Helen Gumanti has released her first-ever album, 'This Christmas'. A small selection of the best loved Christmas songs of all time beautifully arranged into contemplative and relaxing piano solos, this labour of love is deeply personal effort by the Fagetti Group CEO to bring a sense of companionship and comfort at the end of a tumultuous year.
Featuring holiday classics such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and The Christmas Song, as well as contemporary favourites Grown-up Christmas List and The Gift, the album promises universal appeal to listeners of all ages.
"2020 forced us all to grow up very quickly by removing all illusions of security and control," Helen remarked. "It was a spontaneous decision to release a Christmas album, right after producing a music video series where I was asked to play the piano in one of the seven videos. The Christmas season has always lifted my spirits and warmed my heart. Though it felt a little unfamiliar sitting at my piano at the beginning, my fingers just knew where to find these wonderful tunes in its keys and my soul was completely flowing with the music as I carry with me personal messages in each song I chose."
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Helen is no stranger to the piano. She began her piano training at age four and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in Piano Performance and Psychology, going on to play professionally as a chamber pianist in the United States and Indonesia. She returned to Indonesia to join the family marble business and has become an expert in luxury natural stone. But the piano has always been her passion. In 2016, she started a niche premium piano business, bringing luxury pianos such as the Italian Fazioli Liminal (valued at USD500,000), German Blthner Lucid Rose gold plated, and other European piano brands, to music lovers and art collector homes, hotels, and office lobbies in Indonesia.A passion business, The Grand Signature Piano, reignited her passion for serious playing, something she had not done for 12 years.
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Helen explained, "I played these Christmas songs from the heart, and it gave me tremendous comfort. This is what I hope to share to everyone. Music that will help us contemplate; to remember to love, to forgive, to open our hearts, to reflect and be grateful, at the same time to be present and be compassionate. This, to me is the real spirit of Christmas. It is my very own grown-up Christmas wish."The album's title, 'This Christmas' is meant as a reminder that this year will always be a little bit different. While many will remember it as being difficult, it has also been unique. A time to innovate the way we share, connect, and express our love, this Christmas is a reminder of our common humanity.
"This Christmas is a gift from my heart to your home, and I hope it brings a little joy and peace to every household, and the warmest wishes for a wonderful 2021."
The album comprises six of the best-loved Christmas songs of all time, namely,
- The Christmas Song
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
- The Gift
- When You Wish Upon a Star
- I'll Be Home for Christmas
- Grown-up Christmas List
All songs were recorded by Helen on a Fazioli Malachite 212, the perfect piano to deliver contemplative, soothing sounds to bring calm and peace to hearts at the end of a tumultuous year.
This Christmas will be launched on across the digital platforms of YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, and Anchor. Stay tuned by subscribing to Helen's YouTube channel, Helen Gumanti Official.