Barbra To Perform In Brooklyn, October 2012.

BARBRA STREISAND COMES HOME

Brooklyn’s Favorite Daughter to Perform at Barclays Center

The Brooklyn-born and raised, world-acclaimed superstar will perform a concert on Thursday, October 11th, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center, the new 19,000-seat sports and entertainment venue.

Tickets will be available to the general public on May 21 at 10am EDT.

BROOKLYN, NY - Barbra Streisand is coming home.

The Brooklyn-born and raised, world-acclaimed superstar will perform a concert on Thursday, October 11th, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center, the new 19,000-seat sports and entertainment venue.

Streisand will be making a triumphant return to her native borough. Raised in the Flatbush neighborhood and a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School, Streisand will perform publicly for the first time in Brooklyn.

Streisand stated, “Brooklyn to me means the Loew’s Kings, Erasmus, the Yeshiva I went to, the Dodgers, Prospect Park, great Chinese food. I’m so glad I came from Brooklyn—it’s down to earth. I guess you CAN come home again.”

“When I first thought about building an arena in Brooklyn, I always envisioned Barbra Streisand coming home to take center-stage in her native borough,” said Barclays Center majority owner and developer Bruce Ratner. “It’s humbling and almost surreal to welcome arguably the greatest entertainer of all-time to Barclays Center. Barbra is Brooklyn and there’s nowhere more fitting for her to perform. This will be a night to remember.”

“I’m thrilled that all of America will be celebrating one of Brooklyn’s greatest contributions to the world of music, film, television and Broadway this fall when Barbra Streisand comes home to the exciting new Barclays Center,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “They just don’t get any bigger than this daughter of Brooklyn and proud graduate of Erasmus Hall High School, and although she has entertained millions upon millions across the globe for the better part of 50 years, Ms. Streisand will always find a home here in Brooklyn. So, ‘no more tears,’ music fans—Brooklyn’s very own ‘funny girl,’ Barbra Streisand, will create new ‘memories’ as the ‘main event’ this October at Barclays Center!”

“Barbra Streisand in Brooklyn will be a huge moment and a defining experience for Barclays Center,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “We are truly honored to bring Barbra full circle, to the borough where it all started for her, just down Flatbush Avenue from her old neighborhood. We are continuing our goal to bring the best of everything to Barclays Center. Brooklyn, after all, deserves nothing less.”

Tickets for the Streisand concert will go on sale shortly. Tickets will also be available through Ticketmaster or by calling 800-745-3000. NETS All Access ticket holders will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the concerts before the general public.

Visit www.barbrastreisand.com for more.

The Essential Barbra Streisand -- Back On The Charts

The Essential Barbra Streisand album (2002) is back on the UK charts, five years after it gained the Number One spot. The album of Greatest Hits (and 2 new recordings) is currently Number 12 on the charts in the UK.

Barbra performed in London for the first time in 13 years, earlier this month. Her performance in Manchester on July 10th marked Barbra's first ever UK performance outside London.

BarbraNews.com would also like to point out that, while in London last week, for the Streisand shows -- Virgin and HMV had 'Barbra Streisand -- Live In Concert 2006' at Number One on their own charts.

Barbra Streisand Enthralls Fans At Her European Tour Finale!

Barbra Streisand Enthralls Fans At Her European Tour Finale!
(July 25th, London, UK)

Barbra Streisand mesmerized her capacity-packed audience at London's 02 Arena as she brought her first ever record-breaking, box-office European tour to an end.

Accompanied by a Broadway quartet and a 58-piece orchestra, Streisand performed many of the classic songs from her unique repertoire such as "Evergreen", "People", "The Way We Were", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and many more, to her star-studded audience that included legendary Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, Oscar-winning actor Ralph Fiennes, award-winning TV personality Sir David Frost OBE, actor John Lithgow, theatre and film director Sir Richard Eyre CBE and fashion designer and creator of the DKNY clothing label, Donna Karan.

During her whistle-stop tour of Europe, Streisand’s audiences have been filled with stars from across the globe, including actors Nicolas Cage, Pierce Brosnan, Richard E Grant, impresario Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, actresses Joan Collins and Kim Catrall, designers Randolph Duke, Julien Macdonald, novelist Kathy Lette, music manager Louis Walsh, Charles Aznavour, Jean Paul Belmondo and Alain Delon.

