I have been a long-time fan of Amira..and still is. For me, she is the greatest opera singer of the 21st century and-given time- will possibly become the greatest in history. I waited with much anticipation and excitement for this concert. I must say, with much regret, that I am disappointed like never been before. This concert re-affirms my belief that she has the most beautiful voice in realm of opera. So it saddens me so much to see that her smile has become almost perfunctory, her eyes dull to the point of being lifeless, and her rendition reduced to that of being almost mechanical. Gone were the intensity, exuberance, joy and passion that she magnificently exuded in her HGT 2013 performances, O Sole Mio duet with Patrizio Buanne, O Mio Babbino Caro with Andre Rieu and other epic performances. This set of performance even pales in comparison to her Ave Maria with Gissur Pal and her Canisius Church Concert. It is not even favorably comparable to her recent Your Love and How Great Though Art renditions which, although both technically good, lacked or falls short in terms of emotional depth. She must be under a lot of stress because of her forthcoming emigration to South Africa and other family issues, and these factors may be weighing her down heavily. I pray that this magnificently talented and kindhearted girl recover her footing and show us once more not only the beauty of her voice but that undefinable quality that made her so admired and beloved all over the world.

@mbx3648

6 жыл бұрын

sabrina sophie nemenzo . You are a brave woman to post your honest opinion. The last time I wrote something which was perceived as criticism, even though it was not in any way critical of Amira's performance, I received the most vile verbal abuse from one of her ardent fans. I think you are spot on with your observations. It is a bland, lackluster performance. Singing in Afrikaans did her no favors. I am a native speaker of English, Dutch and Afrikaans, and had great difficulty understanding most of the song texts. I really hope that Anita will receive some good training and guidance, because there is no doubt she has an exceptional talent.

@ronkalkhoven2119

6 жыл бұрын

sabrina sophie nemenzo (Ingrids comment on Rons Ipad) Sabina, I think all your points are valid, and you even left one out: at this age her body is also going through major changes. Amira is tense and tired and with all the changes to come after January 1st, especially with her father staying behind, she might just revolt. personally I fear that one day she will just stop singing if the pressures continue to bother her.

@sabrinasophienemenzo5661

6 жыл бұрын

M Bx and Ron, today is the first time I ever posted anything on youtube. The comments I made were all done out of my genuine love and concern for Amira and for my own selfish reason. I want her to have a long and successful career which we fans can derive joy and happiness from. I hope my comments are viewed constructively. It will hurt a lot if i get bashed or ridiculed for something that I did with the best intentions. I said my piece and I do not wish to engage in any debate as I am not a contentious person. God bless Amira and may she always be safe, successful and filled with joy.

@sabineausmg9543

6 жыл бұрын

+sabrina sophie nemenzo: Please have a look at this short documentary that has been recorded at the fanclub meeting, only a few hours prior to the Christmas concert in the Stevenskerk, Nijmegen: kzread.info/dash/bejne/oXmnwdSdk7G9p5M.html The top comment by Ray Vandenburg shows the English translation.

@johnrkallestad8782

6 жыл бұрын

It was FUN to see her and hear her sing on Christmas Day ( when i clicked on ) --as always for me ..I am glad she did the prep time made the effort for a farewell Netherlands performance before moving to S A ..I am sure the fearless competitive EMIRA will review the performance tapes and conclude and totally agree with your right on well meant well thought out comments and totally agree without angst with you .. may be like american football where every play is designed for a touchdown only a few succeed during a game .. but many plays work well.. may be this was just a no gainer but a realistic part of her demanding schedule .. BUT i loved seeing her CARRYING THE PERFORMANCE BALL again on Christmas Day .. it made me feel good..

I finished my postgraduate Masters EU Politologie studies with my MD wife here in Nymegen (KUN now Radboud Uni)...always calm to remember people and place...and now to admire those memories with the adult beauty of Almira!

去年のクリスマスまで共にお祝いしてきた母を亡くし、悲しみの中にありましたけれど、AMIRAさんのクリスマスソングをきいて、感激して、本当に慰められています。

you were great Amira.

sans commentaire , la prestation suffit bravo à elle , et bonjour monsieur Vandenburg

Amazing, what this beautiful prodigy has accomplished on her own . WOW, what an achievement, she is now one of the most prominent of all our great sopranos.

Amira, you are doing absolutely outstanding job! I love you!

Thanks Ray. Another great offering from you. I think Amira is her usual wonderful self throughout, and her demeanor appropriate for this reverent occasion. I disagree with Sabrina's interpretation. We are not robots and I don't expect perfection in every performance. Although Amira comes close most times!

