Diva ala Julie Anne

MANILA, Philippines — Did you know that long before Julie Anne San Jose became one of today’s popular R&B and pop artists she used to belt out birit songs of popular divas like Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey?

That’s why, Julie Anne will show her wide vocal range in a true diva style as she breathes new life to the timeless classics of these music legends in a concert titled Julie Sings the Divas on July 20, 8 p.m. at The Theatre at Solaire. With more or less 23 songs on the repertoire, she will be accompanied by the UP Arco String Orchestra and under the baton of renowned musical director Danny Tan. Also joining her in the one-night-only concert are Arnel Pineda and the UP Concert Chorus.

The homegrown Kapuso artist admittedly feels challenged but excited at the same time to showcase this side of her going back to her roots.

“It’s challenging because the past concerts I did were usually pop and R&B genres where I was also able to showcase my skills in dancing and playing (musical) instruments,” revealed Julie Anne. “But this time, I want to challenge myself since it’s not really my usual genre. With this concert, pure classics lang talaga, (it) is more on birit songs so I’m really excited to do it. But I make sure not to sound as if ginagaya ko ‘yung singer. That’s why I want to make my own rendition of the songs that I’ll be doing for the concert.”

Danny and concert producer-director Louie Ignacio join forces to make this show possible because they have long wanted to give Julie Anne a concert that’s going to prove that her musicality does not only cater to bagets but also to yuppies, executives and older generations.

“So she will be recognized across all genres and all age groups. Kaya parang medyo ipapa-mature namin siya nang konti,” said Danny, adding that Julie Anne has proven she’s a diva on her own.

“Mabait kasi siya and disiplinado,” said direk Louie. “There were so many artists who came and left but I think Julie Anne will stay because of her attitude and passion for work. Sabi ko nga, ‘You are not going to be an R&B artist forever, or a soap opera artist forever but once nakuha mo ‘tong genre na ‘to, people will love you even more’ kasi kilala yung mga kakantahin niya e. These are famous songs with a different interpretation and justice as well.”

Julie Anne said, “I just want to do my own thing. I’m not trying to compete with anybody and I just want to perform, give my best shot and make my own mark in the music industry. I’m not afraid to innovate and explore my capabilities, and share them to everyone else.”

(For tickets to Julie Sings the Divas, call 891-9999 or visit http://ticketworld.com.ph. It is presented by Sunny Side Up Productions, GMA Network and Solaire Resort & Casino.)