Singing sensation Hayley Westenra has a 10-year career behind her – and she’s just 24. David Schembri spoke with the one of the most talented singers of her generation ahead of her performance with Joseph Calleja on July 9.

Hayley Westenra might not yet be a household name but search her name on the video-sharing website Youtube and you’ll find her impeccable renditions of classics like Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights and the hymn Amazing Grace have attracted millions of hits.

The classical crossover artist’s impeccable voice has catapulted her to the main arena, earning her duets with the likes of Andrea Bocelli and José Carreras, while she lends her voice to various soundtracks.

Westenra’s first album was released in her native New Zealand when she was 14, and she made her international debut two years later at 16.

Her debut international album Pure went straight in at the top spot in the UK Classical Charts and eighth on the pop charts, going on to achieve double platinum status, making her the biggest-selling classical artist of this century.

Her latest album, Paradiso, sees her working with legendary Italian composer Ennio Morricone.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, she says this album was a turning point in her performing career: “He really pushed me to my limits and I think that the music brought out the best in me and brought out more emotions than I’ve conveyed in the past.”

She admits she cried when she heard the recordings. Quite often, producers will encourage performers to do numerous takes and then polish the piece before the final product.

“But this record feels quite untouched and quite raw, and that’s what I was hoping for and I was really pleased. The music encouraged me to dig deep.”

Westenra grew up listening to a blend of music, and cites the likes of Maria Callas, Enya, Alanis Morissette and The Corrs as her influences.

Starting off at such a young age, she must have had a very different experience growing up.

“At first I used to take my schoolwork with me when I was travelling and I would just try to do it when I had the time, and then I ended up handing in work late. I then got a tutor to help me out and get through my exams. It helped, but it still was really difficult finding time to study,” the soprano says.

Her busy touring schedule and blossoming career meant she had to forego higher education.

“I like the idea of going to university or studying more; I just don’t have the time for it right now. I have the opportunity of working with great people and learning on the job. I feel like I’m developing as an artist... working with people from all different walks of life is an education in itself, I don’t feel held back by not continuing my studies,” she says.

“I knew I wanted to be a singer, it’s just an instinctual thing,” says the woman who went on to perform for Queen Elizabeth II, presidents and prime ministers.

Pointing out her keenness to develop her song writing, Westenra says she might try her hand at acting along with singing.

“Singing and acting go hand in hand sometimes – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t – that’s something I’m interested in.

“I don’t see myself moving away from music in a big way. This is my passion, but I’m sure I’ll want to take a break at some point, put my feet up and stay in the same place for a few months.”

Asked what inspires her music, which is considered to be uplifting, she replies: “I guess growing up in New Zealand I spent a lot of time outdoors, I still feel quite closely connected to nature. I’m quite a spiritual girl so I think my music does reflect that and I like the idea that my music may have helped someone get through tough times and that it has the power to heal.”

Westenra also has a philanthropic side to her growing CV – she is a Unicef ambassador and her initiatives included the Bikes for Ghana, which amassed 6,000 bicycles to be sent to the African nation.

The singer will be sharing the stage with tenor Joseph Calleja during his annual concert in July – and even though she never met Malta’s finest musical export, she is quick to point out she admires him.

“He has a wonderful voice, so it’s going to be a real treat to sing with him and to be introduced by him to his home crowd. The invitation came to my agent and I said yes immediately.

“We’ll be meeting probably a couple of days before for some rehearsals,” the New Zealander says.

“I’m so excited to have the opportunity to come and visit your beautiful country,” she concludes.