Anne-Margaret Redding
of New York

Description

Nicknamed “The Sunshine Goddess” by the Huffington Post, AMR is ‘life’s cheerleader. She’s a singer, composer, pianist, motivational speaker, yoga teacher, yoga studio owner, personal trainer, ordained Interfaith Minister, and genuinely inspiring person who takes advantage of every nanosecond to make a difference in the lives of others.’ 

Raised in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, AMR began her musical journey at age four studying classical piano for sixteen years. It didn’t take long for her to begin composing music and winning competitions for her writing and performing. Her passion for music and classical theatre brought her to NYC as one of 10 students selected internationally to study in a private classical theatre ensemble and tour US and Europe. This training was the perfect platform to develop her artistry and launch her professionally as she held the leading role as Hecuba in Euripides’ Greek tragedy: The Trojan Women. Upon completion of the tour, AMR returned to her first love: music.
In addition to performing with her band at several NYC clubs, she created and hosted the first ‘Musicians Making a Difference’ at CBGB’s honoring musicians actively giving back to their communities. In 2002 she was the visionary behind “Overcoming Obstacles: A Celebration of Life.” This event –at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park – was to celebrate NYC’s strength in overcoming the tragedy of 9/11 and honor the spirit of New Yorkers. The city’s commissioners, celebrities, and famous musicians were booked for the event, but unfortunately, due to last minute security concerns, the event was cancelled. Although she and her team were incredibly disappointed, this was a turning point for AMR. She learned the invaluable lesson that anything was possible through community. “I realized first-hand that one person COULD make a difference. This began with a simple vision and grew into a major event that would have touched thousands of people in one afternoon.”

AMR turned her attention back to music and in 2003, she independently released her debut album ‘CONTAGIOUS’ and embarked on a promotional 30-city US tour. While on tour, she began speaking to high schools and colleges sharing her motivational message “LIVE YOUR PASSION.” The inspirational workshop coupled with a concert of original music was received with such enthusiasm that the “Live Your Passion Tour” was born. AMR soon began receiving keynote speaker invitations for various leadership and women’s conferences. Through her music and her speaking, AMR challenges and inspires her audience to have the courage, determination, and passion to create a life they love. For the last 10 years, AMR has also served on the board of directors for the United States International Piano Duo Competition held annually at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Through the ‘Live Your Passion Tour’ and her work with USIPDC, she continues her ministry working with young people.

One can never know when love will come knocking and that is what happened next. After several serendipitous encounters with her first love, they reunited for good. They spent the first two years of their marriage studying the world religions at One Spirit Interfaith Seminary.

Due to the devastating and many times tragic implications of religious intolerance, the Interfaith movement fills a vital need in our local and global communities bridging the gap between people strongly identified with one particular religious tradition. Upon ordination, she and her husband Anthony had the honor of singing together before thousands and then were invited to perform three of AMR’s original songs at the United Nations’ Annual Youth Assemby. The assembly consisted of @1,000 young people from all over the world coming together to tackle global issues.

Anne-Margaret and Anthony now call Astoria, Queens their home. Being the most culturally diverse neighborhood in the world (according to the census), Astoria (or ‘My Mini-UN’ as she calls it) is the perfect community to represent what AMR is all about: peaceful integration. In 2009, she and Anthony began their ministry together opening The Giving Tree Yoga Studio in Astoria and now co-officiate Interfaith weddings together and serve as spiritual counselors. She continues to teach yoga and conduct her 8-week workshop “Living Metamorphosis.” Created in 2002, this workshop celebrates life as a opportunity for constant metamorphosis. Designed to shift life patterns through coaching and working with the plasticity of the brain, students learn how to alter energetic, physical, mental, and behavioral patterns in their lives.

The release of AMR’s second album ‘Trust’ is slated for release this December with a tour scheduled for Spring 2012.