AMIRA Willighagen Amazing Grace REACTION

I'm William, The Bangkok Voice Coach. I hope you are equally by this inspirational performance from Amira Willighagen. She elevates this simple tune with a narrow range into something truly magnificent. Unforgettable singing from a child genius.
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• Amira Willighagen ~ Li...
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#amazinggrace #reactionvideo
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[@rodneyhirsch2340]

Spent many months going through opera singers on KZbin , I prefer this voice over them all. She is also a model of beauty and poise.

[@billhinton9787]

I am glad that an expert approves of her singing. Her voice is so beautiful it almost hurts.

[@dafyddllewellyn6636]

Arnold Coleske was so impressed with her, at 13, that he took her, with her mother, her manager, and his musical director and her husband, and Dr Charl du Plessis, all to Prague to record her third album ("With all my Heart") with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra at the CNSO studios.

[@Susan-ge7mw]

Amazing amira

[@billharmon3494]

Not bad for a 13-year old, right William? She truly is an old soul. Thanks for another superb reaction!! Liked and viewed twice to help your view count.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Thank you Bill. It's quite extraordinary. I've watched it lots of times and it always gets me. :-)

[@johnbattles1002]

@@BangkokVoiceCoach , oh my! You are so intelligent in your choice of words! It was almost like listening to a Shakepearean sonnet hearing you describe Amira's beautiful performance. It feels like my ears and soul have just had a relaxing cup of chamomile tea poured from Amira's singing and your comments. Thank you!

[@pamelamawby2850]

Amira is quite frankly extraordinary.. a beautiful old soul reborn

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

Love the reaction. Amira not only a beautiful voice, but instills the emotions of the music. She is one special young lady. In this show she also sung The Flower Duet, Nessun Dorma, and joined the rest of the cast in My Way for the finale. She was 13 in this show

[@luigimanzoni2705]

Another wonderful, complimentary, and highly instructive analysis of this outstanding young performer. My only regret is that I didn't discover your channel until several weeks ago. Thank you ! Looking forward to your continuing dive into Amiras' on going development. I've spent some time viewing your past videos. Really enjoyed your comments and analysis of Lara Fabian and Dimash. Two of the best talents who presently inhabit this planet. I think Amira falls into that same category. I understand your comment that often by 20 years old these prodigies usually end up just blending in with their peers. I do think Amira has several things that may make her end point different then other child prodigies. Her absolute love of singing, her drive for perfection of her abilities, her willingness to experiment with new genres of music and her belief that her ability is a gift from God and must not to be wasted.

[@karenhafukhafuk9006]

same with me ;she is prety girl from heaven may God bless you Amira his voice like a angel 💜💜💜

[@cheungcheung5812]

Wonderful review! You seem so mesmerised by every note from her. l' m unknowingly inflected as well by your passion for her and resonate with every word you said about her performance.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Thank you so much!x

[@masonsteele1674]

You and Amira ... always a pleasure. 😎

[@Malachi44432]

Again a great performance from Amira

[@handeruiter7595]

Again thanks for your reaction on an Amira performance. Because it is not mere admiration (though justified, what a beautiful young lady she has become!), it is as well poetical (you are good in that, Bangkok!), but above all it's a professional musical analysis. It is really instructive to me, e.g. as you give words to this beautiful change from A flat to B flat, and so on. As you will notice, I'm not a musician (I'm a physicist). No musical education whatsoever, apart from some amateuristic piano long ago. However, no less my love for music. For many years I had a 'romantic relationship' with a female oboist at the Concertgebouw Orchestra, there are few classical (oboe) concerts I haven't heard. Moreover, I love organ concerts, and as you know, there are many good and here and there splendid church organs in the Netherlands. And choirs. The Utrecht student choir is good, but there are better. One of the best wordwide is the Stellenbosch University choir: www.google.com/search?hl=nl&lr=lang_nl&q=Stellenbosch%20student%20choir#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a8a33b43,vid:B0uVt3OgoUw White in the past, but since many years mixed now, as it should be. What do you think, should and could Amira join them as soloist, now she is living in SA?

[@captebbtide]

Amazing Amira - how sweet her sound!😊

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Excellent!

[@michiakiuematsu1385]

Amira is a singer who has a pure and beautiful heart and singing voice, and is a precious singer of the young generation who is very humble and full of kindness♪♪♪♪❣

[@benbotha3624]

BAKGAT AMIRA !!!! THE BEST VOICE BY FAR - HEAVENLY - THANKS BANGKOK !!

