Still on a high after placing second at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev, Chiara will be launching her new album Here I Am after her performance at the Farsons Great Beer Festival at Ta' Qali tomorrow.

The album has been two years in the making, after Chiara signed up to Bridge Productions. It is another career milestone for the singer with the voice of velvet who has twice represented Malta in Europe.

Under the technical direction of Howard Keith, the album includes 15 powerful ballads written by some of the world's top songwriters. Among them is Diane Warren, who has penned numbers for Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Elton John and Aretha Franklin, among others. She has won Grammy awards and Oscar nominations for her work.

Having such great international songwriters contributing to the album confirms Chiara's potential.

"This album is what Chiara is all about. She is one of the most amazing ballad singers around and there is no doubt that the feelings captured in the album are honest and straight from the heart," said Mr Keith.

Chiara is thrilled about the album.

"All the songs are very special to me, each in its own right. I just can't wait to share these experiences with as many people as possible. I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to help me get where I am today," she said.

Paul Zammit Cutajar of Bridge Productions noted that Chiara's performance, whether live or recorded, was all about transmitting an emotion that had to be experienced.

"She is a wonderful person to work with and we are very proud to have her on our books," he said.

Chiara will be performing a selection of songs from the album on the main stage at the beer festival tomorrow. The show starts at 9 p.m. She will also be signing copies of the album at the Vodafone Stand after her performance.

The album will available in leading music stores from Tuesday.

www.chiara-music.com