New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Joanna's career started at a very early age from her days training at the Italia Conti School to her West End debut at just 13 years old. Her career took of in her late teens and early twenties in the West End and nationwide performing in musicals, plays and pantomimes. When
Joanna was performing in
Europe at just 21 years old she found a lump on her breast and her life changed instantly in that moment.
She became one of the youngest women in the UK to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Since that fateful day
Joanna has undergone operations, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and thankfully was successfully treated.
This period in her life, however, had a huge impact on her outlook and as a result became one of the first "Boobette" ambassadors for CoppaFeel! a breast cancer charity that campaigns tirelessly to promote breast awareness and a routine of regular checking for early signs and symptoms of the disease. As a Boobette,
Joanna visits workplaces, schools, and women's groups to share her story and to encourage others to check themselves for anything unusual, which could be cancer.
Now
Joanna is set to release her debut album 'Stars Are Rising' in March 2017 and the first track from the album will be the single 'How Does It Feel?'.
Joanna decided as soon as she had recorded the single that she wanted all the proceeds to go to the charity CoppaFeel! which had such a profound effect on her life. Kris Hallenga, CEO and Founder of CoppaFeel! comments:
"We're very excited that the fabulous
Joanna will be supporting CoppaFeel! with donations from the sale of her album, Jo has been a key supporter of CoppaFeel! over the last few years, and we can't wait to hear her new single!"
Even Slade's front man
Noddy Holder, who wrote the song, is a fan commenting:
"Joanna has done a great interpretation of the song with a wonderful orchestral arrangement. Let's hope it will help raise awareness of the cancer charity CoppaFeel!."
In 2014,
Joanna made her debut performance as a solo crossover soprano by performing in the "Busting to Sing" CoppaFeel! fundraising and awareness concert at The 1,400 seater Palace Theatre in London and duetted with Paul Potts. Since that initial concert, which launched Joanna's career as a solo singer, she has been busy singing at numerous events including awards ceremonies, Football Stadiums, crossover concerts and charity events including the Missing People Carol Concert at St
Martin in the Field hosted by Sir Trevor McDonald.
In 2015, she met world-renowned orchestrator, conductor and pianist, Robert Emery, with whom she has worked with on producing her debut album, "Stars Are Rising". The album was recorded with the Arts
Symphonic and City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestras and is an exciting collection of classical and classical cross over tracks, which will put this exciting young soprano firmly on the map.
www.joannaforest.com