SARENA PATON

Angelic, rich, serene – contemporary soprano artist Sarena Paton is known for her effortlessly legato line. Whether it is her dulcet tone or her diverse classical, pop, jazz, latin, or celtic influences, her warm and evocative performances are charming audiences. However, you might just as easily mistake this humble and gracious ‘diva’ for the girl-next-door.

The past year has been an intense journey for Sarena as she ventured into recording her latest album La Carissima to be launched in 2009. La Carissima features classical arias in Italian and Latin and breathtaking crossover compositions in Italian, Spanish, and English, penned by Paton and top Canadian and American songwriters in the classical-crossover genre.  Produced by Terry Sawchuk and recorded with the rich bold, sound of a Russian orchestra, La Carissima appeals to classical and pops lovers alike.

In 2008, she was thrilled to return to the stage. Performing many Remembrance Day tributes in Ontario and the Maritimes, including the 5th anniversary of the veterans’ gala concert she co-founded, and an engagement at Queen’s Park - Toronto, Ontario , Sarena celebrated Christmas with John McDermott and Rita MacNeil on their holiday tours and sang at the World Juniors Hockey Championships to a sold-out crowd at Copps Coliseum, Hamilton.

After many acclaimed performances and long-standing involvement with military veterans, especially from WWII, Sarena released her album - Remember - paying homage to the veterans and peacekeepers of the past and present, especially those serving in Afghanistan. At the invitation of VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA, Sarena was honoured to perform at the prestigious Senate Ceremony on Parliament Hill for Remembrance Day festivities. She was commended for her dedication and commitment to military veterans and debuted material from her album Remember.

At sixteen, Sarena debuted as soprano soloist with the Boris Brott National Academy Orchestra; by seventeen she presented her premiere recital with songs in 6 languages. Two months after her nineteenth birthday, Sarena competed in the prestigious International Mozart Festival in Salzburg, Austria. By twenty-one, Sarena held an Honours B.A. in Spanish, a minor in music and the Alumni Gold Medal for outstanding academics from Wilfrid Laurier University and had toured with Welsh-born musical theatre star Peter Karrie performing the Phantom of the Opera in concert.

The young soprano has performed with backup groups for Canadian and international music icons Susan Aglukark, Paul Anka, Sarah Brightman, the CCMAs, Reba McEntire, Frank Mills, The Nylons, Roch Voisine and Michelle Wright. She also toured France, Switzerland & Germany with a 20-piece big band, performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival, ZMF Festival and the Juno Beach Memorial. In addition to performing and producing her own concerts, Sarena appeared at World Synchronized Skating Championships, the Canadian International Military Tattoo and as a guest with tenor John McDermott.

Sarena Paton is also a recognized actress who recently completed filming Sons oF Eden, a short independent film by writer/director Izabela Ciesinka.  In summer 2009, Sarena begins shooting the feature film Bounce, with director/writer/producer Kenneth Olsen.  In her youth, she played Velma Bugle on the Canadian classic Road to Avonlea.  In addition to her 5-year spot on the renowned CBC children's series Mr.Dress-up, Sarena also appeared in Ready or Not, Katts and Dog and Disney's feature film Fly Away Home.

For more information visit: www.sarenapaton.com or www.myspace.com/sarenapaton or www.youtube.com/SarenaPatonTV