Hannah Holgersson

Glamour in February - ...while the snow is melting!

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...while the snow is melting!

Finally Spring time is approaching....After months of snow and cold it has been warmer for a couple of days, and the result is melting snow!
This "in between season"-weather is not the most fun part of the year and needs some glamour to lighten up! Last night's performance was full of glitter and sparkle....a great ending of the month of February!=)

Golden dress goes well with a glamour night!

...and a glittery baby!;-)

Händel... - ...with passion and joy!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...with passion and joy!

The conductor Olof Boman is a superb interpret of the music by G F Händel and during the past month, in a production with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, I have had the opportunity to work with Olof and some Händel music for both solo and ensemble!

Last night was a joyful concert in the Stockholm Concert Hall together with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, the excellent German baroque ensemble Elbipolis and the conductor Olof Boman! Except for music by Händel we also performed music by Benjamin Britten and David Swärd.

Me and my sweet co-singer Mia Lundell after the concert!

Olof Boman during rehearsal with the ensemble Elbipolis. Ulla-Carin Börjesdotter is doing her solo aria.

Evening music... - ...for the heart and the soul!

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...for the heart and the soul!

Yesterday me and my brother in law, Joakim Holgersson, were guests of the Evening Music in Grindtorpskyrkan, Täby. Despite the snow storm and the traffic difficulties many people managed to come and listen! There were beautiful moments when we lightened candles and when the music and lyrics were as one.

Joakim Holgersson and the organist Göran Nygren in the sunset.

My wonderful co-musician and pianist Joakim Holgersson and me by the candles!

Happy Valentine's day!! - ...of 2010

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...of 2010

Love from my heart

to You all!

Sweet colleagues - ...and challenging music!

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...and challenging music!

This week has been a reminder of all dear, wonderful and brilliant colleagues of mine! It's a great honor to work with such excellent musicians!=)

The conductor Olof Boman helping me preparing my solo aria in the coming Händel concert.

The composer Kristina Forsman introducing Olle Persson and me to her new opera. The first performance is scheduled to the coming fall.

My student Ingrid Söderhulth in action!

Me and my co-singers Maria Nordstedt and Sofia Niklasson after performing tonight in the City Hall of Stockholm. The picture also includes three hidden people....;-)

The wonder of choral music - ...during Jubilate 2010!

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...during Jubilate 2010!

The concerts this past weekend has been dedicated to the music festival Jubilate, arranged by the churches in the area of Stockholm. Yesterday I was a part of two concerts. The first one in the Gustav Vasa Church singing music by Benjamin Britten, conducted by Lars Fredén.

The second one took place in the St Tomas Church, Vällingby, and supported the situation in Haiti. During this concert the vocal ensemble Voci VESTO, conducted by Christoffer Holgersson, did two first performances of music by Kjell Perder and Fredrik Sixten. The program did also include music by Gabriel Jackson, Britten, Thomas Weelkes and Jonathan Rathbone. A great ending of a weekend full of choral wonder!

Sofia Niklasson, me and Mia Lundell ready to perform with Voci VESTO.

Christoffer Holgersson during dress rehearsal.

Beautiful music for choir - ...in churches of Stockholm!

Sat, 6 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...in churches of Stockholm!

This weekend is filled with great music for mixed choir a cappella! The concerts take place in four different churches of Stockholm. Today started with the piece "A.M.D.G" by Benjamin Britten, conducted by Lars Fredén in St Jacob's Church.

Me and my dear colleague Mia Lundell after performing A.M.D.G by Britten in St Jacob's Church.

This concert was followed by an evening concert in Katarina Church where the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir performed music by Sergei Rachmaninoff. This time with conductor Maria Goundorina.

The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir during rehearsal!

Changing... - ...into something better!

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...into something better!

Betel Folkhögskola where I teach!

Sometimes we work hard to get to a higher level of some kind. Today I experienced the dream of a teacher; hard work and the right keys in the right moment gives result...! During a students' concert earlier today I could see their hard work giving result and their change into richer singers! A wonderful moment indeed!=)

Annika Bergmark and Jacob Alm in action. Annika singing music by J Rodrigo!

Elsa Maria Axelsson singing music by E Grieg.

During the evening rehearsal, with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, big changes and progress were done with the Rachmaninoff music we are performing on Saturday.

Maria Goundorina giving instructions with her Russian origin.

Me and my soprano colleague Kia Wedin!

This week is charged... - ...with great music for choir a cappella!

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...with great music for choir a cappella!

"The world is charged..." (G M Hopkins) is the beginning of one of the movements in the master piece A.M.D.G by Benjamin Britten. This is one of the great pieces for choir a cappella that I'm singing in different vocal ensembles this week.
Except for Britten we are doing music by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Gabriel Jackson, Thomas Weelkes as well as Swedish composers as Kjell Perder and Fredrik Sixten!

During rehearsal today in the Gustaf Vasa Church with conductor Lars Fredén.

Conductor Christoffer Holgersson during another rehearsal today in St Tomas Church.

The vocal ensemble Voci VESTO...

...and me during a break, letting my little baby have a break from hearing my soprano voice over and over again...!;-)

Off stage - ...in a winter wonder land!

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...in a winter wonder land!

Since my tour in Scotland the month of January has been scheduled for preparations and projects off stage. Except for rehearsals of coming concerts I have been teaching singing students both individually and in class. To get the opportunity to inspire and encourage becoming singers and artists and to be a part of their development is so exciting and fun but also a great challenge!!

