Debuting at Madison Square Garden, Ayanna Witter-Johnson Rides the Wave of Life
Ayanna Witter-Johnson
My guest today on the Classical Post podcast is singer, cellist, and composer Ayanna Witter-Johnson who makes her debut at Madison Square Garden as part of Andrea Bocelli's US tour this December. I'm sure you realize the significance of someone debuting in front of a crowd that could be upwards of 20,000 people. It's an incredible feat.
One of the really beautiful things that Bocelli has done for other artists is brought them on tour with him, which gives them enormous levels of recognition they might not get otherwise simply because of the vast amount of people that crowd into these stadiums to hear him sing.
Ayanna, who joins me today in the Classical Post studio, finds herself with that exciting opportunity—on stage with Bocelli, making a very important splash in New York's iconic venue, Madison Square Garden.
I personally find her artistry so vibrant, exuding a light that is just exciting to be around. We discuss her musical origins that are very much grounded in numerous genres—coupled with her education as being a seriously trained classical musician at Manhattan School of Music—and producing a sound that is uniquely hers, flavored with alternative R&B.
This sound world is particularly evident on a new single called "Flow My Tears", recently arranged by John Aram, but originally, the music was written by John Dowland in 1596. Yes, you heard that correctly. It's over 400 years old. Ayanna brings to life Mr. Aram's arrangement of an atmospheric, beat-driven ancient song, now built for streaming online.
I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ayanna Witter-Johnson and that it inspires you to explore this artist who will certainly light up Madison Square Garden this month.
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