03/06/08 - No Rest For The Talented
After his hugely successful, whirlwind promotional tour of Australia & New Zealand in May, you would probably forgive Geoff Sewell for taking things easy.... but in typical fashion, the charismatic, energetic performer is as busy as ever!
With his inspiring debut solo album, Believe, flying high in the charts and receiving critical acclaim, the kiwi star could easily have rested on his laurels and accolades since returning to London, but being on stage in front of an appreciative audience is where Geoff likes to be! During the past month he's been busy performing at solo engagements and with his international entertainment company, Incognito Artists, at venues in Scotland and France, a prestigious rugby event in Wales and also in and around London for various glamorous parties.
There are also rumours that his dulcet tones have been heard around Wimbledon throughout the tournament and at Twickenham Stadium during a rock concert - seems it's hard to keep a good man down!
With his events calendar continuing to fill rapidly, it looks like July is going to be another busy, music filled month for Geoff too, with him giving 100% and loving every moment as usual. Although no doubt this hard working, family minded tenor will be hoping August brings some well earned time to rest, relax and escape for serious sun and sea, where his only singing commitments will be lullabies for his daughters!
Source: OS
16/06/08 - Video Performance & Radio Interview from Australia
During his recent visit to Australia & New Zealand, promoting his inspiring debut solo album, Believe, Geoff appeared on several high profile TV shows and also gave numerous radio interviews. You can now listen & watch two of these great events again online by following the links below.
To listen to a great radio interview on ABC Melbourne, where Geoff talks passionately about the journey that inspired the album, his faith and what is truly important in life, please click here and forward to 11:50 on the program bar.
To view a video of Geoff performing live on Channel 7's Weekend Sunrise, giving a stunning rendition of My Way at 9am on a Sunday morning, please click here
15/06/08 - Album Review for Believe
"Produced by the legendary Nick Patrick, the first solo album from Geoff Sewell (one of the founding members of the Amici Forever) is nothing short of pure brilliance. Blessed with an amazing tenor voice, Sewell has amassed on this 13-track album, some of the best-loved songs in a tenor’s repertoire, including a risky, but successful undertaking that added lyrics to the music from Pietro Mascagni’s ‘Intermezzo’ from the opera, Cavalleri Rusticana (1890). Written by Geoff’s wife, Simone, ‘Sienna’s Song’ (track 2) was written for their daughter, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. A beautiful rendition of ‘Unchained Melody’ sung in Italian, and the song from the movie Love Story, ‘Where Do I Begin’, round out the album highlights. This classical crossover album is laced with a musical accompaniment that lets Geoff’s wondrous voice soar."
Source: Out in Perth
17/05/08 - On That Note: Geoff Sewell
A founder and former member of hit classical crossover group Amici Forever hads just released his first solo album, Believe, which debuted at No 2 in the charts.
To read the full article from the Dom Post please click here
15/05/08 - Opera Star Wows Children's Ward Patients & Staff
Amy Winehouse entered the New Zealand pop album charts at number three and the Rolling Stones were at number nine. "I entered at number two," former Amici Forever founding member and London-based tenor Geoff Sewell told kids at Wellington Hospitals children's ward during an impromptu bedside concert.
To view the full article from The Wellingtonian on the 8th May, please click here or below
14/05/08 - My Daughters Autism Battle
Destined to sing, New Zealand-born tenor Geoff Sewell was enjoying the success he'd always dreamt of when he decided to quit his chart-topping pop-opera group, Amici Forever, in January 2006.
But few were aware that the seemingly perfect world of the performer with the movie-star looks had just collapsed. Sienna, now 5, the eldest daughter of Geoff and his wife Simone, had been diagnosed with autism.
To view the complete article from Woman's Day (Australia) click here or on the picture below
12/05/08 - THANK YOU AUSTRALIA!
Geoff would like to say a huge thank you to Australia and all the awesome fans who shared in the great times during his recent promotional visit. He's absolutely delighted that "Believe" has jumped into No. 13 on the Aria Top 40 album charts in Oz and was celebrating on top of the the world on his final day in Sydney!
To view the full size picture click here
SUPERSTAR SEWELL RISES TO NEW HEIGHTS IN SYDNEY!
07/05/08 - Songs of Tragedy and Triumph Over Autism
THERE have been a few pivotal moments in the life of Kiwi singer Geoff Sewell.
Eleven years ago, following the death of his older sister Julie, he quit his job as a chartered accountant to become a professional singer. Within five years he was part of one of the world's most successful pop opera acts, Amici Forever.
In 2006, however, Sewell quit the group when he and his wife, Simone Lanham, discovered their daughter Sienna had autism spectrum disorder.
The discovery led them to reassess their lives and concentrate on caring for their daughter.
Today that commitment has led Sewell to use his musical talent to help other families cope with and learn more about the illness.