Amira - a gift from heaven breathtaking voice

Dear sweetest princess Amira, please don't burn yourself out. I have heard most of your concerts since you won "Holland's Got Talent". They have been fabulous This concert suggests that you are under some kind of pressure. Please take a rest. We don't want to lose one of the greatest talents of the 21st century Happy New Year dearest Amira and to your family

I love how the guy behind her is just grinning so widely at the best points when he's not having to sing. Like the ending of Jerusalem, for instance!

I love when Amira sang with the men's quire

A most divine voice. Use to like the original Charlotte Church on these songs. But, Amira adds her heart and totally passes Charlotte. Charlotte's best was Enchantment CD and still love it. Everything else belongs to Amira. I just love her voice and personality. She is second to none.

I love how Amira has appeared to remain humble, that is, unaffected by all the fame and glitter. Still the lovely girl who won the singing competition. Well done Amira.

She was so cute when I saw her first audition, but look at her now, she's grown into a beautiful young lady with an even more beautiful voice.

Sorry, Sabrina, but this little lady has NEVER disappointed me, from her first performance and the GOLDEN TICKET and SHOWER! I only hope that I can catch all of her performances for the rest of my life!

Amira made my Christmas that year, I just love her, God bless her and her familie

She is gift to mankind, please do not corrupt her!!!

Very beautiful song!

Amira that I know, came straight through “Space’’ !!! - she has more than Humans Voice - authentic, Innocent, Unstoppable!!! (I am 90 years oldrecog

Brautiful! Amira, you sing like I believe angels would sound! 👍🏼😍❤️🙏❤️🙏

What a treasure Amira is. A treasure to the World...may we hear her beautifu voice for many, many years to come.

Amira still love her from her very first time until now ..love her...excellent.. THANK YOU SO MUCH

Thanks for share your Amazing Voice Amira ,Merry Christmas From Rimouski Québec Canada and Happy New Year to All your friends and Family, Long Life and Carrer !!!! You are an Angel From another Planet!!!

-> So Lovely, So Ethereal, & Yes, So Celestial!! Always Loved that part "Jerusalem, Jerusalem,..!!", since hearing it in my church since my youth!! Wonderful to hear her sing that particular song!! Many Blessings!! 🙏🕊️👼⚖️✨

Played this again this Christmas morning (2018). Magnificent! It struck me as never before how beautifully Amira sings "Die Onse Vader," "How Great Thou Art" and "Jerusalem". Incredibly glorious. What a wonderful beginning to this Christmas! Thank you, Amira; may you and all your family be truly blessed at this season.

@joepollard9476

4 жыл бұрын

Re-reading this in 2019 I thought how much I miss Amira's own concerts. This is where she really shines, not small parts in group songs. Is it time for her independent career?

How can you, not, LOVE HER!

Amira jest dla mnie przykładem nie tylko nadzwyczajnego głosu i talentu , oraz skromności , ale co najważniejsze, pięknej służby bliźnim , tym darem , który jak sama powiedziała, wie że pochodzi od Stwórcy ! Dziękuję Amiro !!!

I love her voice..she just gets better & better..beautiful ❤

Her voice has gotten even better since she first exploded into public view in 2009, and I did not think that would be possible.

@emanuelschweikert

6 жыл бұрын

Harold Seneker You mean 2013

@anniedill43

3 жыл бұрын

She actually won Holland's Got Talent in 2013.

After five years I thought it good to look again at this concert. Looking back over the years I feel this is the greatest of Amira's Christmas Concerts. I loved these hymns, especially those sung in Afrikaans. Her voice has never been more magnificent. Of course she now has a greater repertoire, a greater maturity of voice, but she has never surpassed the richness of this concert. Thank you, Amira, for the joy you brought your fans!!

In my opinion, she is, a 21st century, SAINT! Looking forward to, her next, humanitarian endeavors! Her playgrounds today, ahead, we can only speculate! GOODNESS, OOZES, from this family!

Absolutely stunning!!

Thankyou for sharing your voice with everyone. Please continue. Sending love and praise from me in faraway New Zealand.

Beautiful!

Just Wonderful!

!!!! MERRY MERRY XMAS AMIRA !!! we thank god he brought you to us, voice of an angel , what a beautiful young lady you have become, i have watched you in most of your concerts, and yes seems you are a little weary , take care and rest , !!! BUT YOU ARE STILL THE BEST !!! we all love you, thank you for your soothing music. BRAVOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

Her breathing is more controlled now. Bravo

Everyone else has pretty much said what I wanted to say, but I will just say this: I have seen that look before. I am 74 years old, and I served in the USMC, 1966-1969, so I have had a little experience with duty and honor. In her eyes you can see the weight of the world, and the desire to do her duty, no matter what the cost. With rest, she has come back. She is a real warrior. Semper Fidelis is not only for Marines to live up to.

How beautiful these numbers are. Keep up the great work, Amira. The last number, Jerusalem, The Holy City, has always been one of my favorite hymns and I have sung it in every congregation I have attended throughout my life. Your rendition was magnificent.