Streisand’s performances across Europe has received critical acclaim including Germany’s Suddeutsche Zeitung proclaiming, “Streisand is not only worth her money. She is next to pure gold.” Austria’s Kurier: “Barbra Streisand is a fantastic artist, one of the last divas, a kind of goddess, one of the very few that can change between different genres without stultifying.” Austria’s Osterreich: “An aura full of emotion and amazement was felt in the whole arena.” The UK’s Times newspaper: “Ruthlessly efficient sequence of anthems brought the audience to its feet.” The UK's Daily Mail hailed : "Barbra : The evergreen makes it all look so easy...her incredible vocal ability". Streisand's rendition of "Music of the Night" from "The Phantom of the Opera" was even greeted with a standing ovation from Lloyd Webber.

This followed her historic performance in Germany where she signed Berlin's prestigious Guest Book at the Waldbuhne in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit. The Guest Book remained in the City Hall and had never before in its history been moved from its resting place. A special exception was granted for Barbra Streisand.

Another highlight of the European tour for Streisand, prior to Berlin, was being presented with the Legion of Honour by President Sarkozy in Paris. The award is the highest honour that can be given to a civilian. President Sarkozy was quoted as saying: "you are the American we love".

BarbraNews Attends Final London Show

Craig Hall (BarbraNews.com) attended the final London show last night at the o2 Arena with best friend Tom Lewis. Full report coming soon.

Interview Delayed

As you all know, I'm in London for the final shows -- and I had a great time meeting and interviewing Richard Jay-Alexander at The Dorchester yesterday. The interview went great, but we ran out of tape -- so he's agreed to do the second part of the Interview today. As soon as I'm over the excitement of the show... and home from London -- I will post it.

Exclusive Interview -- Coming Tomorrow

... we'll have a VERY special interview tomorrow on BarbraNews.com. Keep checking back.

July 22 Fan Photos

2007 Tour: Exclusive Scrapbook

Click Here to be taken to our friends at BroadwayWorld.com -- for a very exciting (and exclusive) look at Barbra's 2007 tour through the eyes (or camera lens) of the four Broadway Guys.

Barbra Performs In London (...again)

Barbra's second night at the O2 in London: A Star-Studded Spectacular
Nicolas Cage, Pierce Brosnan, Dan Ackroyd, Bryan Adams, West Theatre favorite Elaine Paige, designer Julien Macdonald, Donna Karan and life-long fan Richard E. Grant (seeing the show for a second time!) all came out to London's O2 Dome last night to catch Barbra's second-to-last concert of her first ever European Tour. Barbra will perform her final show of the Tour this Wednesday at the O2. It will be a bitter-sweet ending to a phenomenal, record-breaking Tour.

Barbra Streisand First London Show in 13 Years Is Spectacular

Barbra Streisand returned to London after 13 years to eight standing ovations at the 02 Arena - the seventh stop on her first ever, record-breaking European tour.

Streisand's voice excelled in London's newest state of the art arena, which made the most of the incredible vocal range Barbra naturally exudes, much to the appreciation of the 15,000 capacity audience.

The star-studded audience included Impressario Andrew Lloyd Webber, actress Joan Collins, actor Richard E Grant, designer Randolph Duke, novelist Kathy Lette and other luminaries.

Streisand's rendition of "Music of the Night" from "The Phantom of the Opera" was greeted with a standing ovation from Lloyd Webber.

She paid tributes to composer Stephen Sondheim with his "Children Will Listen" from "Into the Woods" and designer Randolf Duke for. The audience were also privy to her daytime tour of London including to the Knightbridge store, Harrods, where she described how she got happily lost inside its famous Food Halls.

The audience listened intently as Streisand announced during her intimate Q&A session with them that the night was truly a special occasion for her - as it was her husband James Brolin's birthday.

A 58-piece orchestra and four male Broadway vocalists accompanied Streisand as she performed many of the classic songs from her unique repertoire such as "Evergreen", "People", "The Way We Were", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and many more.

Streisand's Manchester show received plaudits from across the UK including the Daily Telegraph who praised her : "enduring appeal". The Independent : "The power range and tonal quality of her voice becomes fully apparent...an enduring star quality". The Daily Mail hailed : "Barbra : The evergreen makes it all llook so easy...her incredible vocal ability ".

This followed her historic performance in Germany where she signed Berlin's prestigious Guest Book at the Waldbuhne in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit. The Guest Book remained in the City Hall and had never before in its history been moved from its resting place. A special exception was granted for Barbra Streisand.

