A 13-year-old singer-songwriter from Great Missenden has opened up following a wave of rave reviews of her performances within the county.

Soraya Varriale, who goes under the stage name of Soraya Ray, recently took to the stage at the Wycombe Town and Country show where she received ‘overwhelmingly positive feedback’ from not only spectators, but from the show’s organisers.

This has led the teen to receive an invite to tour with the festival nationwide.

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Her rapid rise through Buckinghamshire’s pool of musical talents is the result of having a passion for music and constant practice, and with her videos on Instagram receiving hundreds of views, the schoolgirl has developed dreams of performing at one of the country’s biggest festivals in years to come.

Soraya has only just started performing publicly

People can be so kind, wait until the end 💕 My version of Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis, a real tearjerker 🥺 @elvis @haleyreinhart #elvis #elvispresley #haleyreinhart #canthelpfallinginlovewithyou #busking #busker #live #cover #acoustic #fender #guitar #takamineguitars #highwycombe #love #sorayarayhaslostherway

Posted by Soraya Ray on Monday, 5 July 2021

She told the Free Press: “ I love music so much and it’s my favourite thing ever.

“I started learning how to sing and play the guitar in year four and in the first lockdown (March 2020), I started to write [music] as I love to express myself with my songs.

“I also love showing my songs [to people] and I love that feeling so much.

“I did not think people would be so nice [to me] and I just find it crazy with all the comments that I see on Instagram, when I busk or when I gig.

“I can’t believe how kind they are.

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“It’s amazing and I haven’t even done that much yet!”

The summer ahead for Soraya is lined up to be a busy one as the teenager is due to perform at the Missenden Abbey Summer Fair and the Polecat Summer Festival in August.

Soraya performing 

This is a snippet from my own song ‘Sun In My Eyes’ ☀️☀️☀️ It’s about being fed up with that one person 😒 What do you think of it? Hope you love it 😘 #orginal #music #live #acoustic #festival #gig #guitar #fender #takamineguitars #love #sorayarayhaslostherway

Posted by Soraya Ray on Wednesday, 30 June 2021

She also has several gigs booked in London, and has performed in Missenden’s Matilda's cafe and as well as busking.

And what makes this even more impressive is that Soraya’s online presence, invites and positive reviews have only come in the last four weeks.

A rapid rise for someone who only started to song write just over a year ago.

She continued: “I have so many dreams I would love to achieve but I think the main thing is to get my music out there and see if people like it.

“My biggest dream however is to perform at Glastonbury as that will be the ultimate dream for me.”

Soraya’s mum, Sophia, added: “To see a young talent like Soraya just feeling so happy and comfortable and in her element makes me so proud as she has achieved a lot and I am incredibly happy for her.

“She is a very level headed girl who is taking everything with the right attitude and in the right way.

“She is the dream daughter – I couldn’t ask for more.

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“She is a blessing.”

“The momentum and buzz she has built in this very short time period has been breathtaking.”

To and watch and listen to Soraya’s music, visit her Instagram by going to @sorayaray11.