Amira is Magnificent - in every way!!

Her voice development has been extraordinary

@rafaeltamares3670

4 жыл бұрын

Estoy admiradoro de esta niña. La sigo desde que tenía once años y me asombro de que va a más, por cuanto se avanza en la edad es.muy posible qué, al ser mujer, pierda la maravillosa voz que goza.

from the time she was 9 yrs old on Hollands Got Talent - she has never ceased to amaze me with her angelic voice. When I heard her rendition of How Great Thou Art-I was a locked in fan of hers.

What a great Christmas gift you have sent me. Thank you so much Ray happy Christmas🌲☘️☘️☘️☘️

What a beautiful young lady with an amazing voice and charm. Her singing is indeed refreshing and inspiring. May God continue to bless her immensely.

Absolutely incredible !

Absolutely beautiful.

@moniqueloire2022

6 жыл бұрын

John Byatt formidable

AMIRA es una Cantante fuera de SERIE , con sus pocos años se destaca casi como una profesional de mas años y digo casi porque se destaca en su vos que es aun una niña,.tiene un gran porvenir ccomo futura soprano de alto nivel, ademas es tierna como personita que ya se destaca en importantes presentaciones, AMIRA continua presentandote y ensaya y modela tu vos sin pausa.....me gustaria oirte dentro de 5 años mas....hago este comentario final porque ya tengo bastante edad y no se cual es mi futuro...ojala pueda disfrutar de tu belleza como persona y como soprano de alto vuelo....FELICIDADES AMIRA HERMOSA

oh amira miraculous voice--such a blessed talent !!!!!!

I cannot believe that just as her beloved family are being placed under such stress that Amira still rises to her commitment - all love and hope for this lovely young woman who sings with feeling and soul, even in the midst of troubled times.

@frankyvienna

6 жыл бұрын

Amira you are do wonderful

@leecoryassociatebroker6869

4 жыл бұрын

What troubled times?

@lauramorgan7661

2 жыл бұрын

@@leecoryassociatebroker6869 I assume it's referring to her move to South Africa and her parents' divorce, which I believe happened around this time?

@leecoryassociatebroker6869

2 жыл бұрын

@@lauramorgan7661 Thank You!

@nachoag8678

2 жыл бұрын

@@lauramorgan7661 I didn´t know her parents got divorced. Amira is such a strong woman. Good to know, thank you.

"How Great Though Art" - so perfectly performed, here as in other YT clips - my "new" favorite by Amira, thus far and i can tell is one of hers, as well - Bless you, Amira

Absolutely wonderful

Amira, is undoubtedly one of the greatest kid voices ever. Thank you Ray for an extraordinary Christmas gift.

@joyclark7530

5 жыл бұрын

I don't hear a "kid ." I hear an Angel

Gracias Padre Celestial por prestarnos a una de tus Ángeles, seguramente te hace falta en tu coro celestial. El mundo felíz con Amira

Lovely Amira!

Merry Christmas! Thank you, Ray! A beautiful voice of an angel! Happiness to you, girl!

GOD BLESS YOU AMIRA, THANKS RAY. HERE WE GO AGAIN, A PURE CLEAR VOICE. SHE WILL BE THE BEST. SHE ON HER WAY.

With or without an orchestra her voice is truly amazing Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year Amira Willighagen 💛💜💚💙

Prodigiosa voz la que Dios ha dado a esta niña. Será de las mejores cantantes de ópera de toda la historia, y agradezco a Dios que me haya permitido escucharla a través de youtube

Beautiful!!!! Thank you so much! Merry Christmas & wishing everyone a blessed new year!

Excelent, she is great and very talented...

Awesome beyond words.

Yes fabulous , Ray Thanks .. a super Christmas musical treat .. especially for someone ( me ) who has been playing the CD '' Merry Christmas , Amera '' for 3 straight days.. It's almost like being there .. watching and listening ...FUN !

@RayVandenburg

6 жыл бұрын

John; my wife asked me this morning: Ray when do you start caring for humanity? (lol) This is my answer. I want Amira to become famous throughout the world. Have fun and enjoy the video.

Merry Christmas Amira. Thank you so very much for your concert. Beautiful young lady with a beautiful voice.

Merry christmas Amira. You are the best !!!!!

If this does not bring tears to your eyes,you are not alive.

@joyclark7530

5 жыл бұрын

You shouldn't insult the dead so.

Wonderful

Gracias por compartir estos conciertos, ame esta colaboración de tu voz y la del coro masculino, hermoso. Saludos de Mexico.

Grandioos!! Amira wat een gave om zo mooi te mogen en kunnen zingen! een genot om naar te luisteren

@margaritadiaz5201

6 жыл бұрын

My God Amira. What a joy to see you climbing the mountain of beauty and success

Maravillosa!!!!sublime!!!!!!