The month of January has also been a winter wonder! The snow is reflecting the sun and the light, and reminds us of the coming spring time!=)

Beautiful Stockholm...

Winter greetings to You all!!=)

Final Viennese New Year Concert - ...in Ayr!

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...in Ayr!

The ending concert of the New Year Tour with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra was held tonight in Ayr Town Hall at the west coast of Scottland. As during the previous concerts it was a night of brilliant co-musicians and fantastic and welcoming audiences!
I'm so grateful to have been invitied to these New Year Festivities and I'm looking forward to see beautiful Scotland again and to new co-operations!

The Ayr Town Hall!

Me ready to enter the stage!

The Viennese New Year Concert of 2010!

Perth Concert Hall - ...a joyful evening!

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...a joyful evening!

The third Viennese New Year Concert was held tonight in a sold out Perth Concert Hall! I'm still amazed how wonderful and welcoming people are everywhere in this country of Scotland!!! I wish that Scottish people always were my audience!!!=)

During rehearsal in the Perth Concert Hall!

Makeup and other necessities for the stage...!;-)

Shoes, boas, roses....!

...and Hannah ready to sing the Doll song by Offenbach!

Sold out Viennese Concert in Dumfries - ...and day off in Edinburgh!

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...and day off in Edinburgh!

Yesterday we had a marvellous night in Dumfries (The Queen of the South!) doing the Viennese New Year Concert for the second time! The hall was sold out and the audience was fantastic!=)

Nicolae Moldoveanu and me just before the concert!

During rehearsal with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra!

Today I had a day off and did some sightseeing in beautiful Edinburgh! As you can see there is some snow here at the moment. For the Scottish people it's not that common at all with snow....but for a Swede it feels like home!=)

Me at the Edinburgh Castle!

Me outside S:t Margaret's Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh)...and my second name is Margaret (Margareta)!

S:t Margaret....(are we alike?!=))

Première of the Viennese New Year Concerts - ...in Usher Hall, Edinburgh!

Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

...in Usher Hall, Edinburgh!

The première of the New Year Concert Tour with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra was held tonight in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh! Great musical moments and a marvellous audience (about 1500 people!)!
After this wonderful start we are heading for Dumfries tomorrow! Most welcome!=)

Me and the fantastic conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu!

Me ready to go on stage in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh!

Visiting the Usher Hall - ...and meeting the Scottish Chamber Orchestra!

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...and meeting the Scottish Chamber Orchestra!

The Scottish Chamber Orchestra during rehearsal with conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu!

It's a good ending of the year meeting the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and preparing the coming New Year Concerts! Great people and superb musicians!=) Looking forward to the première tomorrow night!

We met in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, where we are going to perform tomorrow.

Nicolae Moldoveanu and me after rehearsal!

The Usher Hall from the outside!

Later on today I will meet the conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu to go through some details....and then ending this year and decade on Scottish ground!

From my heart to You all:

A happy, sparkling and blessed new year 2010!!!

Arrival Edinburgh - ...for New Year Concerts!

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...for New Year Concerts!

Tonight I arrived at Edinburgh for a week of New Year Concerts! It was nice catching up for a short moment with conductor Nicolae Moldoveanu with whom I had the honor doing music last year during the Swedish Proms Concerts.

Tomorrow I will meet the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for the first time. I'm looking forward to shape the music together with Moldoveanu and the orchestra into a sparkling première on Friday night!

But first a good nights sleep and I hope my missing luggage has arrived tomorrow morning!

No Christmas... - ...without music!

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...without music!

Every Christmas, since I was a little girl, I have been singing and playing the cello together with the rest of my family! It has always been a great joy to share the message of Light and Love to those people who have come to listen!=)

This year was no exception. Me and my brother Simon Boström sang together on Christmas Eve in the St Tomas Church and my husband Christoffer Holgersson played the organ and piano!

Simon Boström during rehearsal!

Christoffer Holgersson at the piano!

My dear husband Christoffer and me after performing!

Love and Light to You all!!

Christmas Oratorio times two... - ...superb beginning of the Christmas holidays!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...superb beginning of the Christmas holidays!

This past weekend I have enjoyed the beautiful, sensible and joyful music of J S Bach. I have been singing his Christmas Oratorio together with the vocal ensemble Voci Vesto, the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble, the St Tomas Chamber Choir and conductor Christoffer Holgersson!

We did the concert twice; in the Sabbatsberg Church Stockholm and in the St Tomas Church Vällingby, and both concerts were sold out! There couldn't be a better beginning of the Christmas Holidays than with this music!=)

Conductor Christoffer Holgersson and the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble during dress rehearsal in the St Tomas Church!

Me and my sweet colleagues Mia Lundell and Sofia Niklasson before the concert!

Sold out Christmas Concert - ...with Stockholms Studentsångare!

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...with Stockholms Studentsångare!

Singing in the winter wonder land....it's snowing....and snowing even more!!!

Another great concert tonight with Stockholms Studentsångare! The past week I have been singing with both Lunds Studentsångare and Stockholms Studentsångare, and it's a lovely feeling to combine the high soprano voice with male choir!=)

During dress rehearsal in the Högalid Church!

The conductor Jerica Gregorc Bukovec and me ready to perform!

Christmas concert... - ...and the snow is falling!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...and the snow is falling!