[@graemeblackburn7511]

Congratulations on your 1. Million views William & another wonderful informative reaction. Two performances for your consideration are: …. … Ave Maria by Gomez at the Canisius Church at age 11 …. …. When You Wish Upon a Star at age 17. Cheers Graeme

[@andrewclayton4181]

Brilliant reaction, with great information. Amira was 13 at this time. She also sang a Nessun Dorma, and thd Flower Duet, accompanied by Corlea Botha at the same concert. Both to her usual high standard. My recollection of Amazing Grace and bagpipes. Judy Collins, the American singer, had a number 5 hit in the UK with a copy of this old gospel hymn in 1970. It re-entered the charts seven times through to 1972. ( according to my book of hit singles!) It was popular, it must have touched a chord. The military band The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards released an instrumental cover of the tune in 1972, which initially was laughed at as a joke, but it peaked at the number 1 spot. Ever since, the tune has been inextricably linked to the bagpipes. Both the track and the instruments touch the soul in their own unique way, and like a cocktail, they blend. Amira has released a new video on KZbin, she strolled into a church on Saturday morning, and with her father playing the organ, she sang an un-rehearsed, off the cuff version of Gesu Bambino. An Italian carol I was unfamiliar with until Saturday. It sounds exquisite to me, perhaps you would like to give it a review?

[@nanettetredoux7613]

I went right over to look at that new video. Her father must be so proud of her! And his accompaniment was excellent and sensitive. A very good organist.

[@MichaelSmith-mr2mz]

Thank you Andrew. I knew is was a military band but could not remember the name. Appreciate your adding that bit of information.

[@joepollard9476]

Yes, it is beautiful. Although the English words are available, as far as I know do not appear in any English hymn books.

[@user-yd1du5ny2i]

Did Amira say it was an in-rehearsed version of the song?

[@stevenM8282]

Go back a few years to Amiras performance with Andre Rieu. A very confident 10 year old Amira.

[@angagkacarmelita4363]

Excellent reaction.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shooster5884]

A lovely reaction.. and informative.. I love that you are listening to the music accompaniment as well and so aware of all that it contributes to the performance along with Amira. I've listened to her videos so many times.. I run out of words for her! 13 years old giving this level of performance ..though I don't recall any stage performance by her that she doesn't give this level of all- in professionalism. It's a transition time for her now. The routine and exam goal that school imposes is over for her and she is taking this year to travel etc before starting in university next year.. Completely new experiences and direction defining possibilities for her. And of course her voice, still changing, still maturing. It's a wonderful journey to watch, and time of life for her.

[@nanettetredoux7613]

Amira was really well guided and developed. When she won Holland's Got Talent, I feared for her, although the talent was huge. She was imitating then (how could she not, she was nine and had no training), but she since found her true lyrical voice.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Absolutely agree! I'm holding off looking at that video because it's so famous and I know (from previously seeing) that she hasn't leaned the words properly. But that's because, as you point out, she was very young and had learned the song by ear. -Will

[@nanettetredoux7613]

I would really love to see a production of Alma Deutscher's Cinderella with Amira in the title role! They have sung together before.

[@warrengwonka2479]

Alma just got back from wielding the baton for the first time for her show in San Jose, an improved version of her CINDERELLA.

[@warrengwonka2479]

Imitated for two years before her mother let her compete. And she copied Maria Callas’s mouth.

[@warrengwonka2479]

@@nanettetredoux7613 In Salzburg, Cinderella was suddenly ill with no understudy. Alma played the role in German on three hours notice. Later, she said, “It’s easier when you wrote it.”

[@adamknight7041]

She's like a reincarnation of Maria Callas, a true angel ❤

[@pierrejcox]

Beautiful William! Love ya and please continue your perfect knowledgable reviews. 🎉

[@roberthudson1959]

Like many poems, "Amazing Grace" has been set to a number of tunes. When I was a child, the words and this tune were on very different pages of our hymnal. Since then, this tune has become the default setting.

[@garrywood5015]

Thanks for your great reaction with your technical expertise, an excellent background on this epic hymn and your appreciation of Amira's great talent!

[@lindabull4185]

Thank you for your time for the analysis today & on the shorts. Reading the comments you can see people have taken time to learn about her. Just because she was a child star I cannot see her drying up at 20(next year). Amira has plenty of official, experienced and professional people around her to guide her on her way to become a Diva. Maria Callas I don't think so. There are many young women in the world 'scratching ' for the best titles. Love puppy up the tree!!

