Final Fantasy
Renowned for her electrifying live concert performances, Donna captivates audiences worldwide with her dynamic range and emotive delivery. Her vocal versatility shines through in haunting ballads and energetic themes alike, as exemplified by her notable work in the Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy series.
In 2003's Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, Donna narrated the game and sang the opening and closing songs, "Morning Sky" and "Moonless Starry Night," composed by Kumi Tanioka. She adapted the lyrics from Japanese into English and wrote new lyrics for the 2020 remastered version.
For 2009's Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers, Donna performed "Kuule tää unelmain" and "Ephemeron," composed by Hidenori Iwasaki and Ryo Yamazaki. Sung in Finnish, "Kuule tää unelmain" added a mystical layer to the game's soundtrack, with Donna's ethereal, warm tones contributing to its haunting beauty.
In 2018, legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu commissioned Donna to write lyrics for "Choosing Hope" in Final Fantasy XV: Comrades, further solidifying her place in video game music history.
Over the years I’ve had the chance to sing “Morning Sky” and “Moonless Starry Night”, live, many times and I even rerecorded them with Ganime Jazz in 2017, so now, they’re a part of me.
I’ve met with fans online and at concerts and conventions who’ve told me how much they love these songs. That is so special to me.
Back in 2003, I was waiting for my career to really blossom. Now, in 2020, I remember the weight of my hopes and dreams and the worry that I wouldn’t achieve much and so now feel immense gratitude for the work I’ve been able to do in this field.
When you listen to “Morning Sky” from Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, I want you to remember, “the times when my friends stayed near”. Ask yourself, are you now “stronger, wiser than when you first met them?" Be “happy if it’s true” and thank them.Be glad you were smart enough to choose good friends and that you are growing into a better person alongside them.
For “Morning Sky” I hope you feel uplifted, hopeful and determined to “walk into the dark carrying the light of tomorrow.”
I trust you will listen to your own heart, that speaks “deep inside, so silently.”
My Final Fantasy friends, I hope you are moved to cry when you hear beautiful music and are healed and comforted by your tears.
“March on, cherish hope and believe.”