Back in Stockholm new Christmas concerts are waiting. Tonight I performed in the Gustaf Vasa Church with the Stockholms Studentsångare and conductor Jerica Gregorc Bukovec. Pianist and organist of the evening was Joakim Andersson!

Most welcome to listen to this concert with traditional Christmas songs and carols tomorrow nigth at 19.30 in the Högalid Church, Stockholm!=)

During dress rehearsal!

The stage of tonight; the Gustaf Vasa Church, Stockholm!

Passing 100 000... -

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This week my website celebrated its visitor number 100 000, and I'm looking forward to continue sharing news and updates about my life as a singer and artist to another 100 000....!=)
Most welcome to You all!

Lucia greetings from Hannah!=)

Another sparkling night - ...in the Malmö Concert Hall!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...in the Malmö Concert Hall!

The second Lussikal Concert became another superb evening and the audience was enthusiastic! And like last night this concert was sold out!=)

Read about the concert in the Kvällsposten review HERE!
http://www.kvp.se/noje/musik/1.1810246/harliga-hanforande-hannah

Me as Lucia and my handsome male co-singers from Lunds Studentsångare!

From the "Bella Notte-scene"...

The host Anders Lundin, me and the composer Christoffer Nobin!

Successful première of the Lussikal 2009 - Sold out concert!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Sold out concert!

After intense rehearsals the première of the Lussikal 2009 (Lucia concert) was successful! The atmosphere in the Malmö Concert Hall was fantastic and the audience superb! I'm really looking forward to perform this Christmas program once more tomorrow night!
It's an honor being on stage with such great co-musicians as the Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Lunds Studentsångare, conductor Andreas Hanson and the host Anders Lundin!

Lunds Studentsångare, The Malmö Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andreas Hanson during dress rehearsal!

Me signing and meeting the audience after the concert!

Advent...to be waiting and longing for that special child!=)

Arrival at the Malmö Concert Hall - ...and first rehearsal!

Tue, 8 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...and first rehearsal!

Today I took an early morning train to the very south of Sweden and to Malmö (the capital of Skåne!)! It's always a pleasure visiting this part of Sweden where I grew up, listening to the special dialect and observing how people express themselves!

And in a couple of days I will get a new opportunity to perform in the area and to meet the Malmö citizens! I will this year be the soloist of the "Lussikal concert" in the Malmö Concert Hall together with the Lunds Studentsångare and the Malmö Symphony Orchestra!

Today I met the orchestra and conductor Andreas Hanson in the first rehearsal of the production. Tomorrow everything and everyone will be put together; the orchestra, the choir, me and the host Anders Lundin!

The Malmö Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal with conductor Andreas Hanson!

Me at my dressing room!

Recording of the Choral Fantasy - ...with Andrew Parrott and Ronald Brautigam!

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...with Andrew Parrott and Ronald Brautigam!

Today was the recording day of the Choral Fantasy by Beethoven! The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir (with solo singers...) and the pianist Ronald Brautigam did our very best conducted by maestro Andrew Parrott!

Andrew Parrott giving final instructions. Ronald Brautigam in the background!

Me focusing on my solo part....!=)

The De Geer Hall; excellent recording room!
In the picture from the left; Mia Lundell, Maria Sanner and Marie Olhans.

Andrew Parrott and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir - ...doing Brahms and Beethoven!

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...doing Brahms and Beethoven!

The De Geer Hall in Norrköping.

The past week we have been rehearsing music by Beethoven and Brahms for the concert in the De Geer Hall, Norrköping, this afternoon! I'm very lucky to sing with superb musicians such as the conductor Andrew Parrott, the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and the brilliant pianist Ronald Brautigam.

...and on Monday the Beethoven Choral Fantasy will be recorded as well!=)

Andrew Parrott with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal!

The head of the Ericson Chamber Choir during this project; Hans Vainikainen, together with the alto Mia Lundell!

My dear friend and colleague Mia Lundell and me after the concert, on our way back to Stockholm!

Christmas season - ...waiting and preparing!

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:57:00 +0100

...waiting and preparing!

Christmas is surprising me every year...
When planning for the events and concerts of the Christmas season it always seems so far away...but suddenly it's time to lighten the first candle of Advent and the concerts are about to get started...
...so here we go again..;-)

Even if this season is loaded with music and performances, I try to enjoy the message of Advent; to focus on the light and on the good news of joy and peace to everyone....to You and to me!=)

Many exciting projects are ahead!! The past few days I have been rehearsing and preparing music for Christmas and New Year. Yesterday I also planned the coming music year with the ensemble Trio Cambre (Hanna Wiklund, violin and Daniel Johansson, guitarr).

Hanna Wiklund and Daniel Johansson in Trio Cambre!

Rehearsal with the Stockholms Studentsångare and conductor Jerica Gregorc Bukovec!

Me after the evening rehearsal!

A dramatic meeting - ...number ten!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...number ten!

Yesterday the extract from the coming opera "Meeting with impediment" was performed again during an accordion festival at the Royal Acadamy of Music in Stockholm. We performed it then for the tenth time this autumn!=)
Next year the final scenes of the opera will be ready for action. More information to come!

Yesterday was the first time though we did the scene in a concert. The concert audience was more aware of details and appreciated moments in the dialogue in a different way than the audience that stopped spontaneously to watch the opera in a shopping mall!
Since the concert audience knew the scene was a part of the program they laughed more and didn't get afraid that the drama was for real!

The superb Olle Persson and me! Friends at last!;-)

Me and composer Kjell Perder!