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Well said! Everyone wants to be "the next..." etc. Simon Cowell's fault!! She doesn't sound anything like Maria Callas. She has her own wonderful, individual sound, so pure but strong, always spot on the note and with lovely touch of Duty closed vowels. (Particularly in Ave Maria!) Puppy was up the tree waiting for sunset. Well spotted. -Will

[@user-John.in.London]

Hi William. This is John, in London. I've commented for beautiful Emma Kok, whom you reviewed earlier. Love your review of Amira Willighagen singing Amazing Grace. One of my favorites. She won 'Holland's Got Talent' when she was just 9, with an Italian operatic aria. Both these young girls, also Andre Rieu I believe, are from Holland. The bagpipes, used with Amazing Grace, are Irish bagpipes, not Scottish. John Newton was shipwrecked off the coast of County Donegal in North West Ireland, and nursed back to health there and developed a fine relationship with the Irish. Later, after he moved to Buckinghamshire, and Amazing Grace was written, the Irish claimed it as theirs, because of this unique friendship. Therefore, Irish bagpipes are traditionally associated with Amazing Grace. I love the bagpipes. Did you also know that Amira was just 13, (in 2017) when she sang this beautiful song, which originally was a hymn, in South Africa, where she has now moved? Hope this information was useful.

[@franciszeksywula7517]

masterful performance

[@anahills3836]

I remember seeing her on one of those talent shows a while back when she was little and looking her up because her voice was so lovely!

[@brettmcs9805]

That was a brilliant, informative and inspirational reaction. Well in tune with Amira herself.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Thank you Brett. 🙏🎶

[@dafyddllewellyn6636]

The musical arrangement was by Deveraux van der Hoven-Oosthuizen, who was the musical director for Coleske Artists. The venue was the Moreleta park auditorium in Pretoria, South Africa, which seats approximately 7500 people. The was the second "Classics is Groot" concert, which was aimed at the white Afrikaans-speaking population of Pretoria / Johannesburg. Amira had already sung "Nessun Dorma" (Turandot, Puccini) and the "Flower duet" ("Lakme", Delibes - with Corlea Botha - in this she showed that she could synchronise her vibrato with a duet partner.

[@stevenM8282]

The same pianist who played so beautifully during Amiras "On My Own" performance.

[@andrewclayton4181]

@@stevenM8282 thanks for pointing that out. I didn't recognise her name immediately. Her piano work on L'amore sei tu ( I will always love you) in the On my own concert, is stunning. Shame it's not on you tube.

[@ElizabethRoss-uj8rl]

Thank you for this! I confess to some tears because it brought back some very happy memories for me. In our youth, my best friend, Jane, had just such a voice. I do not exaggerate! All through high school (age 13-18) I had the honor of being her piano accompanist at local concerts and events. It was magical. On one occasion she chose a number with a piano arrangement a bit too difficult for me, so my mother, also an accomplished musician, took that one. It was the only time I ever got to just sit in the audience and fully experience the beauty of that voice. If life had gone differently for my friend, you would know her name.The tears are for life's twists and lost opportunity. May Amira have a long (and happy!) career on the stage where she belongs.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

That’s really touching Elizabeth. I’m sorry your friend didn’t continue as a singer. It’s a very tough life but full of huge rewards.

[@thesilentgeneration]

Thank you for putting up the various notes so we know. The history you gave is very interesting. Has anyone ever shown such control, technique, and range at this age? What was Callas or Sissle doing at nine years old? What was I doing? I would be ashamed to say. Imagine her potential at age 30! Amazing.

[@joseribamardasilva6873]

Amira the best of the best Amira simply incomparable she is unique Amira is absolutely magnificent perfect a princess of God Ave Amira❤❤❤❤ Amira forever❤❤❤

[@oliveirafilho3264]

Um anjo enviado pra nos emocionar, Amira the best❤

[@Schmidteren]

those high notes just soumnds so beautiful. The thing with high notes. THey either sound completely horrible. Or totally amazing. No real middle ground. Here it is just insanity, so beautiful!

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Hahaha I know what you mean about high notes, I suppose if God grants them they are beautiful.