It has been a fantastic European tour for Streisand who, prior to Berlin, was presented with the Legion of Honour by President Sarkozy in Paris. The award is the highest honour that can be given to a civilian. President Sarkozy was quoted as saying: "you are the American we love".

Streisand performed at Paris' Bercy on to a star-studded audience including the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Benard Kouchner, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dominique Bession, Charles Aznavour, Jean Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, Line Renaud and Cécilia Sarkozy, wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Barbra in London

First of three London shows. Tonight at the o2 Millennium Dome.

A True Superstar Delivers

Belfast Telegraph
Winner of countless awards, Barbra Streisand has recorded over 60 albums and remains one of the world's most prolific recording artists in addition to being a true legend of both stage and screen.

Yet such statistics never really do justice to her success.

Likewise, having witnessed Streisand's sensational and powerful singing at her first ever Irish concert appearance as part of a select few dates on her debut European tour, it is obvious that no choice of adjectives could ever do justice to the star quality that oozes from this lady.

Wearing a simple black evening dress and jacket and the inevitable sparkle that one would expect, a stunningly beautiful Streisand (who at 65, looks like a mature Jennifer Aniston) gave a flawless performance of a set dominated by big ballad style show songs.

With an illuminated stately home as a backdrop to the massive staging, which was large enough to accommodate and conceal most of her impressive 58 piece orchestra, the American performer was on top form and perfectly at ease (even abandoning her shoes at one point and bringing her husband on stage at the end) as she continually engaged with the 17,000 strong audience between numbers.

Every song may have been a show-stopper in its own right with each prompting yet another standing ovation for Brooklyn's Babs', but You Don't Bring Me Flowers, Somewhere(from West Side Story, with her male quartet of Broadway tenors) and the three encore songs, Don't Rain On My Parade, I've Dreamed of You and Smile (with the entire audience singing along) were particular stand-out moments.

In terms of performance and prestige this was easily the musical event of the year and worth the high ticket prices, which makes it all the more tragic that , for thousands, anticipation turned to frustration and anger as inadequare traffic controls and other organisational problems turned this dream into an expensive nightmare, causing them to miss most of the concert (I only got to my seat at 10.30pm!).

Thankfully, only a true superstar like Streisand can shine through such a shamble to make it still seem worthwhile.

Genuinely surprised by her warm and raucous welcome, I believe and hope that Streisand will be back, but I had to chuckle at the irony of the situation when she told the crowd: " I can't believe how long it has taken me to get here.."

Don't worry Barbra, thousands of latecomers took even longer!

Damien Murray

More Dublin Photos

Barbra On The Charts..

The Essential Barbra Streisand album has re-entered the British Charts at #25, 5 years after it's release. It originally went to #1 in 2002! Way to go, Barbra.

Barbra Wows Dublin

... despite nearly missing the start of her own concert due to traffic conditions, Barbra appeared onstage with an Umbrella at the beginning of her first ever Irish concert date on Saturday night in Dublin.

"While the majority of 17,000 fans who saw the legendary Barbra Streisand in concert enjoyed the show, promoters regret that some ticket holders were unable to have a great experience at this once in a lifetime event," the organisers said. "This was primarily due to adverse weather conditions, the worst in 100 years which added an extra dynamic to the already difficult driving conditions as a result of major road works on the M50/N4."

Highlights from the show:

Barbra sang "I've Dreamed Of You" as her first encore, for the first time since 2000. Barbra first heard the melody in Ireland, and was recorded by Barbra on her 1999 album 'A Love Like Ours'.

As Barbra exited the stage (from stage left), her husband, James came up the back center stairs to find Barbra, who then turned around to huge cheers, they then met on stage, kissed -- and exited together..

The star-studded audience included actress Kim Cattrall, singer Liam Clancy (who Marty Erlichman managed until the early 60s), music entrepreneur and TV personality Louis Walsh, writer Fionnuala Sherry, Broadway/West End / Canadian Theater Star Colm Wilkinson and other luminaries.

Barbra replaced "Down With Love" with "Come Rain Or Come Shine" as her second song.

During Don't Rain On My Parade, the audience rushed to the stage -- and formed a 'mosh pit' a la MTV Rock and Pop acts. Streisand seeemed to enjoy it as everyone snapped pictures and she took them directly in -- enjoying all the excitement.

