Acclaimed Welsh soprano star releases her first album since 'Passione' in 2005.
Recorded at Acapela studio in Pentyrch, Cardiff which is owned by former Royal Harpist Catrin Finch and her husband Hywel Wigley, the music for the album was provided by an array of illustrious musicians including Catrin herself, who features on several of the tracks including one she composed herself entitled 'Feeling Alive'. Meanwhile, duets on the album include international opera star and soprano Rebecca Evans and Covent Garden tenor and television and radio personality Wynne Evans.
Shan says: "Over the years I've built up quite a collection of songs, hymns and arias and identifying a repertoire was initially a challenge in itself. Nevertheless, as time progressed, an obvious theme began to emerge - one of calm, relaxation and reflection, yet still full of life, something which is clearly identifiable across the flow of the album. One minute you're in paradise floating in beautiful string, harp and piano sounds, and the next you're in a frenzy of wild Welsh passion singing at full throttle with true Welsh 'hwyl'
The album also features the Nidum Ensemble - comprised of handpicked musicians from orchestras such as the London Symphony, the London Philharmonic and the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra -players include cellist Steffan Morris and Violinists Rhys Watkins, Rakhi Singh and Benjamin Baker. Also accompanying is the superb pianist Jeff Howard who has played for Shan in numerous occasions over the years and is also responsible for two of the musical arrangements on the album.