Stockholm Uppsala... - ...Uppsala Stockholm

Mon, 2 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...Uppsala Stockholm

This weekend I have been travelling between Stockholm and Uppsala back and forward...first one Requiem in each city during the Saturday and yesterday a concert in Uppsala Concert Hall and then an autumn concert in Järfälla (Stockholm)....

The concert in the Uppsala Concert Hall; "Hela kyrkan sjunger" (A singing church) was full of spirit and passion and the audience was singing along in the famous sacred songs.

Me on stage during rehearsal!

...and together with the choir conducted by Margit Borgström!

The hosts Rolf and Margit Borgström together with pianist Magnus Spångberg!

Part of the band; Jonas Lidholm (drums), Magnus Gidlund (guitarr), Johan Tjernström (base) and the choir in the background!
(The pianist Sebastian Robertsson missing in the pic)

Me getting ready...

Leaving Uppsala as soon as possible I was able, with help by my wonderful husband Christoffer who assisted as my driver, to get in time to the second concert of the day. During the autumn concert of Järfälla Brass Band I was the guest soloist and offered the audience music from various genres such as opera, musical and folk music. A great ending of the weekend!

The pianist Stig Andersson and me after the concert!

Requiem times two... - ...by Rutter and Dobrogosz

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...by Rutter and Dobrogosz

Today I enjoyed being a part of two great Requiems of our time; by John Rutter and my dear colleague Steve Dobrogosz. I did the music by Rutter in Solna Church (Stockholm) in the afternoon and later in the evening the Dobrogosz Requiem was performed in Uppsala Domkyrka! All seats were taken at both concerts! Wonderful!=)

Tomorrow I go back to Uppsala for one more concert and in the late afternoon an autumn concert in Järfälla! Most welcome!
More information on CALENDAR!

Conductor Märta Ideström Danell and me before the Rutter Requiem in Solna Church!

Preparing All Saints' Day - ...in Stockholm and in Uppsala!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Today I have been rehearsing the four concerts of this coming weekend of All Saints' Day. This is important days to remember those people who are dear to us...family and friends...and music is one great way to honor our beloved ones. Therefore most churches are holding concerts these days with music of light and love!

The rehearsals of today prepared the concert on Sunday in Uppsala; Hela kyrkan sjunger (A singing church)....

My colleague Gladys del Pilar rehearsing one of her songs together with the band conducted by Magnus Spångberg. The concert hosts Margit and Rolf Borgström are listening.

...as well as the concert tomorrow night, also in Uppsala, the Requeim by Steve Dobrogosz.

The Uppsala Domkyrkokör and musicians from the Royal Stockholm Opera Orchestra preparing the Requiem with conductor Milke Falck in Uppsala Domkyrka!

Most welcome to listen to these concerts! More information on CALENDAR!

Old songs and new songs... - ...and the soul of the music never dies!

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and the soul of the music never dies!

The Nacka Church in autumn light!

Yesterday we (the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir) did the last concert mixing chorales by Bach and Mendelssohn together with Klezmer music, and this time in the Nacka Church, Stockholm. The audience was as thrilled as the other night and hopefully new contacts are made for interesting cooperations in the future!

The great oboe player as well as a superb klezmer singer; Henrik Goldschmidt and me becoming new friends!

...and an old and dear friend and colleague of mine; Mia Lundell and me before the concert!

After singing old and spiritual songs during the week, today was planned for making some new songs, and hopefully as everlasting as the old ones!;-)

Me and Peter Hägerås creating....!

Among Klezmer and Chorales - The Eric Eriscon Chamber Choir in the Oscar Church

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The Eric Eriscon Chamber Choir in the Oscar Church

Yesterday I was a part of an exciting mixture of two different music styles; klezmer and classical chorales by Bach and Mendelssohn. The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir was a part of this fusion and met the superb klezmer musicians Henrik Goldschmidt (singing and oboe) and Anders Vesterdahl (accordion) in a spectacular concert in the Oscar Church, Stockholm.
Many people were curious about this fusion and when the concert started every seat was taken! If You missed the occasion there is one more concert of this program tonight in Nacka Church! Most welcome! More information on CALENDAR!

The great tenor and co-singer of mine; Björn Paulson and me happy after a wonderful performance!

Happy members of the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir; Lotta Gullberg, Marie Olhans and me!

22 performances... - ...in 22 days!

Sun, 4 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...in 22 days!

Last night I participated in a concert with music by Francis Poulenc and Benjamin Britten in St Tomas Church, Vällingby. My great co-singers in the vocal ensemble Voci VESTO are friends and colleagues from both the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir as well as the Swedish Radio Choir. Conductor of the evening was (my beloved!) Christoffer Holgersson!
This concert was my 22nd in 22 days.....I'm really lucky to get the opportunity to do so many different kinds of music and to meet so many superb co-musicians!=)

Voci VESTO from the left: Me, Ulla-Carin Börjesdotter, Mia Lundell, Lotta Gullberg, Björn Gäfvert, Mikael Stenbaek, Love Enström, Johan Pejler and Staffan Liljas.

Ulla-Carin Börjesdotter and me during final preparations!

End of Attack.... - ...but to be continued!

Thu, 1 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...but to be continued!