During "Ask Barbra" -- an audience member asked "If you could go back in your life and change anything, would you?". Barbra replied "The truth is, I wouldn't change a thing". Another question was "Why do you think you have such a big gay following" -- "Really!? Are there Gay people here?" (to huge cheers). "I don't really know the answer to that, but I think it's because they have good taste".

Barbra Streisand Performs First Ever Open-Air Concert at Castletown House in Ireland

Barbra Streisand tonight continued her box-office, record-breaking European tour at Ireland's Palladian Mansion, the State Historic Castletown House, which was once the ancestral (O Conghaile) home of the former Speaker of the Irish House of Commons William Conolly.

This is the sixth stop on Streisand's first ever European tour, and it was her first performance in Ireland, as part of her series of concerts.

The star-studded audience included actress Kim Catrell, singer Liam Clancy, music entrepreneur and TV personality Louis Walsh, writer Fionnuala Sherry and other luminaries.

Streisand's 17,000 devoted fans braved the traffic queues due to the heavy downpours earlier to give her a standing ovation as she appeared in the palatial open-air setting. Relaxed and joking, Streisand chatted to the audience before the excited crowd alerted her to a giant rainbow that scaled the entire stage set above her head. Streisand commented: 'Wow. Rainbows are lucky, aren't they?' which prompted "Come Rain or Come Shine, " much to the delight of the audience.

A 58-piece orchestra accompanied Streisand as she performed many of the classic songs from her unique repertoire such as "Evergreen", "People", "The Way We Were", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and many more.

Streisand's Manchester show received plaudits from across the UK including the Daily Telegraph who praised her : "enduring appeal". The Independent : "The power range and tonal quality of her voice becomes fully apparent...an enduring star quality". The Daily Mail hailed : "Barbra : The evergreen makes it all llook so easy...her incredible vocal ability ".

This followed her historic performance in Germany where she signed Berlin's prestigious Guest Book at the Waldbuhne in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit. The Guest Book remained in the City Hall and had never before in its history been moved from its resting place. A special exception was granted for Barbra Streisand.

It has been a fantastic European tour for Streisand who, prior to Berlin, was presented with the Legion of Honour by President Sarkozy in Paris. The award is the highest honour that can be given to a civilian. President Sarkozy was quoted as saying: "you are the American we love".

Streisand performed at Paris' Bercy on to a star-studded audience including the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Benard Kouchner, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dominique Bession, Charles Aznavour, Jean Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, Line Renaud and Cécilia Sarkozy, wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The remaining dates for the Barbra Streisand European Tour are:


18 July London The O2 Arena
22 July London The O2 Arena
25 July London The O2 Arena

Barbra Streisand is the US music industry's #1 best-selling female recording artist. She is second in the all-time charts, ahead of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, exceeded only by Elvis. Streisand remains the only artist to receive an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Cable Ace, and Peabody Awards, and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

The tour is presented by Concert Productions International and Solo.
For tour and ticket information please go to www.barbrastreisand.com

Manchester Press Reviews

“…it is only in live performance, in her first UK appearance in the first tour she has ever done in Europe, that the power, range and unique tonal quality of her voice becomes fully apparent.”

“From the first song, the big ballad "Starting Here, Starting Now", the audience's faith was justified. It was a voice of enormous power but superb control.”

“…what is stunning is the sheer artistry of Streisand's interpretative range. She sings songs like she's telling a story, unfolding ‘Papa, Can You Hear Me’, from Yentl, as if it had the epic narrative of a grand opera. Some were simple, others were ferociously tricky, and yet they were each delivered with a deceptive ease. She made the lyrics of ‘What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life’ sound as though they were words she was spontaneously inventing and speaking to a single person in a private place.

The someone she was talking to was an arena full of fans who sent up cards bearing messages such as: "I have been waiting to see you the whole of my life." She progressed from one song to the next in a way which was not autobiographical so much as the story of the lives of those who listened. She was singing the soundtrack to their joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures.

There were some heavy swaths of sentimentality involved, but Streisand conveyed it with a freshness which was utterly uncloying. She sang "A Cockeyed Optimist" as if it had been written by Kurt Weil. Her encore, "Smile, though your heart is breaking" was dedicated to the drummer of her magnificent 60-strong orchestra. His sister, she hinted, had just undergone some terrible tragedy. She sang it slow, tinged with profound melancholy and enormous emotional power. A diva if ever there was one.”
Paul Vallely, THE INDEPENDENT

Barbra the evergreen makes it all look so easy

“Barbra Streisand in 'impeccable' voice in Manchester. …her voice was in fine fettle, conveying easygoing intimacy on a jazz-tinged Down With Love and getting the audience on to their feet at the end of an emotional People.”
The Daily Mail

"People," sang Barbra. "People who need people, are the luckiest people in the world."

