On Sunday at 7 p.m., singer Sarah Brightman is taking the stage of the Bryce Jordan Center to present what promises to be a spectacular performance.

Returning to the Center after her concert in 1999, Brightman is now promoting her latest album Harem. Straying from Brightman's traditional path of classical and theatrical music, Harem blends globally influenced beat and dance rhythms to produce an international style with an air of mystery.

"It's worldly music," said Bernie Punt, director of sales and marketing for the Center. "She is known as a classical singer and a theatrical singer, but she is going to be presenting some very exotic world-beat music."

Ann Clements, assistant professor of music education, plans to attend the concert.

"She has a lovely singing voice, and she is versatile enough to pull off many styles," Clements said. "I think she is very cutting edge.
I appreciate her willingness to converge different styles into one performance and to reach out and bring new fans to classical music."

Brightman is recognized around the world for both her musical theater past and her successful solo recording career. After landing a role in the original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, her career skyrocketed.

The singer, who was married to Webber for several years in the late 1980s, continues to prove her versatility as an artist. Nominated for a Grammy award in 1985 for Best New Classical Artist, she effortlessly passes between pop, opera and classical music, explaining her multi-platinum status as a recording artist.

Brightman is perhaps best known in the music world for her portrayal of Christine in Webber's renowned musical The Phantom of the Opera, a role her then-husband created specifically for her. Her performance helped establish Phantom's legendary status in the theater world and garnered immense critical acclaim, resulting in a Drama Desk Award nomination.

Joe Apfelbaum, music buyer for Mike's Movies & Music, 1613 N. Atherton St., explained that Brightman's previous appearance in State College increased her album sales.

"In general, she did very well," Apfelbaum said. "There was definitely a spike. She still sells, so obviously a lot of those people still buy [her music]."

Relating to her background in theater, Sunday's concert will feature an elaborate set design. Punt explained that the show intends to create an intimate ambience, despite its complicated setup.

"It will be an amazing visual event," he said. "We've never had a stage setup as extensive as this one."

The difference in music this time around will affect the reactions of audience members, even those who are familiar with Brightman.

"A number of people will be surprised who are actually Sarah Brightman fans," Punt said.

Clements is looking forward to experiencing Brightman's new sound.

"She is very controversial," Clements said. "She is best known for her musical theater performances, but she's kind of venturing into unknown territory and doing it with real style that hasn't been seen in a long time."

No matter what type of music Brightman sings, she elicits strong emotional reaction from the audience, Punt said.

"I saw her move several men to tears with her voice," he said. "She's got the goods."

Tickets are still on sale for the concert, which Punt is confident will be an unforgettable experience.

"If you are in need of a shot of good culture, if you want to see a world-renowned entertainer right on campus, come on Sunday," he said.