To read the full article click here
06/05/08 - No Regrets For Singer Turned Autism Expert
Tenor Geoff Sewell talks to BELINDA MCCAMMON of NZPA about the constant struggle to understand autism.
Two years ago New Zealander singer Geoff Sewell's daughter was told his daughter Sienna was autistic and to find an institution to lock her away in.
Sewell and his wife Simone were devastated and while still reeling from the doctors' bleak prognosis, embarked on a long journey of educating themselves about autism.
To view the full article click here
05/05/08 - Is Music The Best Medicine?
International "popera" star Geoff Sewell is used to performing in front of crowds of thousands at stadiums - but a group of sick Wellington kids may be his most appreciative audience ever.
The British-based Kiwi, who was back home last week promoting his first solo album Believe, took time out to entertain patients and staff at Wellington Children's Hospital.
He led the crowd in a harmonious Tom Jones medley while pyjama-clad children mimicked his dance moves.
To read the full article click here
04/05/08 - Sewell's A Believer
A COUPLE of years ago, singer Geoff Sewell had it all.
The "popera" band he and his wife created, Amici Forever, was riding high, having sold more than two million albums. He had sung to royalty, the rich and famous and audiences of millions at England's FA Cup final and a Bledisloe Cup rugby match.
Then in 2006, at the height of it all, he walked away.
His daughter, Sienna, then two, had been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and he was told his globetrotting lifestyle would not be conducive to her recovery.
To read the full article click here
01/05/08 - Stars Team Up To Raise Autism Awareness
Until now, Geoff Sewell was best known for his role in Amici Forever, the pop/opera crossover group that soared to stardom in 2004 with their first album The Opera Band.
Sewell quit the group in 2006 to spend more time with his daughter Sienna, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of two.
Now, his first solo album Believe has gone gold in the first week of sales, a remarkable achievement given that the album was released by his own record label, Sewell Music, without the backing of a multi-national record giant.
To view the whole article and great videos of the Westfield performance click here
01/05/08 - Radio Interview with Dave Smart
During his promotional visit to Australia Geoff called in to radio host Dave Smart for a chat about life, music and spreading the inspiring word about autism awareness.
To listen to the interview click here
26/04/08 - Upcoming Events & Appearances
With "Believe" entering the NZ ablum charts at #2 and having gone GOLD in it's first week, Geoff proudly headed home yesterday to begin a hectic schedule of promotional events in both New Zealand and Australia. To view the constantly updating list of Geoff's TV, radio and in person appearances please follow the link below.
During his visit, Geoff will be recording many radio interviews, but unfortunately we don't have all the details of air dates or times at present. We will update the list as soon as we have more information, so do check back regularly, but also keep an eye on your local and online listings too.
To view a list of Geoff's upcoming events & appearances click here
24/04/08 - Star Inspires Autism Battle
A meeting with Hollywood star Jenny McCarthy has inspired Kiwi singer Geoff Sewell in his fight to help his daughter overcome autism.
When Sienna Sewell was born to Geoff and his wife Simone Lanham five years ago, they thought she was perfect.
That hasn’t changed, but their world was turned upside down when at three years old she was diagnosed with autism.
Click here to read the full story
23/04/08 No.2 in NZ chart!
BELIEVE has dived straight into the No.2 spot in the New Zealand Top 40 Album Chart after the first week of release!
This triumphant entry into the chart is a sweet one for the 35 year old singing sensation who produced and distributed BELIEVE in New Zealand under his own label, Sewell Music.
"I'm thrilled at such an incredible launch. I'm so grateful to the NZ public for supporting me not only in what I love to do but also what I'm trying to achieve for autism awareness," Geoff said, popping corks and toasting to the success from his London home.
As a celebration of the milestone, New Zealander Geoff will return home next week and will appear in Westfield, Albany, Auckland, supported by NZ Dancing With The Stars winner Temepara George and her dance partner Stefano Olivieri - united in their quest to raise awareness and educate others about autism.
Geoff and his wife Simone have a daughter Sienna who is affected by autism while Temepara and Stefano's chosen charity for DWTS was Autism New Zealand.
The trio will put on a spectacular performance at Westfield Albany from 1pm on Tuesday, April 29.
21/04/08 - All You Have To Do Is Believe
Former Hawke's Bay man and international pop opera star Geoff Sewell released his debut solo album, Believe, this week. Maria Priestley talks to the talented tenor about life, family and his beloved hometown.
Have hope. Believe. It's a simple statement but it's one former Hawke's Bay opera star Geoff Sewell lives by.
Click here to read the full story
16/04/08 - A Song for Sienna
At first glance, Geoff Sewell’s life looks charmed. He’s happily married to Victoria University sweetheart Simone (from Thames), has two beautiful daughters, runs a multi-million-dollar international music business and has a voice that makes women go weak at the knees. He’s also, quite possibly, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. But scratch the surface and you quickly learn Sewell’s zest and unabashed positivism is a direct result of the difficulties life has thrown at him. The 35-year-old lives by the mantra, “Life is a daring adventure or nothing”.
