Kristen Hertzenberg, Christine in Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular, and Philip Fortenberry, a concert pianist and "Jersey Boys" Associate Conductor are releasing their debut album "Holidays from the Heart." Fortenberry has recorded several solo albums in the past, but for Hertzenberg, this is the first.
During the recording process, Hertzenberg was diagnosed with a
thyroid condition and ultimately discovered that she had papillary thyroid cancer. The pair's new deadline to complete the album was the date of the surgery to remove her thyroid, a procedure for which the largest risk is vocal cord paralysis. She has now undergone the procedure and follow-up treatment, and has recently returned to her role in Phantom, vocal cords intact.
"I was determined to remain committed to this project," says Hertzenberg. "Recording with Philip was something I had dreamed of doing for a long time. It was a poignant experience and also a welcome reprieve from the frenzy of medical appointments and
preparation I was suddenly experiencing."
Fortenberry and Hertzenberg have performed together at several Las Vegas events over the past five years and are both thrilled to have finally collaborated in the recording studio. "Holidays from the Heart" is a collection of primarily non-traditional Christmas songs encompassing pop, Broadway, jazz, gospel, and folk styles. The album centers around a theme of giving and the idea that the spirit of Christmas is especially powerful when we embrace it year-round. The artists each brought unique song ideas to the table and in the end produced a musical journey including Harry Connick Jr.'s "I Pray On Christmas," Melissa Manchester's "There's Still My Joy," Annie Lennox' "Universal Child," and "Christmas Time is Here" from the beloved "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Hertzenberg says she is especially grateful for the friendship and support she felt from both Fortenberry and their sound engineer Bob Lynch during this trying time. All three agree that the "Holidays from the Heart" journey was special and one that will not soon be forgotten.
The album is available through Kristen's website www.kristenhertzenberg.com and can be downloaded from iTunes or Amazon.com. She will perform with the Las Vegas Philharmonic for their Holiday Pops concerts on Dec. 17 and CDs will be available for purchase in the lobby at both the 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. performances.
More information about Kristen and Philip is available on their websites www.kristenhertzenberg.com and www.philipfortenberry.com.
Photo Credit: Marcos Rivera
