Country Images Magazine North Edition July 2017 | Page 57

“I perform because I
love to share music. My
dream has always been
to be on stage. My whole
life’s been about music
and I’d love to be able to
share that passion with
other people.”
on a global stage. She has performed in Monaco, Florence and at New York’s
Carnegie Hall as well as London’s O2 Arena and she has sung for HRH The
Prince of Wales.
Her song Ave Maria was adopted by Pope Francis as the song for his jubilee
year celebrations and was heard around the world. That ought to have been
the catalyst for international stardom – but some people in her organisation
who have since been replaced didn’t make the most of the opportunity.
Now the album is expected to build on a performance on Italian television
by Carly last month – watched by millions worldwide – and on Carly’s
being awarded the Premio Barocco in Italy which recognises achievements
in art and culture. Previous winners include film director Franco Zeffirelli,
Dame Helen Mirren and Luciano Pavarotti.
However, Carly doesn’t sing to be a star: “I perform because I love to share
music. My dream has always been to be on stage. My whole life’s been about
music and I’d love to be able to share that passion with other people.”
No matter how many people Carly is performing to, she admits she does get
nervous: “It’s amazing – sometimes the intimate performances in front of
25 people can be more nerve-racking than a large audience because you find
that the tables are close to the stage and you can see everybody’s reactions.
“You have to be aware of that and engage more with each person in the
audience. But with a huge crowd you’re blinded by the stage lights and
you’re just singing out into a vast space which is lovely and it’s not as
intimidating, funnily enough.”
Wherever she goes Carly is accompanied by her parents whose hard work
ensured she never missed out on anything.
“It’s really not easy when your daughter has a dream. They’ve supported me
every step of the way. I suppose now my dream’s their dream as well.”
Having spent time with Carly and her mum, I can vouch that success will
definitely not go to her head.
“The important thing is never to take life for granted. I’ve met so many
talented individuals and not everybody gets these opportunities. I always
pray before I go on stage but I know that it can all be gone in a heartbeat.”
So what’s her ambition? “By next year I’d like to create another album
because I’ve had a taste for it. I’d like to tour with this one and be able to
share the music live. I just hope that people enjoy my music as much as I’ve
enjoyed making it.”
There’s no doubt that before long countless people will be imitating José
Carreras in singing Carly Paoli’s praises.
By Steve Orme
CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 57