Jessica bachicha - The Artist

Jessica Bachicha, one of Eroica's newest and most sensational discoveries, sings with the freshness of Charlotte Church, the vigor of Maria Callas, and the resonance of Kiri Tekanewa.

The 23-year-old soprano was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Although born blind, she considers herself no different from other people. Her show business debut was at a school talent show in the second grade.

She studied for four years with Leslie Umphries, concentrating on the integration of baroque ideas with ancient Greek musical principles, creating a synthesis with modern composition. She is currently working toward a combination master's/doctorate degree in vocal music at Leeds University in England.

Her new Eroica release, Illumination, is a wonderfully eclectic mix of musical textures and styles, ranging in genre from Gregorian Chant and early baroque to contemporary. The repertoire includes compositions by Villa-Lobos, Leonard Bernstein, Isabella Leonard, and her own composition, The Word Became Flesh.