2010 came and went...2011 here we come!

Hi everyone,

First comes my 19th birthday, then comes Christmas, and the next up is the year 2011. In the meantime, I would be sitting down and writing everything on a piece of paper to discuss what my resolutions are, narrow them down, and think of where to go to reach for my goals for the new year. For example, my resolutions would be travelling to places internationally, swim with the dolphins, take up new instruments, etc.

Anyway, I have a couple of gigs happening next month in which I will be singing the national anthem at the Surrey Eagles hockey games held at the South Surrey Arena on January 8th and 30th. Be sure to catch one of those games and show some spirit for our team!

Have a safe and wonderful new year and I hope to see you all very soon.

The Best Weekend I've Ever Had!!

Hi everyone,

It's been a busy week so far, but last weekend sure was a blast.

While I was counting down the days of Christmas, I've had two concerts in two days which is more exhilarating and exciting for me to experience. Firstly, I performed at the Pacific Carlton for the 2010-2011 season of the White Rock Chamber Music Concert Series on a Saturday night. I've sung at least three songs on the first set list including a piece written in the 18th century which is Bendetto Marcello's "Quella Fiama," Zerlina's aria from Don Giovanni by Mozart, and "Sorry Her Lot" from HMS Pinafore by Gilbert and Sullivan.

After the first set, I was greeting and mingling along with other folks as I met up with my stepmother, my sister Alicia, and my father. I was very glad to catch up to them for my performances which brings special delight to my heart.

The second half started off with two songs that seem so mellow and gentle such as "On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)" from the title Broadway musical and Mark Hayes' arrangement of that 16th-century Christmas carol called "The Conventry Carol."

In addition to the concert, there were several talented musicians, from beginners to advanced, that came to step up to the plate to show what they've got including three pianists, a saxophone player, a flute player and a cellist. On each setlist, they belt out many traditional carols and classic songs that are noteworthy leaving people on their seats speechless and floored.

I feel very blessed to be part of this concert series and I'd be willing to share music with the people who enjoy classical and opera as much as I do.

The Everlasting Light Christmas concert on Sunday evening has ran really smoothly as the choir, the 40-piece orchestra and I did our best to nail down those Inspirational Christmas tunes with different medleys under the direction of our choral master Eldon McBride. There were a couple of dramatists, several soloists including me as well as testimonies given out by other people. In every one of those songs, they deliver the message is based on the birth of Jesus in Bethelaham. What I find extraordinary about the story of the nativity scene is that God has given the glory and praise to everyone that Jesus has lived in all of us.

For my solo, I sang "Light of a Million Mornings" which talks about a new beginning and a new journey to follow. Every time I see a light shining upon me, it makes me think that God is always here to guide me and to protect me every step of the way.

It may be overwhelming, but it was so hard to believe that with all the support I was given by friends and family members that truly adored me and my music.

Overall, it was the best weekend I've ever had!

Rufus Wainwright concert review

A spectacular evening is something to remember for Rufus Wainwright at the Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts. At the first song cycle, we were not supposed to applaud due to the fact that he is paying tribute to his late mother, Canadian folk legend Kate McGarrigle. On his anticipated album All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu dedicated to his singer-songwriter sister, Martha, the songs he performed including the three Shakespearean sonnets were haunting, depressing, and gloomy as if he has already gone to a funeral. As he appeared on the stage wearing a Halloween-like wedding dress which extends to 17 feet on the ground along with a feathery neckline, he delivers this powerful, majestic performance in a way that expresses his emotional outlook on love and death. During the first set in between the songs, there were blinking eyes in the background that were sort of spooky, but artistically done by visual designer Douglas Gordon. The moment he walked off the stage right after the first set, there was a thunderous applause from the audience and I got the chills from that performance.

The second set has given us the energy when Rufus entered the stage with tealight candles everywhere wearing a brown velvet blazer, a red tie, green pants and white shoes just as he sat at the piano to belt out our old favorites from his previous albums such as Beauty Mark, Grey Gardens, Hallelujah alongside Teddy Thompson (who happen to appear performing on stage before Rufus), Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk, and many others. I was completely floored by most of his material that he has nailed down quite well.

There were some funny and exciting moments between the second song cycle at some other point; the part where he picks at his nose hairs which was one of his pet peeves and I find that hysterical. (I thought that he is just full of wit).

What really makes me feel overjoyed was when he announced his engagement to his boyfriend of five years, Jorn Weisbrodt. "We were thinking of having our wedding in either Germany or Canada," Wainwright smiles. I remember coming home the night after the concert posting Facebook statuses on my page and Twitter updates to make a newsflash to users.

Overall, I think that the concert Wainwright has put on for the evening would have to be one of the highlights of the year. My mother and I were lucky enough to purchase our own tickets in order to get front row seats by the orchestra and I never knew what to expect from us. I will never forget the moments I've spend all my life going to concerts just by supporting one of my favorite artists.

