(22 October 2008) Russian-born New Zealand classical crossover singer Yulia released her second album in 2006 entitled Montage (Sony BMG Music Entertainment (New Zealand) 200482876823752, 2006). Her debut album released in 2004 is called Into The West (Columbia (New Zealand) 5187582000, 2004 ). This gifted twenty-two year old has a lovely contralto voice that has wonderful maturity and dulcit tones. She has only learned the English language in 2002 so there is a distinct Russian accent in the delivery of her lyrics although unobtrusive. Yulia sings fluently in six languages; English, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish and Maori. Sadly both of Yulia's albums were deleted by Sony BMG New Zealand, however, the artist's management is seeking to reissue them as soon as a deal with their former label can be established.

Born in Volgograd, Russia in 1986, Yulia moved to New Zealand in 2002 and quickly adapted to life in her new country. She graduated from high school and immediately signed a recording deal with Sony Music New Zealand. Gray Bartlett, co-director and owner of the Auckland-based promotion company Pacific Entertainment Limited, signed her to a six year worldwide sole agency deal but was ended early by Yulia and she was managed temporarily by Michael Glading, the previous head of Sony NZ. In 2007 Yulia met Glyn MacLean, 17 years her senior, director and owner of Oikos Music Group and signed to a management and music publishing deal. In February 2008, Yulia married Glyn. She was the lead singer in a pop duo, the MacLeaNZ, with her husband.

Yulia's second album Montage is an appropriate description of this diverse fourteen track album. She opens with the lush "We're All Alone." Her lilting, rich tones in conjunction with the lovely orchestral accompaniment highlights the special draw of this musical artist. She exhibits a compassionate quality in her vocals. "No One Like You," reminiscent of Sarah Brightman's version, has a majestic air to it, with Yulia's gorgeous, soaring vocals. There is a gentleness to her singing, but then again, she can belt out her tunes with the best of them. Pop tune "Maybe" showcases her more contemporary side.

"You Are Here" opens with a soothing piano intro, and Yulia takes over with her luxuriant voice. The end result is a song filled with passion and power driven vocals. She continues with this passionate ardor in "Everything You Touched." Yulia whisks the listener away to Spain with the famed aria "Habanera" from Bizet's opera Carmen. Her exquisite operatic version is filled with fiery abandon. Another classic,, "Che Faro," is beautifully orchestrated and sung with perfection by Yulia. She sings with striking authority and warmth throughout this melodic piece. She continues in the same vein with "To Ni Veter."

Her versatility is evident as she lures the listener in "With You I'm Born Again." Through her gentleness of tone and lush passages, she engages the passionate side of emotion. This passion continues with another classic, "Pavane," by Faure. She follows this song with the wonderful James Bond theme "Nobody Does It Better." She sings the Marvin Hamlisch tune with sultry seduction and abandon.

The classical french love song "Plaisir d'Amour" is beautifully sung by this divine chanteuse. Charlotte Church, sang this song with a very different flair from the splendid Yulia, whose tones have a depth and richness that only her stunning contralto voice can execute so well. In "The Actress" there are exciting and powerful vocal crescendos. She concludes this fantastic album with the Freddie Mercury cover "The Show Must Go On." She sings this famed song with an emotive and powerful tribute to the meaningful depth of Mercury's epitaph.

In addition to the CD, the special edition includes a stunning DVD of her Montage live showcase from April 2006. The DVD allows the viewer a wonderful opportunity to watch the amazing Yulia in action. She owns the stage and her performance is quite enrapturing. She possesses great showmanship and definitely puts on a great show.

Montage is a complex and enlightening mosaic of songs that showcase Yulia's amazing talent. She shows great versatility in her style and does not fail to please. She can be likened to Sarah Brightman in her operatic and contempory stylings, but Yulia stands out with her incredible rich, contralto vocals as well as her fervent and heartfelt approach to her music.--Audrey Elliot in New York