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, originally from Russia. She is famous for her classical crossover music. Her first solo album, Into The West, sold incredibly well. It became platinum in New Zealand just one week after it was released!

Yulia has won two New Zealand Music Awards. She was named 'Best Female Solo Artist'. Her album 42 Below also won 'Best Selling Album in New Zealand'. She has performed with other famous artists like Amici Forever and Russell Watson. They had two sold-out tours in Tokyo. Yulia's 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" and "rich", with lots of feeling. She can sing in both the contralto and mezzo-soprano ranges.

Yulia's Early 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 before they moved.

Yulia's Music Career

Starting in New Zealand

After living in New Zealand for only two years, Yulia learned to speak English. She also finished her education. Soon after, she signed a music deal with Sony Music New Zealand. Yulia was first discovered on a local TV show in Christchurch. She was a last-minute guest on a show called Good Living With Kerry Pierson.

First Albums and Success

Yulia's first album, Into the West, came out in 2004. It was a huge success! The album reached number one on New Zealand's music charts. It sold so well that it went four times Platinum. Two years later, Yulia released her second album, Montage. This album also reached the top of the charts.

New Beginnings

After Montage was released, Yulia and Sony decided to go their separate ways. Yulia felt a bit disappointed with the music business. She decided to try something new 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 new management and publishing deal. Yulia and Glyn got married in February 2008. They even invited 168 of their fans to their wedding!

Awards and New Projects

In 2010, Yulia won the Grand Prix award in a European Song Competition in Riga, Latvia. She also won a national award for Best Nationwide Entertainment in New Zealand. Later that year, in November 2010, Yulia met 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 to work on a third studio album, but it did not happen.

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

International Plans

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

Yulia's Albums

Studio Albums

• Into the West (2004) - Reached #1 in New Zealand (4× Platinum)
• Into the West Special Christmas Edition (2004)
• Montage (2006) - Reached #1 in New Zealand (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