When Gratiela Pachmann's husband Tim first heard her sing in Romania in 1992, he thought he was hearing the voice of an angel.
A graduate of Ploiesti's Scoala Populara de Arta Tenore, Tim spoke no Romanian and Gratiela, no English.
Nonetheless, the pair developed a friendship that blossomed into a romance and in1993, Gratiela flew to her wedding and a new life in Canada.
Since then, the dazzling soprano has been thrilling audiences across the country and in Europe.
Gratiela is heading out on the road again in the 2012 Concert Series presented by Sing!, an entertainment company attracting and presenting the best talent in North America to create unforgettable concert experiences,producing and presenting events of all genres.
And the tour will offer a sneak-peak stop in Salmon Arm on Saturday, May 12.
Also highlighting this event will be the multiple award-winning tenor trio known as Tenore.
Discovered by Jill Ann Siemens, also founder of multi-platinum recording artists The Canadian Tenors, Gratiela is a sensational soprano. Singing for and with everyone from the premiers of Canada to Andrea Boccelli's orchestra, Gratiela recently recorded her first professional album in Nashville, Tenn. and in Prague, Czech Republic.
The album features unforgettable renditions of Michael Buble's Home (featuring Shane Wiebe, top five, Canadian Idol), Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love With You, and classics like Edelweiss, First of May, and Last Rose of Summer.
While the album's official release is not scheduled until later this year, fans attending the Salmon Arm concert will have the opportunity to purchase special edition advanced copies of the CD.
"This is a celebration for Salmon Arm," said Siemens. "It's an opportunity for the community to celebrate Gratiela's success and get a real taste of one of their 'cultural jewels.'"
Tenore, also founded by Siemens, consists of three vibrant and superior tenor voices – Shane Wiebe, Jason Catron and Mark David Williams, who have received tremendous acclaim in their short time together.
Nominated for awards in an incredible seven categories at the 2011 GMA Covenant Awards, Tenore walked away with three plaques.
Awards included "Traditional/Classical Album of the Year" and "Traditional/Classical Song of the Year."
Remarkably, Tenore took home the Blessings Fan Choice Award, voted on by fans across the country, despite being a write-in option on the ballot.
The group has performed in concert for more than 30,000 people and made numerous television appearances. Most recently, Tenore has been invited to perform in Ottawa for the 2012 Prime Minister's National Convention.
Sing! events are characterized by stunning vocal talent, all-time favourite songs, and audience participation. Concert-goers are encouraged to join in on the choruses, and the result is a profoundly moving experience.
"I have always envisioned a project where people would join in on singing choruses together," said Siemens. "It doesn't matter if you have a crowd of 5,000 young people thundering We Will Rock You or a 5,000 strong congregation singing How Great Thou Art, there is something therapeutic,powerful and indescribable in thousands of voices joining together."
Sing! will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12 at Five Corners Church and will feature music from Gratiela's upcoming album as well as Tenore's award-winning self-titled debut album.
Tickets at $23 can be purchased at Wearabouts, Five Corners Church Office or online at TicketWindow.ca.
Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door for $25.