Sarah Brightman: A Multifaceted Artist
Sarah Brightman is a renowned English classical crossover soprano singer, actress, songwriter, and dancer with a net worth of $60 million. She is celebrated for her exceptional vocal talent, particularly her ability to sing in the whistle register and her expansive vocal range that spans over three octaves. Brightman is multilingual, performing songs in languages such as English, Spanish, French, Latin, German, Italian, Russian, Hindi, Mandarin Chinese, and Japanese.
Early Career and Musical Theater
Brightman began her career with the dance troupe Hot Gossip and released several disco singles as a solo artist. Her turning point came in 1981 when she met composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. She made her debut in musical theatre with the iconic production 'Cats' and later starred in numerous Broadway musicals, most notably as Christine Daae in 'The Phantom of the Opera'.
Breakthrough with 'The Phantom of the Opera'
The Original London Cast Album of 'The Phantom of the Opera', released on CD in 1987, became the best-selling cast album of all time with over 40 million copies sold worldwide. Brightman married Lloyd Webber in 1984 and became a prominent figure in many of his subsequent musicals, including 'Song and Dance' and 'Requiem'.
Transition to Classical Crossover
After retiring from the stage and divorcing Lloyd Webber, Brightman embarked on a successful career as a classical crossover artist with the help of former Enigma producer Frank Peterson. She is often credited with creating the classical crossover genre and has achieved global sales of over 30 million records and 2 million DVDs.
Film and Television Endeavors
Brightman expanded her talents into film, featuring in the 2000 German film 'Zeit der Erkenntnis', based on a Rosamunde Pilcher book. Her concert 'Eden' was a major PBS fundraising success, leading to television specials for nearly all of her albums in the U.S., significantly boosting her visibility.
Legacy and Influence
Sarah Brightman's career exemplifies versatility and talent, making her one of the most significant performers in the music industry. Her contributions to musical theater and the classical crossover genre continue to influence new generations of artists.
Sarah was born on August 14, 1960, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England.