12 Days Until December!!

Hi guys,

It's been a while since I haven't posted something on my blog. Right now in my area, it's starting to snow and you know what that means: Christmas is coming and it's only 12 more days until December arrives (seems like the days have already gone by so fast). Talk about the shopping I need to do for my loved ones, the cards I'll be making, and last, but not the least, my upcoming gigs such as the Christmas at the Peninsula on November 27 from 12-2 pm in the White Rock area, the White Rock Chamber Music concert on December 11 at 7:30 pm at Pacific Carlton, and the Everlasting Light concert at 7 pm at Peace Portal Alliance Church.
With everything happening on my plate in mid-November, I'm doing something to keep myself busy by booking more gigs such as singing for the Christmas Eve services at Peace Portal Alliance Church and making time for rehearsals for my upcoming performances in early December.
Another thing I'm looking forward to this month is that Rufus Wainwright concert on November 26 at the Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver. (This is one of my treats for this occasion).
Hope this holiday season will be a funfilled year for everyone!!

November - The Busiest Month Ever!

Hi everyone,

Are you all looking forward to the holiday season? I'm just about to prepare for my solo for an upcoming Christmas concert at Peace Portal Alliance Church. My choral director, Eldon McBride is trying to put together an orchestra while the choir and I are in the process of rehearsing those tracks.
I am also going to be singing the national anthem at the Surrey Eagles games today, which is on Remebrance Day at 3 pm held at the South Surrey Arena.
On November 27, 2010, I'll be one of the carollers for the Christmas at the Peninsula since McBride has signed us up to be part of the event. We will be going around the White Rock area dressed in our Victorian costumes and singing traditional carols.
Sounds like November is a busy month for me!
Happy Remembrance Day and please help support our troops who fought for our country.

Higher Window - Josh Groban

Hi everyone,

Josh Groban has also released another new single from his upcoming album "Illuminations" called "Higher Window" as a follow-up for "You Raise Me Up."
I hope you like it as much as you enjoy listening to his best singles from his previous albums.

http://www.joshgroban.com/frontpage

Josh Groban's "Hidden Away" Official Music Video

Hey everyone,

If any one of you are familiar with Josh Groban's music, here is a link to his official music video "Hidden Away" and plus a look at the behind-the-scenes studio footage.
I hope you enjoy both of them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnPICiigM5Q&feature=sub


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jKYOk7h8wE

Upcoming Xmas Concert!!

Hello everyone,

Are you busy with work, play, or school, or are you all gearing up for the holiday season with some upcoming music tours?
Just when I came to my church for choir rehearsals last Thursday, I was asked to do a solo for our Christmas musical "Everlasting Light" for the song "Light of a Million Mornings." I was ecstatic and I'm looking forward to it!!
The "Everlasting Light" Christmas musical will be set at Peace Portal Alliance Church on December 12, 2010 (I will let you know all the details for this event on my next post).
Hope to see or hear from all of you soon!!

Farewell to the North Delta Devils

Hi everyone,

I thought I'd like to announce that I'm leaving the North Delta Devils hockey association after two years of singing the anthem to their games. Although I have a lot of commitments happening on my schedule including my upcoming gigs, school and work, I decided to make my farewell to the team, the coaches, and the crew.
It has been a fascinating opportunity for me to pursue. Therefore, it opened a lot of doors for me and I will remember those days that I would cherish, so I'd thank those officials for making my dreams come true.

Josh Groban's "Voce Existe Em Mim"

Hi everyone,

Since some of you might be a Josh Groban fan or whether you're familiar with his music, his new Portuguese single "Voce Existe Em Mim" (which means "You Exist in Me") is featured on his website for you to download or pre-order his album Illuminations off of iTunes.
Here's the link: http://www.joshgroban.com/frontpage
I hope you enjoy it as some of you enjoyed his newest single "Hidden Away."

Pink In The Rink at Surrey Eagles Games

Hi everyone,

It's been great talking to you all.
You know that on October 22 is when I'll be singing the national anthem as well as the first intermission of the Surrey Eagles games? Just a reminder for the following night, the theme is going to be Pink In The Rink which helps support women who are battling breast cancer, so be sure to come on down and wear pink!! Come and get those tickets to the game before they're gone and support our team!! It's at 7 pm, so feel free to come if you like.
Hope to see you all there!!

Miriah performs during Eagles Intermission

Hey guys,

Since all of you may know that on October 22 is when I'll be singing the national anthem for the Surrey Eagles hockey games. In addition to the following night, I will also be performing during the first intermission of the game. It's at 7 pm at the Surrey Arena. Don't miss out!!
Also, I will be singing tomorrow at the same time, same place.

Miriah Sings for Surrey Eagles Games!

