Amelia jones

The first time I sang as part of a choir was the moment I decided to pursue a singing career.

I’d had powerful experiences singing before, but this moment - at my first rehearsal with a university group at the age of 19, was on another level. Singing with others was a revelation - immediately I felt safe and secure, yet electric and liberated, and part of something far bigger and more important than myself.

The law/arts degree I was half heartedly pursuing didn’t last long after that moment, and I decided toaudition for the Classical Singing course at WAAPA - a performing arts school in Western Australia. My favourite activity during my studies was singing with the vocal ensemble, we’d stretch and roll around on the floor like babies then sing Rheinberger. In the sea of operatic repertoire I began to yearn for other genres - I adored art song, I would sing it without constant vibrato and throw in the oddunsolicited glide, folk ornament or use a breathy tone - not just for fun, but to tell the story in an expressive way and be true to how the song made me feel. Regardless of these motivations, I got told off rather a lot in my singing lessons.

It was around this time I first discovered ANÚNA, I had chosen to sing “My Lagan Love” in a workshop and searched around for recordings until I discovered the track on Invocation. I was blown away by the efortless purity of the singers, the harmonies that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up,and the incredible story telling quality of Michael’s writing, and singing, in this case!

I kept ANÚNA close to my heart for the best part of a decade - listening brought me peace and inspiration, and made me feel somehow connected to my heritage and close to home. In the present day, I enjoy a diverse performance career in the UK that encompasses oratorio, baroque and contemporary music. I also record and improvise vocals for video games, anime, documentaries and other media. Highlights include singing Enya’s Watermark album with full orchestra, and performing music from video games with my chamber ensemble, Sonaris.

Many years ago I had an opportunity to record a beautiful vocal line for an indie game called Hollow Knight. I receive messages from people in various languages who tell me very special things - ‘this song gets my children ready for bed every evening’, ‘my brother loved this game, he passed awayand we played this at his funeral’ and recently - ‘I foster rescue kittens and play this for them when they become hyperactive’. All of this helps me remember the incredible power of music in bringing people (and kittens) together, and brings me back to ANÚNA’s powerful efect on me.

I never thought I would have the opportunity to meet Michael and ANÚNA, or sing with them, or have the privilege of being a member and being endlessly inspired by everyone in the group. Every singer is bursting with authenticity and has something unique and beautiful to share. Singing with ANÚNA is an unmatched experience where connection and presence in the moment is key. It’s amazing to have Michael around as composer and director, as well as so many experienced members - able to tell us the stories behind the music.

The voices, and Michael’s writing, capture a ‘humanness’ I don’t find anywhere else - it feels ancient, yet immediate, and always truthful.There is nothing else like it.

All that’s needed is the words and the breath; the music will take care of the rest.