Kokova Magazine

Marina Laslo, the stunning Russian mezzo soprano hailed as one of the leading exponents of Russian Romances, is no newcomer to recording, she has already released five critically acclaimed albums.

Now for the first time her debut CD Classic Revolution is to be made available in the UK. Released on July 15th 2013, all tracks are arranged, performed and recorded by Graham Preskett and the album is released and distributed by Absolute.

Marina combines rich vocals with intense, touchable emotion...she gives these classical titles a unique theatrical yet ethereal quality that goes part way to explaining her captivating effect on audiences whenever she performs.

The first track for Classic Revolution, 'Caruso', was recorded in 2001 when Marina first met Preskett. She had recently arrived in the UK having had to flee the regime in Russia; since she had been pursuing a classical education in St Petersburg the song seemed an ideal choice. It was probably the first female recording of this famous number, way before the classical crossover genre became popular.

'Caruso' was recorded in the most unlikely of places...Graham Preskett's London laundry room (literally an old laundry room complete with washing machines).

During this time Marina had begun to study with Mary Hammond, Head of Music Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music. It was through Mary she met Tina Ruta and took lessons on perfecting her Italian accent.

In 2004 Marina made her UK debut in St John Smith Square, completing Classic Revolution with Graham Preskett the same year. The idea with the album was to merge modern electronic arrangements, classical music and Marina's exquisite voice. It worked, the videos of 'Ave Maria', 'Lacrimosa' and 'Vo Che Sapete' were all put on rotation at Classic FM TV. They were, as her producer so succinctly said, "ahead of their time".

Classic Revolution was the first album Marina recorded in the UK and the second to be released in Russia (2005) where it went Gold and Platinum. Since then she has turned her attention to other areas of music including Jazz, World, Russian Romances and the great American music theatre classics. She has lent her own particular vision to the material with compelling results.

Marina is an exceptional talent. She has now played the Barbican, the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Ronnie Scott's. Pravda called her a "cool stylish icon of a new generation", while both the Times and the Sun gave her their own plaudits.

To herald a new studio album Marina will be singing live at the Pizza Express Live, Jazz Club Soho on August 6th 2013. Her impeccable vocals and dramatic presentation make it a show not to be missed.

Tickets for the Pizza Express show are on sale now priced £15 from the venue on 0845 6027 017, www.pizzaexpresslive.com. Doors open 7pm.