Thanks for sharing this concert! Beautiful! Just for the record, the 6th song is entitled "The Holy City". There is another one entitled Jerusalem, which of course is different! :) Greetings and God bless you!

Amira, you are so inspiring to me - I have seen many miracles in my life - Your voice 💓, delivery and appearance are breathtaking ! These songs are breath-taking when you sing them. Thank for allowing me to be a part of this.

Comme tu as grandie ma petite Amira....je te suis depuis le début et ta voix toujours aussi pure......Bonne Année et continuation ! Monica

Hermoso regalo de Navidad. Gracias Ray por este video. Amira es grandiosa.

Amira stupenda voce, sei un angelo!

Köszönet e gyönyörű összeállításért. Olyan csodálatosan feltöltődik az ember lelke, remélem még sok hasonló előadásokban lesz részünk.

Celestial,sublime,tesitura angelical.

God given talent!

@robertlstockett7105

5 жыл бұрын

"It ain't what you got but what you do with what you got, And AMIRA has done it all.

Very Great !!!

Maravillosa como siempre AMIRA!! Y a ti por subir estos magníficos videos. Gracias.

Superb job Ray!! Many thanks for bringing Amira's crystal clear and beautiful voice to all her fans worldwide. After seeing this amazing performance no doubt she will have many more fans added to her already large and devoted fan base. A personal thanks to you for such a wonderful reminder of a great occasion and your splendid company. Happy New Year and hope to meet again soon.

@RayVandenburg

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike, together we share fine and indelible memories of the Nijmegen concert.

Thanks for sharing this Ray. What a fantastic young talent Amira is! She's getting better and better as she matures. It's pure joy listening to her.

@yvonnedenisepiade7262

6 жыл бұрын

Amlra tres belle voix

a Mira a lovely young girl who speaks fluently 3 languages , has been known to sing in 13 more with a voice so pure, never to falter, is still brightening my days.😢As a 96 year old naturalised Australian Dutchman I great you

@RayVandenburg

4 ай бұрын

As a much younger Holland Dutchman I salute you, thanks for the kind words. I you need tissues, please tell me, we can share the emotion.

BRAVO!!, Amira, wonderful performance. always the beautiful voice, beautiful smile and of course the wave.

Prachtig.... Amira, koor, Veron Jongstra. Bravo Dion Ritten!

Zoooo mooi Amira! Ga alsjeblieft door ik geniet zo van je prachtige stem.

This is my favorite video.I’m just one of those old guys in the choir.

Esplendida. Precioso!!!!!🌲Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo.👍

Predivno!

Ich könnte Amira zu jeder Zeit anhören, eine göttliche Stimme, danke dafür.

Hermosisimo!!!!! Maravillosa voz, que bonito!!🌲

Lots of pressure. She is so happy in South Africa 🇿🇦. Doing so well at school and living a balanced lifestyle. May God Bless her.

I think the music director/conductor probably demanded that Amira keep a pretty fast tempo on most of these songs/pieces/hymns and that left little room for Amira to be expressive and "draw out" that emotion you are used to in her other performances. I still found it pretty stirring and breathtaking as to her range and the clear-as-a-bell intonation ...& yes expression. Even with the fast pace she still managed to put her heart into it. How could she not? I think she is a true believer and these songs therefore ring true and convey her faith, piety, grace, and yes humility before the AWESOMENESS of our God. God Bless You Amira ...and may you continue to sing for God ...& only the people so that they might feel the REALITY and Grace of God's presence in this weary world of yearning souls that so need Him!

Amira. Dat was toch zo mooi. Kom nog een naar Australia astublief

She is an angel , I also followed her from Hollands got talent . She is true a pleasure to listen to .

Amira wyrosła na śliczną nastolatkę,,,,,,,,,, talent prosto od Boga,,,,,,,, powodzenia Amira........

Je n ai jamais rien entendu de plus beau de ma vie que cette voix d Amira, un phenomene venu du ciel.!

...meus parabéns ao Ray Vandenburg pela bela ideia de ter montado este vídeo sintetizando as interpretações maravilhosas da Amira...

Cuanto me emociona verte crecer amira cuanto fisica como artisticamente ...tienes un talento sin igual ...bendiciones desde ecuador ....

Thanks very much, Ray. It appears you were working hard, on Christmas Day, this year, to provide the rest of us with more delightful and lovely posts. Merry Christmas to you, and thanks again for your undoubtedly considerable work, in putting this together.

@RayVandenburg

6 жыл бұрын

Timothy; thank you for the kind words. Let's say I like to entertain and to show the world that precious gem, called Amira. It doesn't cost me any effort, even on Xmas Day. Have a wonderful 2018 and stay tuned.