bio

Noelle Cassandra has innovated the harp with creative modernism into classical pop. “This classical cross-over,” says Noelle, “moves the harp away from its traditional image of classical background music into mellow pop which I developed by integrating its restful sound with my style of ballads, jazz, and rock.” Classically trained with a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of British Columbia ( Canada), Noelle is back in the Philippines, the homeland of her parents. “My music is my diary,” Noelle says. “Through my songs I connect with people.”

She has rich sources for this “diary,” for at this early stage of her life ( twenty-something), she excels in music; in sports (basketball and badminton – title holder for Mixed Doubles and Ladies Doubles in Yonex-Sunrise Phil. Nat’l Open Badminton Tournament 2007 ), and in her outreach programs - Founded NC’s Reach-Out Club for community service; fundraises for the Chinese Orphans of Beijing (BICCO)which sends Filipinos to be occupational therapists to the orphans, her mom’s project; volunteers as Music Teacher at Marillac Hills ; and worked with the Dominican Sisters of Regina Rosarii for their Harp Hits for Healing CD and sings at various benefit concerts.

The only harpist, singer, songwriter in Asia, Noelle Cassandra quickly made it in the local music scene. Her debut record with Dyna had 5 original pop ballads & 2 instrumentals and includes 2 harp and violin duets with John Lesaca. It was a finalist in the 2007 Catholic Mass Media Awards. Her composition, ”Forbidden Love”, was a finalist in Awit Awards for Best Instrumental (2007). Noelle performed with Kuh Ledesma in her tribute to George Canseco, then with Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera and Josh Groban. Her Valentine shows were hits - 2008 with John Lesaca and Tots Tolentino (their show was a finalist in the 2008 Aliw Awards) and 2009 with Richard Poon and Willie Nepomuceno. Last July she sang with Jose Mari Chan and they will perform together in September 2009 at the Kasaganaan concert for the benefit of the Regina Rica Ecological Sanctuary in Tanay.

Noelle performs at events, corporate shows and music venues. She also hosted This Week’s Big Five on C/S 9 and guests on local TV shows. She was invited to perform at PBA’s championship game’s Halftime Show at Araneta Coliseum this past July. Eagerly awaited is her 2nd CD album which will be released in time for Christmas this year. This beautiful person has brought her beautiful harp’s glissandos and arpeggio runs in cross-over style to a very large and appreciative audience… And to see her perform live is something not to be missed.