I'm working high speed at the moment....returning at noon from Gothenburg I changed into my "Lisbeth Salander-character" (Stieg Larsson) and went down to Söderhallarna (south part of Stockholm) and did together with my superb colleagues Olle Persson and Anita Agnas the three last performances of the opera scene Attack (music: Kjell Perder, director: Elisabet Ljungar). Many people gathered and gave us a lot of appreciation! Now we are looking forward to perform the entire music of the opera "Meeting with impediment"....to be continued!!!

Anita Agnas and me in between the shows!

As a closure of the day I had a rehearsal with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir preparing coming concerts later on this month!!
Tomorrow rehearsals of music by F Poulenc and B Britten and some teaching!!!! High life!=)

Drumming - ...with Kroumata!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with Kroumata!

During rehearsal of Drumming at the Music Academy Artisten in Gothenburg!

Since 2003 I have been performing the master piece Drumming by the composer Steve Reich, and together with the great percussionists in the ensemble Kroumata!! 2007 we did the piece when Steve Reich received the Swedish Polar Music Prize and got the opportunity to work with the legend himself!=)
Listen to a short part of the music from the 2007 performance in the Stockholm Concert Hall:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PqIdpnL3f0

The Drumming stage at Artisten, Gothenburg!

Tonight Drumming was a part of the Festival ISCM World New Music days in Gothenburg, and the audience was thrilled and responded with standing ovations!

Before going back to Stockholm tomorrow and three new performances of the opera "Attack" I will try to get some sleep.....!=)

Me and my fantastic co-singer Sofia Niklasson before the concert!

...and here with one of the percussionists; Olof Olsson!

New week...new projects... - ...teaching, choir and musical!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...teaching, choir and musical!

From one thing to another! That is what makes this profession so exciting!!!=)
After contemporary opera this past weekend I started the last week of September with some (voice) teaching, then a rehearsal of a vocal ensemble (Voci VESTO) program that is to be performed on Saturday. And the day ended with a runthrough of the score Dracula the musical (music and lyrics; Daniel Engström and Daniel Bergström). The musical is scheduled for June 2010 in Rockford Illinois, USA. (More information on http://www.draculathemusical.se/)

Tomorrow I leave for Gothenburg and preparations of the Kroumata performance of "Drumming".

Me and my sweet co-singer My Blomqvist in the Dracula cast.

The director Germán Valero-Parra during runthrough.

Première of the opera attack... - ...and various feedback!

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and various feedback!

This weekend we have been performing the extract of the opera "Meeting with Impediment". After six performances at different venues we have noticed various reactions and feedback from people passing by or stopping by....some people get upset and try to interfere and some people get interested in how the situation can be resolved! Some people laugh and some get afraid...In the end though, the common reaction is approval and applause!=)

The composer Kjell Perder and me after dress rehearsal!

The composer of this chosen scene is Kjell Perder. My character is a girl with a lot of anger and I show this frustration when hearing the street musician (Anita Agnas) play. Olle Persson does the character of an experienced man that tries to calm down the infected situation....Director of the scene is Elisabet Ljungar.

Olle Persson and me in totally different characters!

On Thursday we do three more performances at Söderhallarna.
More information on CALENDAR!
And don't miss the photos of the scene taken by Tomas Agnas at "Latest Photos"!

Anger and frustration...

Me, Anita Agnas and Olle Persson in action!

Friends again...!=)

End of the Jönköping Sinfonietta tour... - ...but beginning of new adventures!

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...but beginning of new adventures!

Yesterday I did my last and tenth tour concert with the Jönköping Sinfonietta and the conductor Josef Rhedin in Nässjö. It has been a joy and an honor performing with such great musicians! Looking forward to common future projects!=)

During the last concert together...

Today after returning to my dear hometown Stockholm I had rehearsals with the percussion ensemble Kroumata preparing the concert next week in Gothenburg. We will do the famous piece Drumming by the American composer Steve Reich.

Me and my dear friend and co-singer Sofia Niklasson during the rehearsal.

...and the ensemble Kroumata, extended for this very piece.

Tour becomes a duo... - ...and visits Vetlanda!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and visits Vetlanda!

The concert in Vetlanda tonight was different from the previous. Instead of the Sinfonietta I did the program with a dear friend and colleague of mine; the brilliant pianist Samuel Skönberg! But the program was on the contrary extended and included pieces by composers as Quilter, Purcell, Lehár and Puccini.
The audience was thrilled and one more night I enjoyed standing ovations!

Me and Samuel Skönberg!

The review (Jönköpings-Posten) from the Concert House of Jönköping yesterday:

Jönköpings-Posten 21st of September 2009, Leif A Jansson.

Meeting Jönköping... - ...standing ovations in return!

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...standing ovations in return!

After more than a week of touring with the Jönköping Sinfonietta around the area of Jönköping and in the northern part of the county of Småland it was time to perform in the very city of Jönköping and in the Concert House.
Me, the orchestra and the conductor Josef Rhedin were "fit for fight" and gave the audience our very best.....and in return we received standing ovations!!

Maestro Josef Rhedin and me before entering the stage!

Article in the newspaper Jönköpings-Posten about the concert. The head line means; "The melody of Hannah is without any boundaries!".

Eksjö here we come! - ....still sunshine!

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

....still sunshine!

The weather is incredible!!! The sun is still giving a summer temperature although it's late September!!! Wonderful!!!=)

And every city we visit is showing it's very best when the sun is shining! Today we enjoyed doing music in Eksjö! We were warmly welcomed by the host Börje Svensson!

Me and the host Börje Svensson after the concert!