Source: View magazine in the Herald on Sunday, 13th April 2008
Click to read full story
14/04/08 - TVNZ story: Siennas's Song
Geoff Sewell has sold millions of records with his popera band Amici Forever. Now, the New Zealand-born tenor is hoping to sell even more going it alone. His new solo album has just been released. And today is a very special one for the Sewell family as his daughter Sienna celebrates her 5th birthday. Sienna has autism and one of the songs written by Geoff's wife is dedicated to her. It celebrates the huge improvements Sienna's made after treatment and the profits from the song will be used to give other children with autism the same chance. If you want further information on the treatments used you can send an email to autism@xtra.co.nz
Click here to watch
Source: http://tvnz.co.nz
11/04/08 - Geoff's New Look Website Is Launched
To celebrate the release of Geoff's new album, Believe, the Geoff Sewell website has had a complete overhaul. Concentrating on an easy to use and read format, the web team have put together a package that is easy for us to keep you updated, informed and entertained.
The web team will be working on transferring the forum data over to the new server and we hope that it will be online shortly!
Expect to see ongoing improvements to the site as it continues being developed, and feedback and suggestions are always welcome. info@geoffsewell.co.uk
11/04/08 - Story on TV One's Close Up (TVNZ)
TVNZ's Close Up program will feature an interview with Geoff and Simone at 7pm on TVOne on Monday 14 April 2008
08/04/08 - Article In "New Zealand Woman's Weekly" magazine
Geoff and his lovely wife Simone were recently interviewed about the release of Geoff's new album 'Believe' and their ongoing fight for their oldest daughter, Sienna, who is overcoming Autism.
Geoff's album contains inspirational and uplifting songs, and there is one very special song that is close to his and Simone's heart - Sienna's Song. Written by Simone, the words come straight from the heart. Proceeds from 'Sienna's Song' will be distributed through The Sewell Foundation to provide biomedical and behavioural intervention for families struggling with Autism.
07/04/08 - Geoff Sewell's Debut Solo Album Release Only ONE Week Away!
IT'S just one week before the long-awaited solo album from GEOFF SEWELL, the founder of AMICI FOREVER, hits the stores.
The album, titled BELIEVE, will be in stores next Monday – the day his beautiful daughter Sienna turns 5. This is a symbolic day, as Sienna is the reason his life changed so dramatically two years ago when she was diagnosed with autism.
“The songs are personal, inspirational, classic and fun. They are a collection of great songs that have inspired me on my journey so far,” Geoff says.
The New Zealand born tenor, now based in London, has been singing professionally for 11 years. The album reflects his international recording history and performing experience around the world, as well as his deep affection for his homeland. It has been a labour of love for Geoff, a consummate professional who settles for nothing but the absolute best.
04/04/08 - Defeat Autism Now Conference, USA
With April being World Autism Awareness month, Geoff and Simone are delighted to be spending five days in Philadelphia, USA, attending the incredibly inspiring and informative "Defeat Autism Now" Conference.
The conference devotes its agenda to teaching parents and practitioners how nutrition, intestinal disorders, detoxification, and other metabolic issues impact behaviour, attention, speech and the general health of children on the autism spectrum. The schedule also provides enlightening workshops, presentations and seminars for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
To find out more information, please visit: www.defeatautismnow.com
23/03/08 - POPERA STAR "WALKS" WITH SPORTING GREATS
Proud Kiwi tenor and avid sports fan, Geoff Sewell fulfilled yet another childhood dream during his recent trip home, rubbing shoulders with many of New Zealand's sporting greats.
The London based star opened the prestigious Westpac Halberg Awards for Sports Person of the Year, performing a rousing rendition of the iconic sports anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone". The ceremony, which honours the years outstanding sporting achievements, was attended by many of the nations legendary stars spanning over 40 years and was also broadcast live to a massive TV audience.
"I'm just stoked to have been involved in such an amazing event", said the multi platinum selling singer afterwards. "I've grown up watching many of these guys, so it was a huge honour to sing for some of New Zealand's legends. I'm truly humbled by the feedback we've received from people who attended and watched on TV."
"It was a truly inspirational evening too, as The Halberg Trust raises money for children with disabilities to participate in the wonderful world of sport. So it's great to see such opportunities open to everyone!"
Classical crossover star Geoff, who is currently putting the finishing touches to his highly anticipated debut solo album, also performed in front of 100,000 people at the Classical Sparks outdoor concert in Christchurch's beautiful Hagley Park, celebrating Waitangi Day in style in spite of the cold weather!
