Natasha Marsh topped the U.K.'s classical charts in 2007 with Amour, her debut album of classical crossover material. An operatic soprano hailing from Brecon, Wales, Marsh was raised by music-minded parents and initially pursued a career in musical theater. She later shifted her focus toward opera, landing roles with such noted organizations as Grange Park Opera, Music Theatre Wales, Opera Holland Park, and Glyndebourne Touring Opera. As Marsh's profile grew in the opera world, so did her crossover prospects, and she eventually signed a contact with EMI Classics in September 2006. Amour was released the following February, mixing operatic arias with more pop-oriented material. While the combination angered some opera traditionalists, Amour nevertheless debuted at number one on the U.K. Classical Artist chart and received a nomination during the 2008 Classical BRIT Awards. ~ Andrew Leahey