Icons and Divas

New York Monthly Herald. May 2006 Issue P. 14 Beginning of the article Continued from page 13 Continues on page 15

NEW YORK'S DIVAS

HILARY KOLE, A GEM!

Hilary also appeared at the 2004 Super Bowl at the Houston Astrodome. Hilary began singing and playing the piano at age five. At twelve, she received a scholarship to attend the Walden School for music composition. Her compositions won three National Federation of Music Awards. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Delius Award for her work "Piano Trio No.1" which received its world premiere with the Jacksonville Symphony. Upon graduation high school, she was granted a scholarship by the Oakley Foundation to study composition at Manhattan School of Music. Hilary's compositions have been performed by the New England Brass Quintet, the Peabody Trio, and the Manhattan School of Music Jazz Vocal Ensemble, among others.

CANDID CHAT WITH DIVA HILARY KOLE

Q: What would you do to stay at the top?

Hilary Kole: I would stay true to myself. It has taken me a long time to get to know my real voice. Once you find it, you must listen to it.

Q-And if luck turns against you? Hilary Kole: Luck and art don't always go together. I believe that you must stay the course. If you are honest, there will always be people who will listen to what you are saying. Trends come and go. If you are lucky, you become a star. That doesn't necessarily mean you are any better than someone who hasn't had the opportunities you have had.

Q-The best idea you ever came up with? Hilary Kole: The best idea I ever came up with....learning from those who have gone before me, and from my peers. I enjoy singing and working with other artists. It gives you something to bounce off of, and I usually end up doing things I never thought of before, which is always an adventure.

Q-What makes Hilary Kole so different from other sparkling stars? Hilary Kole: I think what makes me different from all the others is that I am an accomplished composer and an adequate pianist. That being said, I also come from a musical family (my father is the ultimate Broadway gypsy) so, I have both musical and theatrical strengths. I believe that you need to have the whole package.

Q-What is the most pleasant sound to your ears? Hilary Kole: The most pleasant sound to my ears is the sound of a chorus. I am deeply moved by many voices being used as one musical instrument. I enjoy being a part of that as well. Being more than myself in a musical experience.

Q-And the most beautiful site to your eyes? Hilary Kole: My sister just had a baby, so I think the most beautiful site to my eyes is my new nephew, Carter.

Q-What do you fear most in life? Hilary Kole: Not becoming all that I believe I should become. Not just in my career, but in my private life. I am very lucky to have a wonderful support system. Loosing my family, my fiancé, that is what scars me the most.

Q-What do you cherish most? Hilary Kole: I cherish time alone at the piano, learning new material...becoming one with it. I also cherish time with the man in my life. He is my rock.

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