Me singing music by the Swedish composer Gunnar de Frumerie! Behind me the great Jönköping Sinfonietta and conductor Josef Rhedin!

...and later on music by Sir William Walton!

Sunny Jönköping - ...and the tour goes to Sandhem!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and the tour goes to Sandhem!

Since I arrived in Jönköping it has been a lovely and sunny late summer weather! Perfect for walks down by the lake Vättern!

In the sunshine by the water...healthy recreation before the concert!

Today we visited the Sandhem Church for our sixth concert during the tour! A beautiful church built during the 19th century and with perfect acoustics for me and the ensemble!

!
The Sandhem Church!

Sound check...

The conductor Josef Rhedin and me during intermission!

Tour moves to... - ...Sävsjö!

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...Sävsjö!

Sound check in the Culture House of Sävsjö!

The concert tonight was held in the Culture House of Sävsjö! A great night with good spirit and energy both on stage and among the listeners! The venue of tomorrow will be Sandhem! Most welcome!=)

Me and percussionist Jakob Olofsson before the concert!

Coffee break...!

Positive feedback - ...and the tour goes on!

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and the tour goes on!

At the Tranås City Hall during concert! (Me in white!)

Tonight's concert at the City Hall of Tranås was the fourth concert of the tour, and as the previous nights the feedback of the audience is very positive!

See the following review extract (in Swedish!) from the concert yesterday in Huskvarna:

Jönköpings-Posten; Leif A Jansson

Dress rehearsal in Huskvarna Church yesterday!

Me and the producer and director of the concert tour/Caféserien; Inger Johansson, having lunch at the beautiful "Fjällstugan" yesterday!

Working Sunday... - ...and Monday off!

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and Monday off!

Today the sun is shining in beautiful Jönköping and the tour has a day off.
Yesterday was quite busy though. I was a part of the final of the Brahe Festival in the morning and sang with my dear colleague Lena Maria Klingvall.

Me and Lena Maria in one of our duets!

Me singing "Love is" (Kärleken är)...

Me and Lena Maria signing and meeting the audience after the concert!

After a lunch break I took off to Värnamo for the second of the tour concerts with the Jönköping Sinfonietta and conductor Josef Rhedin! It became a lovely afternoon concert and the audience responded with a standing ovation!

During "the walz of Julietta"!

Surprising the audience...;-)

Tomorrow the tour moves to Huskvarna! Most welcome!=)

Première of tour - ...in a Hillerstorp factory!

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...in a Hillerstorp factory!

In the tour bus on our way to the first venue!

Tonight the première of the tour with the Jönköping Sinfonietta (and conductor Josef Rhedin) was held in a factory of Hillerstorp ("Törestorps tråd"). It was a successful evening with an enthusiastic première audience! It was quite special to sing in a factory hall and my first entrance in a lifting machine was spectacular!

Tomorrow I sing firstly at a church service during the Brahe Festival, and in the afternoon the second tour concert in Värnamo! Most welcome!=)

My entrance on stage....from the sky...!

Dress rehearsal at the factory stage!

Preparing the première... - ...of the Jönköping Sinfonietta Tour!

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...of the Jönköping Sinfonietta Tour!

During the last days I have been preparing and rehearsing the tour première with the great Jönköping Sinfonietta and the wonderful conductor Josef Rhedin! Tomorrow we begin the tour in Gnosjö during the Brahe Festival. We are all looking forward to present the various and sparkling program!

See the tour program on CALENDAR!

During rehearsal...

Inauguration of the Brahe Festival - ...and arrival Jönköping!

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and arrival Jönköping!

Jönköping is meeting up with sunshine!

This morning I took all my luggage and went by train from Stockholm to the centre of Sweden and Jönköping. This beautiful town will be my home for a couple of weeks during the tour with the Jönköping Sinfonietta!=)

My first day on the tour started with my participation during the inauguration of the Brahe Festival in Gnosjö. I will come back with the Sinfonietta on Saturday and also sing at the festival ending on Sunday.

My first entrance in this LOVELY car!!!=)

Me and another artist of the night; the great Jonathan Fagerlund!

Tomorrow I meet the orchestra for the first rehearsal! But first.....a good nights sleep!

Recording and teaching - To expire and inspire!

Mon, 7 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

To expire and inspire!

This profession is about inspire and expire in different ways....or to get inspired.....!

After a week of inspiration from the brilliant director Elisabet Ljungar in the opera Attack/Meeting with impediment, this weekend was inspired by the conductor Christoffer Holgersson to go deeper into the music by Zoltán Kodály. Together with the vocal ensemble Voci VESTO the St Tomas Chamber Choir recorded different pieces by Kodály and Björn Gäfvert was playing the organ!

Me expiring great music by Kodály!

Christoffer Holgersson inspiring the choir!

The St Tomas Chamber Choir and Voci VESTO during recording!

Today it has been my turn to inspire others! This year I am a vocal coach at the Betel "pre college" school and it's a wonderful task to be able to guide becoming singers in vocal technic and inspire in music and expression!

To inspire and getting so much joy in return!=)

First dress rehearsal - ...with audience!

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with audience!

Today we ended the rehearsal week of the chamber opera "Meeting with impediment" by welcoming some close friends and family. It's always great to be able to try the acting and music on a new audience and see their reactions...
After a week together it feels like we have captured the essence of the dramatic music and from now on it's a matter of letting everything go deeper and deeper...but yet there are a couple of weeks left before the première!