Legendary photographer Simon Woolf shadowed Geoff throughout the event, to see an example of his work visit: http://www.woolf.co.nz/blog/2008/02/16/4
29/11/07 - POPERA STAR SEWELL 'STEPS BEYOND' FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD CEREMONY
Homegrown 'popera' sensation Geoff Sewell is in the country this week to inspire his fellow kiwis to 'step beyond' and realise their dreams on the international stage.
London based Sewell has been asked to sing at the Deloitte/Management magazine Top 200 Awards honouring the nation's most successful companies and executives, as chosen from a list of the top 200 companies which is compiled each year by Management magazine.
The high profile ceremony, which will also be attended by the prime minister, has been held every year since 1990 and attracts around 1000 top executives, some of whom are vying for the distinction of winning such a highly sought after award. Categories at this year's event include "Executive of the Year", "Company of the Year" and "Young Executive of the Year", with each winner having excelled as "Champions of an enterprising spirit" - something multi-platinum selling artist Sewell knows all about, running his global entertainment company Incognito Artists with just such a business ethos.
Sewell's mixture of musical talent and business acumen certainly appealed to the organisers. The classical crossover star, currently recording his debut solo album, was chosen specifically for the evening's entertainment, flown home from the UK especially for the event.
The founder and former member of Amici Forever has been asked to not only provide a typically powerful and passionate performance, but also give a speech too. Sewell's been been invited to explain how he fulfilled the theme for the Awards himself, by "stepping beyond" to realise his dream of becoming a hugely successful international singer and businessman, as well as showcasing why such an attitude and approach needs to be adopted universally into enterprise and life.
The Deloitte/Management magazine Top 200 Awards take place on November 29th at the SkyCity Convention Centre, Auckland, with the results and judges comments published in the December issue of Management magazine.
Source: The Mail
16/11/07 - Geoff Sewell & Zoe Mace: Time To Say Goodbye
Geoff Sewell was thrilled to find time during the summer to not only say hello, but also sing goodbye with talented young performer Zoe Mace.
Although still only 12 years old, Zoe has a very impressive, not to mention moving career and story behind her already. She began singing at the tender age of nine, recording a CD called "Ray of Light" in 2004, to raise funds for the Oxford Children's Hospital, where her sister Jodie, who was born with Down's Syndrome, was about to undergo complex heart surgery. Much to everyone's amazement and joy, after appearing live on GMTV, the album sold out and raised a staggering 27,000 pounds for the fund.
Sadly Jodie did not survive the surgery on her heart, but Zoe bravely continued with her plans to record a second CD entitled "Songs For My Sister", just four weeks after her tragic passing. She released the album as a tribute to her dearly beloved sister in conjunction with Down Syndrome Awareness Week in 2005. Again the album proved to be a huge success reaching number 2 in the solo Classical artists' charts. The CD's success lead to Zoe performing at many high profile events and receiving several impressive and well earned awards, including Mencap Young Person of the Year and the Argos Wavemaker Award for raising in excess of 120,000 pounds.
When Zoe began recording again this year, in between her school commitments, Kiwi star Geoff Sewell, who is currently recording his own debut solo album, was absolutely delighted to be asked to feature on this her third album. The talented pair joined forces to sing the classic song "Time to Say Goodbye" on Zoe's upcoming CD, "Once Upon A Time", which features some of the world's best loved songs, such as O Mio Babbino Caro, Habanera and Nessun Dorma.
The young star is rightly proud of her efforts on the album, "I am so proud of "Once Upon A Time" it was a lot of hard work learning all the French and Italian and of course what the words meant, but it was all worth it. The first track on my album, "Tears in Heaven" I recorded in memory of my little sister Jodie and I was so pleased when I was able to release this as a single download and donate all the money raised to a charity called Downside Up, which supports children in Russia who have Downs Syndrome. These children are put away in institutions with many of them dying of neglect before they reach 3 years old. All I could think about when I read that was if I had lived in Russia Jodie could have ended up in one of these dreadful places!!"
Zoe also admitted that she was very excited about recording with the multi platinum selling artist and founder of Amici Forever, "All my dreams came true when Geoff Sewell agreed to sing Time to Say Goodbye with me, I mean how cool is that to have a professional singer, who is already famous, to say yes!! When I met Geoff he was so nice to me, really friendly and treated me with total respect. Geoff is what I call "A really nice guy who's lots of fun!"
But it sounds as if Geoff - who performed on the track without payment and will receive no royalties, wishing to donate his efforts to the charity - was equally taken with his young duet partner too, stating, "Zoe is a little superstar! Following her dream at such a young age is gutsy and inspirational, she's amazing!"
To hear Geoff and Zoe's stunning version of "Time to Say Goodbye", visit Zoe's MySpace site.
Zoe Mace's album "Once Upon a Time" was released throughout the UK on 19th November 2007 and can be ordered from Amazon.
