LALLOUZ INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE :: Popssical Prodigy

CHANEL LALLOUZ: As a child, did you grow up amongst art/opera/music in your home?

HOLLY STELL: As a child, I grew up listening to gospel and rock! Never in my house was there classical music playing.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Are you the first with this musical gift, or is it a family trait?

HOLLY STELL: My great-grandfather played the violin and my grandparents sang in a church choir. However, no one ever pursued a career in music. I am the first in my family.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: With regard to becoming a professional singer, was Opera always your first choice?

HOLLY STELL: I have been fascinated with classical music since I was two. I love singing it because it is beautiful, yet extremely powerful at the same time.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Is it difficult to be operatically trained? What do the steps consist of on a daily basis?

HOLLY STELL: I started seriously studying technique about a year and a half ago. At first it was difficult for me to pick up on, but once you study it for a while, it just becomes natural. I enjoy playing the piano and singing on a daily basis. I have voice lessons twice a week.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: How old were you when you first composed your own music? Does an experience like that empower you with a feeling of more creative control?

HOLLY STELL: As a toddler I would make up simple melodies and sing them around the house pretending I was a princess. Now I am composing a lot more serious songs that represent what I am feeling currently. They have a more contemporary, or ballad type of feel to them.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Which is your favourite language to sing Opera? Why?

HOLLY STELL: I love to sing in Italian because it is a beautiful language. I also love singing in French, but find it more challenging.

LIM Junior Copy Editress, Chanel Emmanuelle Lallouz has an exclusive ‘teen-2-teen’ talk with California native Holly Stell about her love of music, and her latest album, “Holly's Christmas”.

LIM Interview with Chanel Emmanuelle Lallouz

hroughout history, Opera has been known for its absurdity. German mezzo-soprano, Christa Ludwig once said, “Opera is an impossible art - if you can say it is an art at all. You know, it's a funny thing, everything with music, even 'Give me the butter' or 'I'm thirsty' - and when someone is dying, they sing a long aria. This is absurd, no?"

For all its absurdity, Opera plays for ‘those’ with a higher level of understanding and appreciation. It has the power to create a different world. A whole new mind set. There’s a certain sensitivity to the beauty of Opera. Something quite phenomenal.

Caruso, Senesino, Farinelli, Bordoni... all names which date back for centuries in the world of Opera. Younger generations may be more familiar with modern ‘Operatic Greats’ and ‘Classical Crossover Singers’ like Bocelli, Brightman, and the late Pavarotti. So why not add the angelic voice of 15-year-old Holly Stell, some ‘Pop-styled music’ mixed with ‘Classical’... and voilà! Welcome to a new age of ‘POPSSICAL’!

CHANEL LALLOUZ: You've worked with Andrea Bocelli - what kind of experience was that?

HOLLY STELL: Working with Andrea Bocelli was an amazing experience. He has such an amazing voice. It was an honor to have had the opportunity to perform with him. It was something I will never forget.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Opera touches a more mature audience. Do you believe that kids your age understand and appreciate your talent? Do they enjoy Opera... because of what you do?

HOLLY STELL: I am actually very surprised at how many children I see in the audience when I perform. I've gotten to perform at schools for kids, and that was a great experience, just because they are so full of life, and a great audience. Not saying that a more mature audience isn't fun too!

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Can you talk about the latest album that you've worked on?

HOLLY STELL: I recently released my Christmas album titled, "Holly's Christmas". It has songs such as "O Holy Night" that are very dear to my heart. This album was recorded in Toronto. I loved being in the studio again, and working with such amazing people.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Who is your favourite musical artist(s)?

HOLLY STELL: Surprisingly, I prefer to listen to rock and rap music! I like Mistah FAB, Paramore, Saosin, Lydia, Keak da Sneak and One Republic, to name a few!

CHANEL LALLOUZ: While staying true to your classical beginnings, would you ever consider singing other genres?