Hi everyone,

It's been wonderful to talk to all of you. Are you all looking forward to this Thanksgiving weekend? Are you ready to cook the turkey and eat pumpkin pie and ice cream? Or are you also looking forward to the Surrey Eagles games?
On October 13 and 22, 2010, I will be at the Surrey Eagles hockey games to sing the national anthem at 7 pm at the South Surrey Arena. Feel free to come buy your tickets at the door and show some spirit for the Eagles!!

Rufus Wainwright concert

Hi everyone,

It's been a while since I haven't talked to you all. I've been real busy with school, work, and my music. Music is my MOST important thing on my plate; with all the recordings I've done, the playlists I've made on iTunes, and the performances coming up later this month.
There has been exciting things to tell you: Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright is coming to Vancouver at the Centre for Performing Arts on November 26. I got two tickets if anyone happens to go with me, it costs $156.00.
Throughout the first half of the concert, there will be silence with no applause before Rufus walks off the stage. Supposedly, it's a tribute to his late mother Kate McGarrigle in which there will be a song cycle from his sixth studio album All Days are Nights: Songs for Lulu. After intermission, he will be crooning to a couple of tracks from his previous albums such as Hallelujah, Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk, and many other favorites.
This is a concert to enjoy for baroque-pop music lovers.

Schedule for North Delta Devils games

Hi guys,

There seems to be a mistake on my schedule for the North Delta Devils hockey games. It's on every Saturday night at 6:45 pm not at 7:15 pm. Sorry everyone!! I was only making sure that my calendar seems to be accurate, but I have a lot of things on the go.
Feel free to come down and cheer on for the Devils to show their spirit in the game!!

Sarah Brightman and Jackie Evancho

Hi everyone,

I've been watching an unforgettable performance of Jackie Evancho singing a rendition of "Time To Say Goodbye" with Sarah Brightman at the America's Got Talent Season Finale. I honestly believe that it's a spectacular duet that Evancho has already dreamed of for most of her life.
When I first caught a glimpse of 50-year-old Brightman, I was completely ecstatic and excited to see her up on the stage with Evancho for the first time. It has been ages since I haven't seen her perform for most of my life since she has done the Symphony Tour from 2008-2009, but for now, she is currently recording a new album.

What I thought of Sarah Brightman is that she has the most brilliant vocals and an amazing stage prescence. Both her and Jackie make a great pair for the song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qecULT01iE

North Delta Devils every Saturday night!!!

Hi everyone,

Feel free to watch me sing our national anthem at the North Delta Devils home games every Saturday night at 7:15 pm held at the Sungod Arena. Be sure to bring some spirit for the team!!

North Delta Devils Junior Hockey game tonight!

Hi everyone,

It's my third season back for the North Delta Devils Junior hockey games!! This month is gonna be a busy one. I'll be back at the Sungod Arena to sing the national anthem tonight at 6:45 pm, so feel free to come watch me sing or catch the game.

Josh Groban's hit single "Hidden Away"

Hello everyone,

As all of you might know, our easy listening crooner Josh Groban has released his new single "Hidden Away" from his upcoming CD Illuminations which is coming out in November of this year. Here is a link of his brand new single, so feel free to download it on iTunes. Check it out!!

http://www.joshgroban.com/splash/

This song is very mind-blowing and breath-taking. Enjoy!!

Miriah sings the anthem for Cancer Foundation

Hi everyone,

I will be scheduled to sing the national anthem for the BC Cancer Foundation by the West Beach on September 9 at 8:00 in the morning.
It's been a wonderful priveledge to show support to those people who have been going through treatments and I feel very honoured for this opportunity. My prayers will go out to everyone who is living with this condition, so this organization is a way of helping to make a difference in others.
Please feel free to give out donations to support the BC Cancer Foundation. It will change other people's lives for today.

L'Absence by Berlioz

Hi guys,

Here's a video of Rufus Wainwright singing Berlioz's L'Absence on Spectacle with Elvis Costello.
When I first listened to that song, it has a touching, heart-warming, and passionate feeling. But for all opera fans, I hope you enjoy this one. You'll actually hear one of the female versions of it as you go along with the links posted on YouTube.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etx572P5XkY

Cidne Treen

If you want to know who Cidne Treen is, she's a local musician from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan who happened to win this year's Youth Talent Search. I believe that she has quite the mad vocal and instumental skills which caught the audiences' attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgIa9XpaFnM

