CCMusic.com

'The Story of My Life' features Lea Salonga and the BYU Chamber Orchestra performing some of Lea's favorite Broadway, Disney, and pop songs, including many arranged and orchestrated by her brother, Gerard Salonga. This album was recorded on May 30, 2017, on the Cultural Center of the Philippines' Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo stage in front of a live audience. This stage is incredibly special to Lea, as it is where, at age 7, she made her performance debut as a member of the company of The King and I and, at age 18, she first sang the song "I'd Give My Life for You" in public, just prior to leaving for London in 1989 to take on the role of Kim in the West End production of 'Miss Saigon'. Of this performance with the BYU Chamber Orchestra, Lea writes: "This collaboration with the BYU Chamber Orchestra was a special one. I vividly remember stepping onto the stage for our first sound check surrounded by young, eager musicians with their instruments at the ready. And then they played. The sound they produced was magnificent, but it was more than that. You could hear their enthusiasm and excitement in the notes, but, more importantly, you could feel the heart and soul they had poured into the program. Being able to perform in Manila with these talented musicians was such a treat, and I'm grateful that my hometown audience got to experience their superb musicianship. I hope this won't be the last opportunity we'll have to perform together." As you listen to this concert recording, which features songs handpicked by Lea as well as stories from her life, you will get to know this world-renowned singer and actress in an intimate and personal way. So sit back and enjoy the concert as if you were there and part of Lea's hometown crowd in Manila, and see if you don't find yourself chanting along with the audience-"Lea, Lea, Lea, " and "BYU, BYU, BYU"-by the end of the album.