Album Notes

In 2005, a group of opera singers from the United States sang a benefit performance in Manila for the charity, "Gift of Life, International". Asked by journalists what had drawn them to their specific career, the artists uniformly spoke of their common love of music and their desire to entertain audiences from all over the world. As they continue to travel abroad, the singers experience the magical, unique and unifying effect music has on people around the globe. Gradually, it became clear that by sharing their music to benefit international charitable organizations, the group had become, quite literally, Singers Beyond Borders.

"The Stars are Brightly Shining" is the first holiday recording project for Singers Beyond Borders, and invites their international audience to share in their enduring holiday memories of music-making. The Singers hope that these heartfelt interpretations of timeless holiday classics will inspre new memories for all the members of their global community. It may also serve as a remembrance for those who have seen the brightly shining live performances of these young musical ambassadors.

Happy Holidays!

Lea Woods Friedman, Soprano
Jennifer Hines, Mezzo-Soprano
Todd Geer, Tenor
Ryan Taylor, Baritone
Jason Hardy, Bass