Aria 3: Metamorphosis, the third in the popular Aria series that was created by Paul Schwartz, was released on September 21st on KOCH Records in conjunction with Astor Place Recordings. Aria 3: Metamorphosis fuses contemporary instrumentation and classic operatic melodies. Hypnotic vocals, waves of orchestral sound, and fascinating grooves combine to make a new sound: emotional, sensual and powerful.

Aria is Paul Schwartz. Paul's career began at age 23 when he was selected by Andre Previn to serve as the Assistant Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Eventually he served as Music Director of several Andrew Lloyd Webber productions including Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and Los Angeles. Paul wrote, arranged and produced his first recording, Aria. That recording spent over two years on Billboard's Classical Crossover charts, over a year of that time in the top ten and in fact re-entered Billboard's Top Ten in May of 2000. Aria's sales figures to date are 150,000 (Soundscan plus independent stores) domestically. Aria-2: New Horizon was released in the fall of 1999 and went into the Top 10 on Billboard's Classical Crossover chart. The album has sold 100,000 (Soundscan plus independent stores) domestically. In the Billboard Indies Special 2000, Aria 2: New Horizon was number three on the Classical Crossover Chart for the year. 

Unlike most ambient/dance music, Aria 3: Metamorphosis is not based exclusively around keyboards and samplers. It was conceived to feel as live and as real as possible, and with that in mind, prominently features a large string orchestra, recorded in the extraordinary acoustic of Abby Road Studio #1 in London. Additionally, none of the vocals are sampled. All are true performances, which lends the entire project a vitality and presence almost never felt in this style of music. Like its predecessors, this new recording features soaring soprano vocals by Broadway's Tony-nominated Rebecca Luker. The way in which these living, breathing elements are combined with driving grooves provides a thrilling experience, both for the soul and for the pounding heart.

For more information on the Aria series, please visit http://www.aria-music.net.