Yulia (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yulia
Background information
Birth name	Yulia Beredenko
Also known as	Yulia Townsend, Yulia MacLean, Yulia
Born	January 1986 Volgograd, Russia
Genres	Classical Crossover
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Oikos Music

Yulia (also known as Yulia Townsend and Yulia MacLean) is a talented singer from New Zealand. She was born in Russia. Yulia sings a special kind of music called classical crossover. This style mixes classical music with popular songs.

Her first album, Into the West, was very successful. It sold so many copies in New Zealand that it went "platinum" in just one week! Yulia won two NZ Music Awards. She was named 'Best Female Solo Artist'. Her album 42 Below also won 'Best Selling Album in New Zealand'.

Yulia has performed with famous singers like Amici Forever and Russell Watson. She had two sold-out tours with them in Tokyo. Her albums Into the West and Montage had three songs that became top 40 radio hits in New Zealand. These songs were "Into the West," "Angel," and "We're All Alone." Yulia was the first female singer in New Zealand to have two number one albums in a row. People have described her voice as "lovely, rich, and full of feeling." She can sing in both the contralto and mezzo-soprano ranges.

About Yulia's Life

Yulia MacLean was born and grew up in Volgograd, Russia. In 2002, she and her mother moved from Russia to Christchurch, New Zealand. Her father had left them.

Yulia's Music Career

After moving to New Zealand, Yulia quickly learned English. She also finished her education. Within two years, she signed a music deal with Sony Music New Zealand. Yulia was first discovered on a local TV show in Christchurch. It was called Good Living With Kerry Pierson on CTV.

Her first album, Into the West, came out in 2004. It was a huge hit! The album reached number one on New Zealand's music charts. It sold enough copies to become "four times Platinum." Two years later, Yulia released her second album, Montage. This album also reached the top of the charts.

Soon after Montage was released, Yulia and Sony Music decided to go their separate ways. Yulia felt a bit tired of the music business. So, she decided to try a new job and became a flight attendant. In 2007, she met Glyn MacLean. He was the head of a music company called Oikos Music Group.

Glyn encouraged Yulia to keep singing. He signed her to a management and publishing deal. Yulia and Glyn got married in February 2008. They even invited 168 of her fans to their wedding! In March 2011, they announced they were expecting their first child. Their son was born later that year. They had another son in early 2014. The couple separated in 2015 after their second child was born. Glyn moved to Australia and stopped being her manager. Yulia then started using her maiden name again.

In 2010, Yulia won a big award called the Grand Prix. This was at the European Song Competition in Riga, Latvia. She also won a national award for Best Nationwide Entertainment. This was part of the Corporate Events Guide 2010 People's Choice Awards. In November 2010, Yulia met with music producer Craig Leon in London. Craig Leon had worked with many famous artists. He heard Yulia's music online and wanted to meet her. Yulia signed a music production deal with him. They planned for a third studio album, but it was never released.

In 2010, Yulia recorded and produced four live concert CDs herself. These were special, limited edition items. They included Live at Mills Reef, Live at Mill Bay Haven, Enchanted Song, and Live at Ascension Wine Estate.

In 2013, there were plans to launch Yulia's music career internationally. This was to be done by Grammy Award-winning producer Craig Leon and media executive Gustavo Sagastume. Yulia was part of a TV special called Divinas for PBS TV in the USA. She appeared with Irish singer Méav Ní Mhaolcha and Israeli singer Rita. After the TV show, a Divinas tour was planned for the United States in the spring of 2013.

Yulia's Albums

Studio Albums

• Into the West (2004) – This album reached #1 in New Zealand and sold over 60,000 copies (4× Platinum).
• Into the West Special Christmas Edition (2004)
• Montage (2006) – This album also reached #1 in New Zealand and sold over 30,000 copies (2× Platinum).

Live Concert Series (2010)

These were special, limited edition CDs:

• Live at Mills Reef
• Live at Mill Bay Haven
• Enchanted Song
• Live at Ascension Wine Estate

See also

In Spanish: Yulia MacLean para niños