Disney Pearl Artist Nathan Pacheco Conquers Opera And Pop Music Worlds With New Four-Song EP

BURBANK, Calif., May 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With a voice as powerful as any in opera or pop, Disney Pearl recording artist Nathan Pacheco is set to release a new EP, Introducing Nathan Pacheco, a four-song preview of his debut album, due this fall. Produced by Leo-Z, the EP showcases Nathan's classically trained tenor, which curls around contemporary pop songs as effortlessly as it does Puccini arias. The new EP arrives at online retailers on May 22, 2012; the physical CD will be available exclusively at Amazon.com.

The tracks on Introducing Nathan Pacheco cover broad musical ground. Together with Leo-Z, Nathan co-wrote two originals for the set, including "Don't Cry," a ravishing testament to hope against all odds, with Nathan's sweeping lead vocals backed by symphony orchestra. "Infinito Amore" ("Infinite Love" in Italian), is a passionate, tenderly-arranged love song whose meaning transcends the language barrier."I love writing music as much as I love singing," says Nathan. "The art of expression in general is so appealing to me. That's what I feel when I write music."

Also included, "Now We Are Free," the memorably haunting ballad from the Academy Award-winning blockbuster, "Gladiator," and "Nessun Dorma," the timeless aria from Puccini's "Turandot," here given a thrilling contemporary arrangement. The track highlights Nathan's skills in straddling two genres. "I love singing opera and I love pop," he says, "but I love blending the two. I try to sing songs that reach me, and whether they lean more towards classical or pop, it doesn't matter."

A native of Washington, D.C., Nathan Pacheco studied music in college. He admired the great operatic tenors, from Pavarotti to Domingo, but also loved pop music, especially crossover artists like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. In 2008, Nathan auditioned for legendary composer-performer Yanni, making his international debut with Yanni's "Voices" project the next year. That led to signing with Disney Pearl, which released last Christmas the single "O Holy Night," a duet with Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins. He and Jenkins later embarked on a sold-out 25-city U.K. tour with the London Symphony Orchestra. "It was great to sing in front of large crowds again," he recalls. "There is nothing like the connection between singer and audience."

Also last December, Nathan performed his first headlining concert dates at the Geffen Playhouse, where he premiered songs from the upcoming debut album, recorded at London's Air Lyndhurst Studios with London's Philharmonia Orchestra. Says Nathan of his approach, "The accessibility of pop and folk elements, combined with strength of classical, can bring about some great songs that really move people. That's my goal every time."

Songs from the EP and the forthcoming debut album will be featured in his solo concert PBS Special, "Introducing Nathan Pacheco."  Accompanied by an 8-piece band ensemble and a 12-piece string section, the special was taped at the intimate setting of the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, California.

Introducing Nathan Pacheco will be available digitally on May 22, 2012.  For more information on Disney Pearl Series releases, please visit Disney.com/music, Facebook.com/disneymusic or follow us at Twitter.com/disneymusic.  For more information on Nathan Pacheco, please visit NathanPacheco.com.

SOURCE Disney Pearl