Last night she had 14,000 of them, all eating out of her hands.
The Manchester Evening News

“FANS LOVE BABS” The Mirror

Manchester Photos

Press Quotes from Manchester

Independent- Broadway diva lives up to her billing - MEN Arena
Make no mistake, Barbra Streisand, even now at the age 65, is a star of the first firmament.

Daily Mail- Barbra the evergreen makes it all look so easy- Men Arena
The talk beforehand had been about exorbant ticket prices, but last night in Manchester, it was instead extraordinary vocal ability and enduring star quality that entranced a capacity crowd.

Mirror- £29 a song.. but fans love Babs - MEN Arena
At up to £600 a pop, its the hottest and most expensive ticket in town. And as Barbra kicked off her UK tour in Manchester last night, the question on everyone's lips was: Is It worth it? For most of the die- hard Babs fans at the MEN Arena it was a resounding Yes.

The Sun will run a review tomorrow

The Daily Express will run a review on Friday.

Reviews will follow in this week's Observer and The Sunday Express.

Barbra Streisand Manchester Debut Is Sensational

Barbra Streisand tonight continued her record-breaking European tour with yet another house box-office record at Manchester's M.E.N Arena.

This is the fifth stop on Streisand's first ever European tour, and it was her first performance as part of her UK series of concerts.

If the 14,000 fans in attendance were nervous about Streisand’s recent vocal illness it was quickly dissipated as Streisand was greeted by thunderous applause and a standing ovation upon taking the stage and again after the first song.

Over the course of the show several more standing ovations erupted from the rapturous crowd.

A 58-piece orchestra accompanied Streisand as she performed many of the classic songs from her unique repertoire such as "Evergreen", "People", "The Way We Were", "Don't Rain on My Parade" and many more.

The Manchester show was the first following doctor’s advice to rest her voice after her historic performance in Germany where she signed Berlin's prestigious Guest Book at the Waldbuhne in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit and MP Peter Schwenkow. The Guest Book lays in the City Hall and never before in its history has it been moved from its resting place. A special exception was granted for Barbra Streisand.

It has been a fantastic European tour for Streisand who, prior to Berlin, was presented with the Legion of Honour by President Sarkozy in Paris. The award is the highest honour that can be given to a civilian. President Sarkozy was quoted as saying: "you are the American we love".

Streisand performed at Paris' Bercy on to a star-studded audience including the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Benard Kouchner, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dominique Bession, Charles Aznavour, Jean Paul Belmondo, Alain Delon, Line Renaud and Cécilia Sarkozy, wife of President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The remaining dates for the Barbra Streisand European Tour are:


14 July Dublin Castletown House
18 July London The O2 Arena
22 July London The O2 Arena
25 July London The O2 Arena

Barbra Streisand is the US music industry's #1 best-selling female recording artist. She is second in the all-time charts, ahead of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, exceeded only by Elvis. Streisand remains the only artist to receive an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Cable Ace, and Peabody Awards, and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

The tour is presented by Concert Productions International and Solo.
For tour and ticket information please go to www.barbrastreisand.com

BarbraNews Meets Barbra.

Dear Barbra Fan -

I'm happy to report that tonight's show in Manchester exceed expectations -- and was one of Barbra's finest live performances, in my opinion.

I met Barbra tonight for the first time -- and she was so warm and generous -- even posing for a photograph (coming soon) -- and signing the programme.

Full report soon.

Craig Hall (BarbraNews.com / Lynne Pounder (All About Barbra Magazine) / Barbra Streisand / Steven Baxter (All About Barbra Magazine)

Paris Photos...

from Frederico Galhardo

Truth Alert

07.03.07
No Truth In London Poster Rumor
It seems we have yet another example of irresponsible journalism. A falsehood masquerading as fact has somehow made its way into a reputable newspaper. An unsourced and fictitious claim from over 10 years ago has been printed as fact in a recent UK daily stating that Barbra supposedly had posters for the London 1994 concerts removed because they displeased her. The reporter did not call Ms. Streisand, her representatives or her record label to check the facts in order to report the truth.

For some writers with an agenda, good news is no news and bad news is good news... even if fabricated.

