LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 30, 2014) - Opera singer Carly Paoli paid a moving tribute to war photographer Anja Niedringhaus last night, with a powerful performance at the International Women's Media Foundation Courage Awards in Los Angeles.
British mezzo soprano Carly Paoli, 25, performed 'Because of You', a song written especially to honor the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, 48, who was killed while covering the presidential elections in Afghanistan in April.
The performance took place against a montage of Anja's work and was the first time in the IWMF's 25-year history a singer had been invited perform at the event.
Miss Paoli, who took to the stage in a spectacular coral, Oscar de la Renta gown, performed for gathered guests, including Anja's mother and sister, who had flown from Germany to attend the event.
Carly, an Ambassador for Swiss luxury timepiece brand, Bedat & Co. - Geneve, said afterwards, "I felt so honored and blessed to have been given the chance to pay tribute to a woman as brave and inspiring as Anja Niedringhaus. Performing in front of her amazing images and, especially after hearing the inspiring stories of the other 'Courage in Journalism' Award winners, emphasized the valuable contribution women make in the media despite the risks they face. It was a humbling but inspiring evening and I hope my performance did justice to Anja's story."
The IWMF Courage in Journalism Awards were co-hosted by Glamour magazine Editor-in-Chief Cindi Leive and actress Olivia Wilde, with guests including Hollywood actress Kate Hudson and Rashida Jones, star of TV series Parks and Recreation.
Afterwards, guests at the event, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, praised opera singer Carly's poise and elegance:
Former "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul said about the performance, "Carly was amazing. The music and lyrics went hand in glove and put so much meaning into the story being told. Carly is just stunning. She is a beautiful singer and she's beautiful on the inside as well. Her poise and effortless grace were wonderful. I told her she has the voice of an angel and it's effortless with such beauty. It was the perfect song and the perfect singer."
Glamour magazine editor Cindi Leive remarked, "It was such a powerful performance and such a beautiful tribute to Anja's work. To hear this gorgeous song with these powerful images that Anja had shot, I just thought was a lovely way to honor the work of this incredible photojournalist."
Event co-host Olivia Wilde added, "Tonight should absolutely be a celebration of Anja's life. It's what Anja would have wanted and it's what the IWMF sets out to do and I'm very honored to be part of that tribute."
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Paul Gendreau
PGPR