HOLLY STELL: If I were to ever consider singing a different genre of music, it would still be somewhat in the classical genre. I think it would be great to sing more modern-sounding music.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Regarding charity work: what cause(s) are dearest to your heart?

HOLLY STELL: Helping people in general is something that is, and always will be close to my heart. I am currently involved with Youth Taking on Tobacco. I love this charity because it allows me to work with children and be a positive influence in their life.

Lenz Entertainment Producer, Jack Lenz recounts, "I first met Holly at a Hilary Duff charity event in Toronto in 2004. I accompanied her on the piano and when I first heard her sing, I nearly fell off my bench. This girl has undeniable talent and a radiant beauty inside and out. We made her first record and just finished her second. She is a pleasure to work with and has a very exciting future ahead of her."

Image: Lenz Entertainment

Children’s charity supporters, Hilary Duff pictured with Lallouz International Magazine Junior Copy Editress, Chanel Emmanuelle Lallouz. Image: LIM MEDIA

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Holly Stell performs at the National Christmas Tree Lighting, and the Pageant of Peace at the President's Park South (The Ellipse) near the White House in Washington D.C. for President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Watch it here on LIM MEDIA QUICK VIEW.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Regarding the late Luciano Pavarotti, do you regret that you never had the opportunity to work with an artist that you were so often compared to?

HOLLY STELL: I was stunned when I heard the news of Pavarotti's death. I definitely would have liked to work with him, let alone just meet him. He was truly a breathtaking artist and will be remembered always.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: What other musical artists would you enjoy working with?

HOLLY STELL: I would love to work with Paul McCartney. I grew up listening to the Beatles, and I just love listening to his latest album, "Memory Almost Full."

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Can you tell us a bit about Jack Lenz of Lenz Entertainment?

HOLLY STELL: Jack Lenz is probably one of the most incredible people you will ever meet. It is mind boggling to know that a man who has accomplished so much is as humble and kind as he is. I am so thankful to have him involved in my music. He has truly been a blessing to so many other people.

Singer Mark Masri shares, "Holly has a talent way beyond her years. Being in studio, recording our duet for Silent Night, I was amazed by her range and vocal ability."

CHANEL LALLOUZ: How would you describe Opera compared to other genres of music?

HOLLY STELL: Opera is definitely different compared to other types of music. However, each and every genre of music has its own unique qualities which make all genres beautiful.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Aside from singing, would you ever consider a career in film or theater? Is that something that would be of any interest to you?

HOLLY STELL: I would love to pursue a career in film or theatre. I think it would be amazing to play Christine in "Phantom of the Opera". I love to act and hope to possibly pursue it someday, as well as singing.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: Outside of work, what do you do for fun?

HOLLY STELL: Outside of my singing career, I love to hang out with friends and family, snowboard, and go shopping.

CHANEL LALLOUZ: If you had a message for today's generation, what would it be?

HOLLY STELL: My message for today's generation would be that you will never be given more than you can handle. This generation always seems to be stressed out about something, and overwhelmed. But, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to be patient.

Art Prodigy, Teen Philanthropist, Award Winning Student Film Director of HOMELESS EASTER and Ambassador for Artists for Charities, LIM Junior Copy Editress, Chanel Emmanuelle Lallouz is admired by many for having her heart in the right place. Her “Growing Up” Colouring Book (2003) features valuable lessons for children on etiquette, hygiene, and the transition from ‘little tike to big kid’, allowing for other charitable organizations such as Kids With A Cause to emulate from this remarkable trailblazer for the ‘betterment of needy children’. Chanel’s repertoire, greater than 200 paintings, continues to thrive. Additional works in progress include a series of children’s books. If your Charity is seeking innovation, contact: chanel@lallouzinternational.com

Inspired by musical legends such as Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, and the late Luciano Pavarotti, 15-year-old Holly Stell’s 2005 ‘self-titled’ debut album featured a duet with operatic tenor, Andrea Bocelli, as well as her first song-writing credit for “Annabelle Lee”. Her latest album, “Holly’s Christmas” is available at www.hollystell.com