As She Embarks on 'Hymn' Tour, Sarah Brightman Sings a Message of Hope

Sarah Brightman first caught the eye of American audiences in a big way: as the ing�nue Christine Daa� in the original cast of "The Phantom of the Opera," both in London and New York. That she was married at the time to the show's composer Andrew Lloyd Webber left the impression that nepotism played a role in her being cast, but Brightman's commanding three-octave range made it apparent that she wasn't making a career on her husband's name. Soon after leaving the show, she made her first album and proved she was a rising star in the then burgeoning classical-crossover music movement.

She hasn't stopped recording, or performing, since, amassing global sales of more than 30 million units. She is the only artist to have simultaneously topped Billboard's dance and classical musical charts, amassing more than 180 gold and platinum albums in over 40 countries. Her duet with Andrea Bocelli, "Time to Say Goodbye," became an international hit, selling 12 million copies worldwide. Her numerous albums, "Eden," "La Luna," "Harem" and "Symphony," have each topped Billboard charts and accompanied by world tours.

Brightman hits the road again this week with the North American leg of her latest world tour, "Hymn: Sarah Brightman In Concert." The tour is in conjunction with the release of her latest album, "Hymn," her fifteenth. (For more information about "Hymn" and Brightman's current tour, visit her website.)

EDGE spoke to Brightman recently about her latest album, her dream of traveling in space and her guilty pleasures.

Songs full of hope

EDGE: It's been 30 years since the release of your first studio album. In that time, how has your sound or style changed?

Sarah Brightman: I am not sure my style or my way of doing things has changed. Really, the idea of the way I wanted to do things in life molded me from childhood and the things that were around me or the things that enlighten me. I think very much in pictures. Then I can fit everything that I do, being a singer and an artist, into those pictures or visions that I have. The style or the sounds isn't different, but I think as I go along in time it's the picture that I have for my career choices that change how and what I do.

EDGE: "Hymn" is your first studio album since 2013. What story are telling with this album?

Sarah Brightman: About 5 years ago, I visited the Russian Space program and that took me up to places that human beings don't normally get to go. I went through the training and psychologically, it was tough. I really learned things about myself that I didn't even know. When I finished the training, I really needed to ground myself because there is really nothing like that experience anywhere. I invited an opera friend and coach and we worked on my voice. I wanted to songs that were full of hope and light and be surrounded by a choir. I wanted songs that made me feel safe and familiar from my childhood. I feel that in this moment of time, the world and people are a little muddled and feeling a bit afraid of what the future holds. I feel this new album is something that is full of light and something that will be comforting in these times of uncertainly.

EDGE: How did you choose the songs for the album?

Sarah Brightman: I did a lot of research on choir music and music that would fit into the categories of hope and light. I reviewed pop and classical music. Really anything that I thought would help in delivering my message.

EDGE: And what is your favorite thing about touring with a new album?

Sarah Brightman: It is a real relief to then be able to communicate your end product to an audience. When you do record, you are communicating through your song choice, but your imagination of how it will be received does end at the microphone. To be able to communicate to an audience and get feedback is a wonderful thing.

Any stage plans?

EDGE: What motivates you every day to keep singing?

Sarah Brightman: I feel incredibly privileged to be able to have a voice and a message that the audience has and continues to receive and enjoy. The outpouring of love and support for my music really makes me feel blessed every day.

EDGE: You have had some amazing duet / collaborations partners over the years, from Andrea Bocelli to Pl�cido Domingo. Do you have a favorite?

Sarah Brightman: It is hugely wonderful for me to be able to perform duets. Because I am generally a solo performer and at times you can feel alone, so to have that communication with somebody else is great. My most favorite person that I have worked with is Pl�cido Domingo. He is an incredible singer. The way he communicates so perfectly in song is a beautiful thing and he gives you all his energy when he performs with you.

EDGE: What is your guilty music pleasure?

Sarah Brightman: It would be the Beach Boys. I love them. They created some wonderful music and when I was younger their music really created some beautiful pictures of what California was really like. I do have a home right off the beach in Santa Monica and when I am there and driving down the highway, I love to blare their music on the radio.

EDGE: How does it feel to be forever associated with your role as Christine Daa�?

Sarah Brightman: It's a delight for me. I often go see "Phantom" with a friend or a niece and I am still very delighted by it. I love watching the new performers bring their own piece of Christine to life. It is a pleasure to be associated with a piece of music that has really stood the test of time. "Phantom" is such a timeless piece and I think people are always going to enjoy it just as much as I did.

EDGE: What's your fondest onstage memory in your singer career up till now?

Sarah Brightman: Although it is an unusual one, it is when I performed at the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Prior to the performance, I knew the song I was going to perform and that is it. They then asked if I had a fear of heights, which I don't, because I was going to be lifted up in the air on the globe to perform.

EDGE: Any future plans to return to the stage?

Sarah Brightman: Not at the moment, because of my touring, but if the right show came along, I would be definitely up for it.

For more information on Sarah and the list of venues whe will be performing at on the "Hymn" tour, visit her website. To purchase tickets to see Sarah perform in Boston, MA at the Orpheum Theatre on February 7, 2019, visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.crossroadspresents.com

Watch Sarah Brightman perform "Miracle" from her new album "Hymn":

Watch Sarah Brightman sing "Time to Say Goodbye" with Andrea Bocelli: