Australian Associated Press: "Martin wants to be our classical star"

Martin wants to be our classical star 
27 June 2008
(c) 2008 Australian Associated Press Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved 

SYDNEY, June 27 AAP - Young New Zealand singer Will Martin is on a mission to bring classical music to Australia's youth.

On a promotional tour in Australia this week, Martin says he's surprised that Australia doesn't have a modern classical star - and has nominated himself to be it.

"I was surprised about how different musical tastes are between here and Australia," Martin told AAP today.

"You haven't got a Hayley Westenra or a classical crossover person, so there's a possibility of getting in there and having a bit of fun."

The 23-year-old has recently released his debut album A New World, a modern mix of classical music featuring the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

Martin, who's described as a bit of a Michael Buble, says he thinks he can get youth to finally embrace the genre.

"The word classical can have a stigma of being boring for younger people, but it doesn't necessarily have to be that way," he said.

"I think the fact that I'm younger, it does help me to say `have a listen'."

(There's also a radio interview here.)