[@ajinuk2001]

She has taken her natural talent and added a lot of dedication and hard work. She manages to put a bit of her heart into every performance. From the same concert: Delibes Flower Duet with Corlea Botha at kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZyUnWtqirxkpqs and Nessun Dorma at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXKQeot-rb-Flck . One year before, at the Afrikaanss is Groot concert *same organisers), there was Nella Fantasia at kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJC6qp17n5p3jZo (the first minute is "The River" before Amira comes on stage)

[@rubenoscarrodriguez1577]

Hello Bangkok . More than a reactor , you are one master and one poet , How in two reactions you just have the clare definition about the level of Amira . Yes , in this video she was still a child , she was 13 years old . Amira is pure art , is these sweetness that touch the most deep of your soul and your heart . Your words are also one touch to soul

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Thank you sir. 🙏🎶

[@juliaforsyth8332]

@@BangkokVoiceCoach But it's interesting to watch because even though she was copying, there was already that raw spark of talent to come. Then the same song 1 year later after some training a d see the difference and then really see the promise to come.

[@JP-hl3zc]

👏👏👏👏😎👍👍👍

[@MichaelSmith-mr2mz]

OK, I will try to help you find the “bag Pipes” answer. I remember in the 70’s(?) radio stations discovered this song on an obscure album recorded by a Scottish military band. Amazing Grace was one of many cuts on the album, but somehow, the massed pipes playing it caught the attention of the musical public. It was like the Beatles all over again….Amazing Grace was played over and over and over. Keep in mind, there were no lyrics, just the band and pipes. It was spectacular! It elevated your heart rate, it inspired you, it gave you goosebumps. The sad part of the story is that the Scottish military band did not qualify for any compensation for all this activity and never saw a penny.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Michael, I was fascinated and delighted to read your message. How brilliant that you traced this “Scottish connection” for Amazing Grace. As s song we take rather for granted its associate with kilts and bagpipes and, as I did a little research, I was surprised there are no Scottish roots to its composition. Now that you bring this up with such insight, I recall something annually happens from Edinburgh Castle, called the Military Tattoo. I remember as a child it used to be on television. Is that the same thing as the album you refer to? Parading Scottish soldiers, thousands all in unison on the bagpipes, once referred to by my friend as “the most unmusical instrument in the world” - by which he meant no dynamics or subtlety of phrasing. Just ON or OFF!! 😅very best wishes- Will

[@micheallewis9156]

@@BangkokVoiceCoach I think the name of the band is "The Royal Scott's Dragoon Guards."I still have the 45 rpm record.Thank you for more interesting information. Reguards from,Michael Jonathan Lewis, Johannesburg,South Africa.

[@MichaelSmith-mr2mz]

To Michael Lewis: Thanks for that update. Isn’t it amazing that I can be in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and you can be in Johannesburg and yet we have something in common from 40 years ago!

[@micheallewis9156]

@@MichaelSmith-mr2mz Very much so and we both have the same first name too. Come to think of it,the title on the record read,"Pipes And Drums Of The Royal Scott's Dagroon Guards" and something about the orchestra.Go well.

[@hyacinth4368]

I remember it being a big Top 40 hit! I have the 45 record.

[@Smaugyyy]

Great reaction, thank you! Amira is a beautiful soul and I always enjoy her performances! Because you were speaking of people connected to the world and the truth, and care about what is going on in this world, may I suggest another artist that you have not reacted to yet? Aurora from Bergen/Norway. She is a genius songwriter, producer, and singer and a very special human with a golden heart, like Amira. I would suggest you react to her song "Through The Eyes Of a Child (Live at Nidarosdomen)", the setting, the acoustics in the old cathedral and her voice are marvelous.

[@joepollard9476]

This beautiful hymn is still in many Christian hymn books, and is Newton's testimony to the salvation and forgiveness he found in Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Amira would claim it as her testimony also. There are several biographies of Newton currently available and also further information at The Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Thank you Joe. It is certainly an inspiring text. I believe the US Baptist Church are particularly fond of it.

[@fredshipman6596]

You spoke about performing under pressure, an example of how pressure doesn't seem to effect her was during the Final of Hollands Got Talent. At the end of the show, after she had won, and with all the excitement, they asked to sing an encore of Nessun Dorma, and it was even better than the original winning performance! She can perform anytime, anyplace, under any condition, and do it to perfection! Link to encore kzbin.info/www/bejne/f33SdJKQott1e9U enjoy.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Yes !!! Her voice always works!! I genuinely believe it's because she doesn't 'get in the way of it' or over-think how she sings. It just comes though her, effortlessly.

