UK-based French violinist Esther Abrami today announces her self-titled debut album, due for release on February 4th 2022, via Sony Classical.
Speaking about the announcement, Esther says ‘announcing my debut album today with Sony Classical on my 25th birthday, is very symbolic: I’d never have expected such a beautiful gift.’
From classic pieces by Clara Schumann to modern compositions with Alexis Ffrench and movie scores, the album is a melting pot of different styles of classical music. “I’ve decided to perform different styles to connect with all my audience. People who get to know me via TikTok aren’t the same as those who found me on YouTube or on the radio. I wanted to link all of them together. I don’t think we should just be put in a box with only one music style. In classical music, musicians have a tendency to fade behind the music, but with this album people can discover who I really am as I’ve satisfied all my musical tastes and been able to be myself” says Esther.
She adds: “I’ve worked directly with Rachel Portman, who was one of my idols when I was younger. It was very important for me, as it’s going in the same direction as my previous releases Tomorrow by Annelie or Romance by Clara Schumann. I want to inspire young women to become a classical composer or musician, as we are still too few. It’s time to change things!’’
The announcement is accompanied by a new single, ‘Hope, Ascending’ an uplifting and warm modern piece composed by the classical-soul pioneer, composer, producer and pianist Alexis Ffrench. “We met a few years ago. He is someone I really admire as he created his own style of composition by combining all the music styles he loves, including R&B. We could call it ‘new classical’: a classical music piece, with a touch of modernity. We both have the same idea: introducing classical music to the largest audience” says Esther.
On new single ‘Hope, Ascending’, Esther is accompanied by classical concert pianist Iyad Sughayer. She says of the song “‘Hope, Ascending’ is a hopeful composition, with an uplifting melody and tonality that feels good when we are listening to it. It was the perfect piece to record during the difficult time of the pandemic!”
UK’s biggest selling pianist of 2020 Alexis Ffrench, who has headlined London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall and worked with pop superstar Paloma Faith among others, comments “I first met Esther Abrami in Berlin – at a concert in which we were both involved – some two years ago. She performed in, and compered, the event with such grace and charisma – and held the audience rapt with her musicality and charm for the entire evening. I am delighted that she has brought those same qualities to her recording of my piece, ‘Hope, Ascending’, in an interpretation that firmly illustrates why there is such buzz and excitement about this captivating young artist”.
Earlier this month Esther performed the heart-breaking Schindler’s List solo to a sold-out audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall, as a special guest during The Best of John Williams concert. In 2019, she became the first classical musician ever nominated in the Social Media Superstar category at the Global Awards. Through TikTok and Instagram she has welcomed a whole new audience into her musical world, sharing welcome practice and sight-reading videos together with tips and helpful techniques for aspiring young musicians.