This opera is a cooperation with the Theatre Travers (Teater Travers). Read more about the opera HERE! (Go to "Attack" for more information!)

My character in the opera; angry and
frustrated
...and
in a way
miserable...

The accordionist Anita Agnas and the director Elisabet Ljungar in discussion.

Quite angry....

Anita Agnas and Olle Persson in action! And no, it's not "Singing in the rain"....;-)

The composer Kjell Perder following the rehearsal.

Me, Anita Agnas and Olle Persson in one of the dramatic moments of the opera.

Beauty Show - by Make Up Store!

Wed, 2 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

by Make Up Store!

Today began with new rehearsals of the opera "Meeting with impediment". A lot of work was done and we had so much fun creating the scene between me, the baritone Olle Persson and the accordionist Anita Agnas! The director Elisabet Ljungar is brilliant!

Happy moments with my dear colleagues Olle Persson and Anita Agnas!

After lunch I went off to prepare and rehears the Make Up Store Beauty Show at Berns Salonger. My task was to be the final of the show and surprise everyone by singing...! Since the theme of the autumn collection was the russian Tsar Empire; Czarinna, the look was russian royalties and I sang of course in russian!

A lot of people were interested in these new products and the main hall at Berns was sold out at both shows!

The make up artist Johanna Persson giving me the Czarinne look!

Björn Axén crew gave me the proper hair of the night!

...and with the dress and jewels! The more the merrier!!!=)

The amazing harpist Monica Ramos (also participating during the show) and me in the dressing room!

Intense rehearsal week - ...of new contemporary chamber opera!

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...of new contemporary chamber opera!

Earlier this year the new chamber opera "Meeting with impediment" was initiated. This week contains intense rehearsals to prepare the opera extracts by the composer Kjell Perder that are to be performed later on this month.

This very first day was an exciting adventure. To let go of the score and directly get into the acting is always prooving how much of the music you know by heart....

Now I welcome a good nights sleep to be fit for fight again tomorrow!=)

Me and the superb accordionist Anita Agnas in action!

The director Elisabet Ljungar giving instructions!

Anita Agnas and the composer Kjell Perder during the afternoon break.

Studio work... - ...creating futur songs...

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...creating futur songs...

Between concerts and rehearsals some studio work has to be done to prepare and create futur songs. It's always inspiring to meet new co-writers and see the result and the fruit of a new collaboration.

Me during recording!

Yesterday I continued the work on a song which was born earlier this summer. My great co-writers this time are Peter Hägerås and Peter Björklund!

2 times Peter; Peter Hägerås and Peter Björklund!

Successful and sunny evening... - ...during outdoor concert!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...during outdoor concert!

Planning an outdoor in Sweden is always risky since a rainy and cold night can drive the audience away....
...but this night in Vasaparken in Norrköping was magic! The sun was shining, the audience was enthusiastic and the musicians on stage were glowing! Thank You all!=)

Read the review of the Norrköpings Tidningar in Swedish HERE!
http://www.nt.se/nyheter/artikel.aspx?articleid=5463007

It's always an honor singing with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra and Fredrik Lycke is a fantastic duet partner! I'm also looking forward to continue doing music with the conductor Josef Rhedin who will conduct later on during my tour with the Jönköping Simfonietta in September!

Josef Rhedin and the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra during dress rehearsal!

Me trying out different ways to move on stage!

Bosse Ågren taking good care of me back stage!

Josef Rhedin and me ready for concert!

Me entering the stage!

Me and Fredrik Lycke during music for the orchestra!

Final entrance...of course in a new dress...=)
"...everything I do, I do it for....the audience..!!!".

View from the orchestra over the crowded Vasaparken!

Final touch... - ...of the outdoor music!

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...of the outdoor music!

This second rehearsal day, with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the conductor Josef Rhedin, me and with Fredrik Lycke, put the final touch to the music before dress rehearsal tomorrow morning.

Indoor rehearsals in the magnificent De Geer Hall, Norrköping.

It's a great program with fine musicians so I really recommend everyone to come by!=) Bring some picnic and Your friends to enjoy the outdoor music in the Vasaparken in Norrköping! Welcome!

Josef Rhedin and me having fun off stage as well as on stage!

Second meeting - ...with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra!

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra!

My first meeting with the amazing Norrköping Symphony Orchestra took place 2006 during the final concert of the Wilhelm Stenhammar Vocal Competition. Today a new collaboration was started with rehearsals of the annual Out door Concert, taking place in Norrköping on Wednesday.

The Norrköping Symphony Orchestra during rehearsal.

The orchestra conducted by Josef Rhedin, my dear colleague Fredrik Lycke and I will do a concert program with music from the opera and the musical theatre, all combined with highlights from the music for orchestra.

Fredrik Lycke and me during the rehearsal break.

Conductor Josef Rhedin and Fredrik Lycke forming the music.

Singing with the birds... - ...during out door concert!

Wed, 5 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...during out door concert!

This night was booked for a summer concert in the St Tomas Church in Vällingby (the west side of Stockholm). At first it was planned to be held inside the church, but thanks to the warm summer's night we could perform out doors in the beautiful garden of the church.

It turned out to be a blessed evening with gentle summer breezes, songs accompanied with the birds' singing, lovely duets with Jakob Stadell and our pianist Joakim Holgersson, a great audience and a wonderful atmosphere!!

Joakim Holgersson, me and Jakob Stadell giving the final touch before the concert...

