An unrealistic dream becomes reality

For a longer length of time the "Ice Castle project" has seemed an unrealistic dream. The finances never seemed to come together. Artist found other work that was paid and it was challenging to keep the whole thing going. This autumn we got some more financial support and I decided to just go for it! I feel a bit crazy doing this, but at the same time it feels good. The music is written, the script has had its final touches, the costumes are ready and the director and actors have started to prepare individually. In March we are going to work and live together for an intense week before we have four performances. The venue is very intimate; it is in an old school called Eggaodden skole, built in 1891, used as a school until 1956. An artist called Elbjørg Raknes has redecorated it and it is now open for artists in residence. Artists can rent the place, live and work there and hold performances. Really looking forward to start the artistic work now. Never saw myself as a producer, but I have learnt a lot so far. The work has given me great insight in the theatrical freelance world and has made me very grateful. I can now see how much work people have done for me behind the scenes. So I can concentrate on the performance work a local theatre group and some volunteers will be helping me with the marketing, selling tickets and some of the administrative work. I am so grateful. Feel so lucky and cant wait to start working with the other performers Tina Margaretha Nilssen and Kathrine Strugstad and the director Ane Aas. The whole thing kicks off on the 8th of March with performances 17th - 19th of March! Very exciting

CONCERTS IN WALES

Being a singer isn't always easy. You often question if you are good enough. Always looking for perfection. Concerts such as these are such a good reminder of what making music and singing is all about. Enjoying yourself. Giving the audience a memory and bringing people together. I met so much kindness and people were so grateful. It was such a joy to sing with John again and I feel blessed that I am able to make a living out of my singing. Hope to return to the UK in the autumn and do some more concerts:)You never know in this buisness! Let the adventure begin!

FIRST REHEARSAL WITH MAHLER

Had a challenging day with these technical rehearsing, but although I at times find the whole thing tedious, there is a light inside me that keeps me going. It is such an amazing feeling when things just flow through your body effortless. These are moments that just keeps you going i guess. A singers world hey? The voice is a fascinating thing. Looking forward to the first Mahler rehearsal to day. The alto part isn´t that amazing on it´s own;) Great composer and fantastic piece of music! Feel lucky to be a part of this project!

Looking ahead

Found out that I had qualified, but that I didn´t get in to Norges Musikkhøgskole in Oslo.We were 15 singers who applied and they only needed one singer this year. Not everybody did qualify, so I am happy that i did, still a place there would have been fantastic. Very disappointed, but started to make other plans. Got a concert in Nidarosdomen and projects with TSO´s vocal ensemble in march. Sara Aimee Smiseth and I plan to do some concerts and maybe enter some duo competitions. John Mills and I have concerts in May and Rebecca Moon and I are having a concert in London in May.I just got to continue on working on my technique and do a lot of mental work. Never give up!

Audition in Oslo

A long period of preparation is over and I have started to look at Mahler and more solo repertoire. The audition for the Master degree on monday was a good experience, but I was a little bit to nervous. Did some silly mistakes, but also did a lot of good things. No matter what the result will be I have improved a lot through this process and intend to carry on working. I wish to develop my voices full potential and fulfill my dreams. You only live once!Think it plan it do it:-)

BAD BOYS CONCERT OLAVSHALLEN

A intense and exiting week has come to and end. I feel a bit sad, didn´t want it to come to an end. It was an amazing feeling to stand there on stage with Bryn, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra and Garreth. Olavshallen was packed with people applauding loudly and shouting BRAVO almost after every number. I dream about standing in from of an audience in such a way. There is a lot of hard work behind such a career. I just got to keep at it, one step at the time, never give up. Bryn seemed like a friendly and down to earth person. He chatted a lot to the chorus and orchestra members. Both Garreth and Bryn seemed impressed with the chorus to. "I want to take you with me on tour" he said after our first rehearsal. "Yes please" we all shouted:) Hope he comes back to Trondheim again soon! Really looking forward to May and concerts in Wales with John now. This whole event brought back a lot of good memories. I miss my Welsh friends and lovely Wales..

FIRST REHEARSAL WITH BRYN TERFEL

Had our first rehearsal with Bryn Terfel and Trondheim Symfoni Orchestra to day :-)Feeling kind of proud to be part of this. He is such a great performer with such a natural voice. Can´t wait until tomorrows concert!