealand and within two years, mastered English and scored a recording contract with SONY MUSIC NZ. From 18 to 20 years of age Yulia became the first female vocalist in NZ history to achieve two back to back number one hit albums with the award winning albums INTO THE WEST and MONTAGE. With a still growing four-plus octave vocal range, Yulia went on to sing fluently in nine languages including English, Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, French, Latin, German, Maori and Spanish and has appeared with some of the top names in the international music business in NZ and overseas. Yulia has performed with: Engelbert Humperdinck, Amici Forever, Dame Malvina Major, Ivan Rebroff, Russell Watson, Sir Howard Morrison and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Now 23 years of age, the newly reclassified mezzo-soprano has just completed months of 'total immersion' in Russian and Italian opera method of voice conditioning. This has added an all new power to the established voice of rare beauty. In 2009 Yulia has earned a reputation as one of NZ's most popular live performers, winning standing ovations, front page rave reviews and accolades for her live shows around NZ. Yulia's latest cabaret dinner and show, 'A Christmas Romance' with Brendan Horan and John Rowles offers to give Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton audiences an opportunity to experience a dynamic and fun show in the style of Celine Dion, Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra. http://www.yulia.co.nz 

Lapi Mariner is known throughout the world as the "Voice of the Pacific". From the Polynesian Cultural Centre of Hawaii, to Stadium Australia and a world-wide television audience of millions, Lapi is well established in the minds of Pacific and mainstream audiences, as a Pacific Icon. As an original member of "Jamoa Jam", Lapi wooed pacific audiences with his energetic stage presence, his vocal range, and versatility. Since leaving Jamoa Jam, Lapi has taken his trademark performances into his solo career. http://lapimariner.tripodcom/id17.htm

ENDS

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