THE TRUTH:

"I worked at Sony Music in 1994 and have investigated this piece of idle gossip thoroughly. I can tell you - categorically - that this story is completely untrue!" Paul Bursche, Communications Director, Sony BMG UK & Ireland.

More Fan Photos from Paris

Thanks to Albert from www.barbrastreisand.cat for these great photos.

BARBRA STREISAND CANCELS STOCKHOLM SHOW

Doctor Orders Streisand to Rest Her Voice

July 2, 2007 - 'Barbra Streisand European Tour 2007' promoter, Concert Productions International, regretfully announces the cancellation of the July 4th Stockholm show. Following doctor's advice, Streisand has been ordered to rest her voice for several days after developing a sore throat. The tour will now move on to Manchester where she is expected to perform as scheduled on July 10.

"I am disappointed at this unfortunate turn of events and so saddened to disappoint my fans. I was so looking forward to performing in the beautiful city of Stockholm" said Streisand.

The tour apologizes for any inconvenience due to the cancellation. Tickets must be exchanged where they have been bought, no later than August 4th.

The Brolin's Celebrate Wedding Anniversary

As announced in the German news magazine "Spiegel" Barbra and James celebrated their anniversary in Berlin yesterday. Together they visited the Jewish Museum, where they got a private guided tour and after that they had a private jubilee dinner at the restaurant "Paris-Moskau".

Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary -- Barbra and James

Interview with Barbra's 'Broadway Boys'.

Review of Berlin

From Curious33(BarbraNews.com Visitor)Just a quick review of the concert, as it is late here. Barbra gave 3 encores that included "The Summer Knows" again. She was enthusiastically greeted by the audience and received countless standing ovations.

What was NEW was an instrumental version of Barbra's wedding music from "The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse", to which she hummed several bars of the melody!! I hope somebody has taped this segment This was a gift to Barbra on the occasion of Barbra's and Jim's wedding anniversary by the conductor.

Later in the show, Jim appeared on stage with a huge cake which he presented to his wife. It was a touching moment. Barbra now introduces "Down with Love" by saying "Here's a little jazz for you".

The weather was a miracle, as it had been raining most of of the day of the concert.

Video of Berlin

Click here for video footage of Berlin -- The Way We Were and Starting Here Starting Now Footage.

Berlin Review

By Erik Kirschbaum

BERLIN (Reuters) - Barbra Streisand told a sell-out Berlin concert crowd on Saturday that she was delighted to perform in Germany for the first time after turning down several invitations in the past.

German media have linked the Jewish star's refusal to sing there previously to Germany's responsibility for the Holocaust and had hailed her decision to appear.

Streisand quickly warmed to the enthusiastic audience of 18,000 that gave her more than a dozen standing ovations.

"I'm so very happy to be in your country," Streisand said, speaking in flawless German, after the crowd warmed themselves up and brought her orchestra to their feet with a series of pre-concert stadium waves.

"It's exciting for me to be here, too," Streisand added before listing some of the things she likes about Germany -- from currywurst to apple strudel and Beethoven to Bach. She recited a Goethe poem, which she said was a lifelong favorite.

"Germany has always been a place where you buy a lot of my records. I feel very good here. I'm always amazed how music can transcend all our differences. Even though I may complain about certain things, I've come to look at the glass as half full."

Streisand, one of the best-selling female artists of all time, is on a six-week, eight-city tour through Europe.

"I'm really glad to be in your city -- it's filled with culture...and the deserts I love," Streisand said in the open-air Waldbuehne arena, next to Berlin's Olympic stadium used for the 1936 Olympics and tarnished by its association with the Nazis.

Paul Spiegel, late leader of Germany's Jewish community, said he had made repeated appeals to her to come, and, before dying last year, Spiegel blamed her refusal on the Holocaust.

Barbra Streisand was the only one," Spiegel said, when asked if artists had reservations about Germany. Spiegel, a top German talent agent, said he could understand her stance.

The 65-year-old singer did not want to comment on her reasons for not coming to Germany in her career before. But in a statement to Reuters on Friday she had said: "Germany is a very different place than it was before World War Two."

Born in New York to Jewish American parents in 1942, according to online biographies, Streisand has never played outside North America except for London and Australia.

"Thank you for coming to Berlin!" shouted one fan at one point late in her 2-1/2 hour long show.

"It's my pleasure -- I'm thrilled to be here," she replied.

(Additional reporting by Mike Collett-White in London)

Barbra In Berlin -- Tonight.