On the 7th of September, Sissel will perform in concert in the Oslo Spektrum with the Broadcast Orchestra backing her up, but already two days prior to that, she'll appear in the Drammen Theatre with thoughts of a TV special for NRK, and a live recording for CD and DVD release — an authentic "Best of Sissel" with full symphony orchestra and new arrangements by Kjetil Bjerkestrand.

"I will give a glimpse of my entire career, which means a broad repertoire — from 'Vestland, Vestland' to 'Prince Igor.' The new arrangements will preserve the songs' identity, so it's not discomforting," said Sissel.

Yesterday, she showed exactly what she meant for a limited selection of journalists in NRK's Big Studio. Together with the Broadcast Orchestra she first performed the celtic-influenced pop song "Weightless" from her last album, "All Good Things." Thereafter, she receieved cries of brava for her performance of the Puccini aria "O Mio Bambino Caro."

"I think it's so beautiful with a symphony orchestra and I feel a strong need to sing something classical when I have such a possibility," said Sissel.

She reveals at the same time that she has had to decline several requests for appearances where a symphony orchestra was required. Among others, she has been invited two years in a row to perform in the legendary Hollywood Bowl.

"We were inspired by those requests, and that was the reason we began to work on this project in February this year. Now that we finally have the concept, we can accept such opportunities when they pop up again.," she said.

At the same time, Sissel plans to conquer the smaller club stages with a regular band this Fall.

But before that, she'll experience her largest live audience up til now in her career. The last Friday in June she will appear namely at the Roskilde festival's largest stage — the Orange Stage — together with Sort Sol before an expected audience of 70,000 enthusiastic Scandinavians.

"I've been told it's a bit crazy. But I'm very excited!"







Verdens Gang and The Sissel Website -- 14. June 2001



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