Rufus Wainwright fever

Just when Elton John describes Rufus Wainwright as "the greatest songwriters on the planet," I mean one of the best Canadian-American artists in the universe. Although I'm not quite familiar with alternative music myself. Just as my mother was listening to this uplifting soundtrack of Leonard Cohen's I'm Your Man, with a catchy tune "Everybody Knows" which Wainwright has covered it, I was intrigued.
Going to the library, I picked up one of Rufus Wainwright's records including his self-titled debut album, Poses and Want One and all of his songs were breath-taking and moving. His music has become part of my cravings since candy bars come from a convenience store or graham crackers with milk to savour for a midnight snack.
As I was just sitting on my bed watching countless interviews with Wainwright on YouTube including the one with Chelsea Lately which makes me laugh my socks off just hearing about him and his future date 50 Cent (although I'm worried that this will make his boyfriend, German theatre producer Jorn Weisbrodt jealous). One of my most favorite interviews were with musician Elvis Costello when they belted out this traditional tune Willie Moore with Kate McGarrigle (who was Wainwright's mother that made her last appearance before she died from cancer on January 18, 2010).
If anyone of us happen to see Wainwright in town throwing a concert to honour his late mother with a song cycle for his album All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu, we made the rule not to applause once he exits the stage. I only wish he would come to Canada (his home country) to perform in front of a nation-wide audience if it ever happened. Through internet news, I'd keep myself up to date with his tour and maybe catch one if I'm made of money.

This is a performance of his cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmbQEQltOwM

First Video on YouTube

Hi guys,

I've recently uploaded my first video to my YouTube account. It took me about 3 hours to get this software all set up from my camcorder.
This is a video of me singing both the American and Canadian national anthem at the 2010 Women's Fastpitch Tournament at Softball City.
Check it out on this link here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d0o1VkdFhI

Miriah's new Youtube channel

Hey everyone,

If you still want to connect with me some more or that you want to see more of my performances even though you might miss them, check out my Youtube channel. I have three of my videos of my concerts uploaded to this website. Here's the link on this page.

http://www.youtube.com/user/11kwantlen

Happy Canada Day!!

Are you all counting down to the Canada Cup? Well, July is here!!
Happy 143rd Birthday to our home country Canada!! May God keep our land glorious and free always!!!

If you want to relive the moments of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, check out this video of Nikki Yanofsky's official music video of "I Believe."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrCA0HK-yO0

Schedule changes for Canada Cup

Hey guys,

I just received an important email from Rick Benson (who is running this year's Canada Cup) and there has been changes to some dates for me to sing two anthems. On July 7 and 9th, the game starts at 7 pm and on the 10th which is at 3:30 pm.
See you all soon!

Miriah
xoxoxo

Canada Cup

Hi everyone,

Summer is just about to kick off soon and so is this year's Canada Cup!! On July 8-11, I will be singing both the American and Canadian national anthem at 7:00 pm and on the 11th at 3:30 pm, so be sure not to miss out on this exciting tournament as Team Canada is about to play against Team USA at Softball City. Stay tuned!!

Madama Butterfly

Tonight I'm heading off to a fantastic opera "Madama Butterfly" by Giacomo Puccini which is premiering at the Queen Elizabeth theatre in Downtown Vancouver. If you are an opera fan or whether you're familiar with 'Butterfly,' check out this video on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozeFfz1dJ-w

This is a video of the second act of the opera with Christina Kowalski as Cio-Cio San singing "Un Bel Di Vedremo."
Enjoy!!

Miriah

Disneyland pics

Okay, so here's a pic of my sister Alicia in Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Our favorite spot is Mickey's Toon Town. Thanks for your patience.

Came back from my vacation to Disneyland

Hey everyone,

I just happened to come home from Disneyland. It was a total blast. There were fireworks everywhere which my head went into the clouds, Disney characters to meet and greet, rides to thrill me, and two VIP tours to Universal Studios and Hollywood which I would never forget. I love American destinations.
On my next post, I'll probably view some photos if I can get my memory card to work on my computer.
Talk to you all later,

Miriah

Surrey Shines video

Hi everyone,

I just posted another video of my performance. On January 30, 2010 was my first time to sing at the Surrey Shines 2010 variety show which is hosted by the YACOS (also stands for the Youth Arts Council of Surrey) and the money purchased for tickets goes towards scholarships.
Here's my video if you click on this link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFlAP1UzWw
Enjoy!!
Miriah

My performances on video
Hey guys,My name is Miriah. I am 18 years old and music has always been my biggest passions. I will be posting blogs about my upcoming concerts/events that will be happening soon.Check out my video of my performance of "Music of the Night" from The Phantom of the Opera on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxAVwokueDYEnjoy!!Miriah
Posted by miriah at 11:32 AM 0 comments

Another performance on video
Hi everyone,There's also another video of one of my performances on YouTube if you want to check it out. On July 31st, 2009, I sang "O Mio Babbino Caro" by Giacomo Puccini at the White Rock Youth Ambassador pageant at the Coast Capital Playhouse. Here's the following link here:http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=83468295876&share_id=192504170989&comments=1#s192504170989
Posted by miriah at 9:32 AM 0 comments