Lea SalongaThere is a good chance that you too, with other countless fans of all ages throughout the world, have sung along with the marvellous singing voice of princess Jasmine in the film Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan and Mulan II. It is Lea Salonga, the brilliantly talented mezzo-soprano singer and theatre actress from the Philippines, who gave the voice to these Disney animated heroines.
Lea made her professional debut at the age of seven in “The King And I” by Repertory Philippines and begun her singing career at the age of ten, when she recorded her first album, “Small Voice”, for which she received a gold record in the Philippines. Ever since she has amassed an impressive body of work and distinctions for her performances in numerous concerts, hit musical plays and music albums. Lea has performed on the most important theatres and stages of the world, including London's Royal Albert Hall, where she participated in “Les Misérables” and on Broadway. For her performance as Kim in the long running musical "Miss Saigon" in London, she received the prestigious Sir Laurence Olivier Award. When she portrayed the same role on Broadway she gained the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle and Theatre World awards. In 2012 Lea continues to captivate audiences by starring in the Broadway-bound musical, “Allegiance”. Lea greatly involved in supporting social and environmental causes. She has performed in a number of fund-raising concerts and supported a number of local and international charities such as the World Vision Organization and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. In 2010 Lea accepted the call to join the battle against hunger and supported the 1billionhungry project. In her capacity of FAO Goodwill Ambassador she also met with Bolivian farmers in Tarlac, La Paz in the context FAO-EC project on small-scale irrigation and educational training. Lea is also very dedicated to working with children, families and their communities. She is the World Vision Ambassador for Child Sponsorship advocating for children and youth to reach their full potential by addressing the causes of poverty and injustice. As a newly appointed YUNGA Ambassador she is committed to raising awareness among youth towards social and environmental related issues. PhotosLea’s field visit to FAO-EUFF-DA Project in Bolivia (La Paz, Tarlac – 2011)
http://www.fao.org/uploads/media/Lea%20Salonga%20visits%20Tarlac_photos%20wd%20caption.pdf http://www.flickr.com/photos/1billionhungry/5609163537/ Lea at the World Food Day Ceremony accepts nomination as FAO Goodwill Ambassador and signs the 1billionhungry petition to end hunger (FAO headquarters, October 2010) http://www.flickr.com/photos/faonews/5083456685/in/set-72157625042926965/ Lea at the World Food Day Concert (Rome, 2010) http://www.flickr.com/photos/faonews/5087379342/in/set-72157625049752409/ Italian press (La Republica) published photographs of FAO’s Goodwill Ambassadors (Lea is in # 7 photo) http://www.repubblica.it/sport/2010/10/18/foto/benvenuti_sarandon_fao-8202963/1/ NewsLea as Gloria Suzuki in the world premiere musical Allegiance (2012)
http://www.allegiancemusical.com/cast-member/lea-salonga Lea’s fund raising concert in support of The Old Globe Theatre's education and artistic programs (2012) http://www.theatermania.com/san-diego-theater/news/02-2012/lea-salonga-to-offer-concert-for-2012-globe-gala_50309.html Lea supports FAO/EU project in La Paz, Bolivia (2011) http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldwideevents/detail-events/en/item/53634/icode/ http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20110226-322393/A-tune-for-Tarlac http://balita.ph/2011/03/09/philrice-hosted-project-helps-increase-production/?doing_wp_cron=1335327990 Lea highlights the World Food Day in the Philippines (October 2011) http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/234802/news/nation/lea-salonga-to-highlight-world-food-day-in-phl Lea’s New World Mission: End Hunger. (Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, October 2010) http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/281094/lea-salongas-new-world-mission-end-hunger Lea’s interview with US Asians Net http://usasians-articles.tripod.com/lea-salonga.html VideosLea speaks about the Earthquake in Japan (2011)
http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/ambassadors/ambassadors/ambassadors-leasalonga/en/ Lea Salonga and Telly Leung perform a duet version of Gaman, from the upcoming Broadway musical, Allegiance (September 2010) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EunqF5gfyMo# Lea singing John Lennon’s “Immagine” during the World Food Day 2010 celebration at FAO's Plenary Hall (October 2010) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRD_IBwQaCM FAO Goodwill Ambassadors 2010-2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdJS1wrUjow |