[@draco_bane]

I've played in lots of concerts and in the US... Is almost all ways played including Bagpipes as the norm... I've even seen them in Church events... I was when young...I was ...but Not now... stopped singing in church in my teens... I do like this one... better than some better known singers... nicely done by her... nice video... enjoyed.

[@bsirta5824]

Hello William. I enjoyed your reaction to this angelic Amira's performance ! In answer to your question, the first version of Amazing Grace with the Scottish bigpipes was interpreted by the "Pipes and drums and military band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards" in april 1972. This instrumental rendition was based on a record a capella made by the American folk singer Judy Collins in the late 60's. But in 1972 this hymn was almost forgotten in Great Britain, so it seems really difficult to explain why the Edinburgh band decided to pick this American tune for their first vinyl record. Maybe the conductor simply enjoyed the sound... Anyway, the regiment was awarded a Gold disc in avril 1972.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

That's very interesting. Thank you for the information!! Will

[@bsirta5824]

You are welcome. I think this performance by Amira, for the ten years of her victory at HGT, would deserve your attention : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHzPm4afg95nlbMsi=anMW--Q5OZn9wWQ8

[@stevenM8282]

Your reactions are the best bar none. Your thoughness is unparalleled.

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

Thank you. So kind. ❤️

[@stevenM8282]

I'm not sure if you have reacted to Amiras "Nella Fantasia" 2016 Africans is Groot" performance. A must see. 12 years old. 1 year or so older than her mesmerizing performance of "Ave Maria" with her family in accompaniment by Gomez.

[@gerrygrouwe70]

Have you ever heard of floor jansen and simone simons for some opera by them check out epica with floor doing sabat matter dolorosa. Btw both lady s are the lead singers of a symphonick metal band 1 called epica and floor is in nightwish

[@wayneraynal8487]

Amira is my favorite young female Orchestral Singer! I discovered her several years ago and was very impressed with her pure tone. She is a gift to Operatic music in the same way and same degree that Angelina Jordan is To Jazz and Pop. I Know your preferences don't really include Angelina's style of singing, but perhaps you might enjoy her version of My Funny Valentine if only to hear how her voice at age 16 developed since you last heard her at ages 8 and 13. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIjMfYKkfa-Mrsk

[@warrengwonka2479]

I believe the bagpipes are traditional, particularly for police and fireman funerals.

[@user-wn8cp3qf1x]

Like a walk in the park.

[@franciszeksywula7517]

amira to callas

[@williamlowry1274]

I would like to see a correction. You started naming notes. You named an A flat 5 and then shortly after that an A flat 6 which was not an octave above the A flat 5. Then she sang a D6 and briefly an E flat 6, which you correctly labeled. The E flat 6 was the highest note she sang. An A flat 6 would have been considerably higher than the E flat 6. Could Amira even sing an A flat 6? Certainly not in head voice. I believe your naming of the other notes was correct, but including an error like that causes one to question your accuracy. By the way you are my favorite reviewer. Many of the other viewers know little about music and want to listen to something for the first time and give an opinion without doing any work. I love your reviews.

[@handeruiter7595]

And now a honest question, Mr. Bangkok Voice Coach: I sometimes find Amira's voice a bit shrill (scherp or schril in Dutch). When she was a child of 9-11 years old, that was no problem at all. But now? Judge this very recent registration. I was there, it is only a few miles from my home. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2TSqKp7oM1lrcU What do you think?

[@GilbertHorn1]

Girl can sing a bit!

[@handeruiter7595]

By the way: Amira sings accentless in Dutch, English, Afrikaans, Italian and God knows what more. A little bit German, French and Latin(?) as well. No other singer can do that. More generally: no Anglo-Saxon artist can ever imitate continental languages. Sir Olivier, Jeremy Irons, they all are so poor. Harvey Keitel comes close, but not just there. Take for instance the movie Inglourious Basterds. Brad Pitt is supposed to imitate an Italian fascist, he makes a joke of him. The only really believable person in that film is an awfull SS-er. You have to be an older continental European to feel the fear again. That role could only be played by Cristoph Waltz, an Austrian. Sorry, Anglo-Saxons here. You were the inventors of the concentration camps, during the boerenoorlogen (boer wars). Stay away from our Amira.

[@wendytang2986]

Swedish in Gabrielle song as well!

[@harveydalosershorts1543]

Amazing amira