My favourite stage position; surrounded by the audience!=)

Joakim, Jakob and me in one of the duets of the night!

Signing the album Free Voc!

Heading for the future... - ...with photo, studio and new songs!

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with photo, studio and new songs!

Of course there will be days of vacation this very summer...there must be!!!!...even though it's hard to decide where and when due to new events coming in...
But I guess I'm not alone in this situation...;-)

It's however a great joy planning and preparing events to come! The past few days I have been learning new music and songs, been doing some studio work and today a photo session with the vocal ensemble "The Harmony of Voices"...among other things;-)

My dear colleagues Conny Thimander and Sofia Niklasson, and me in between. Ready to take some pics!

Studio work with the great musicians and composers Peter Hägerås and Peter Björkund!

My dear friends;

Summer Heart to You all !!!

Songs of the Summer Night - ...in the Hässleholm Church!

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...in the Hässleholm Church!

The summer is finally here...and the sunshine, the sparkling nature and above all the light darkness of the summer night are all worth waiting for....!

The concert tonight in the Hässleholm Church became a celebration of the summertime, of all living thing and of the light!
My dear brother in law, as well as my excellent pianist, Joakim Holgersson and I did a program including songs from opera to jazz music, and of course a couple of songs from our album Free Voc!
The audience was enthusiastic and fantastic and gave us standing ovations in the end of the concert!

Joakim Holgersson during rehearsal!

Me during sound-check!

...and Joakim Holgersson and me enjoying the summer evening outside the Hässleholm Church!

Summer in the city... - ...with a touch of music!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with a touch of music!

Despite the beautiful weather and the glowing sun I have to spend some time indoors....but only doing nice music with nice people!;-)

Yesterday I recorded some songs from the musical Dracula coming up next year. One of my superb co-singers is Fredrik Lycke!

Fredrik Lycke and me recording the passionate duet between Dracula and Mina!

The recording session was followed by a rehearsal with my eminent pianist Joakim Holgersson preparing the concert "Songs of the Summer Night".

Me and Joakim Holgersson longing for the concert!!!=)

Musical expression... - ...through an old friend!

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...through an old friend!

Yesterday's event gave me a new occasion to do music through my old and dear friend...my cello Celine!=)
I got the opportunity to play music for both orchestra and for string quartet! Happy moments!

Me together with the real cello pro; Kristoffer Arvidsson!

Emma Ferm, Åsa Löfström, Jonna Inge and me as the string quartet of the evening!

Recording of Midsummer Celebration - ...in sunshine!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...in sunshine!

We were very lucky today with the weather!!! The sun was shining through the entire recording of the Midsummer Celebration at Läckö Castle! More than 3000 people were attending and enjoying the music and the festivities!
This is how a real Swedish midsummer should be...!=)

The show is broadcasted tonight and tomorrow at Swedish Television Channel 1. More information HERE!

I wish You all a great, sunny and blessed holiday!

Great make up by Nina!

Jessica Andersson and me with midsummer flowers!

Me and the folk musician Lars-Olof Ejstes waiting back stage.

Doreen Månsson getting ready for the show!

Jessica Andersson on stage. Henric von Zweigbergk giving instructions.

Me waiting for my sound check! Cameras are ready....

Göran Rudbo and Ken Wennerholm in Triple and Touch, and in the background the musicians Olle Junholm and Fredrik Bergman!

Hannah i action!

...and on stage singing "Visa vid midsommartid" (A song for Midsummer).

Preparing Midsummer - ...with dear colleagues!

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with dear colleagues!

Actually the sun is shining at the moment in Lidköping (which is not that common in Sweden at this time of the year!), and I really hope this is the weather tomorrow as well...when I will celebrate Midsummer at the Läckö Castle outdoors by performing together with Ken Wennerholm and Göran Rudbo (Triple & Touch), and Jessica Andersson. Doreen Månsson is the host of the show broadcasted in the evening at the Swedish Television Channel 1.

Today we all met for rehearsals and for giving some short interviews.

Me and Jessica Andersson at the Läckö Castle!

...and together with Doreen Månsson!

Magnus Lönnroth, the managing director of the Läckö Castle!

My dear colleagues and superb musicians; Magnus Sjölander, Magnus Spångberg, Fredrik Bergman, Olle Junholm, Ken Wennerholm and Jessica Andersson rehearsing!

Jessica and me having fun!

...and dear Göran Rudbo and me!

Vesperae solennes de Confessore - ...by Mozart

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...by Mozart

Tonight I had the honor being a part of the final concert of Christoffer Holgersson as the musical director and conductor of the Adolf Fredrik's Boys Choir. Except for some of the most wanted Summer songs the Vesperae solennes de Confessore by W A Mozart was performed in which the famous soprano aria "Laudate Dominum" is a part.

My dear husband Christoffer Holgersson and me after the concert.

Me, the Adolf Fredrik's Boys Choir and Christoffer Holgersson during rehearsal.

Christoffer giving final instructions before the concert.

Me and my superb co-soloists; Kristina Hanson, Michael Weinius and Ove Pettersson during concert!

....and Kristina, Ove and me after performing!

Choir highlights and Opera highlights... - ...in one evening!

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...in one evening!

Yesterday was busy. Rehearsals and dress rehearsal during the day, and in the evening one choir concert followed by a private event with opera highlights!

During the diploma concert for choir conducting the Vocal Ensemble of the Royal College of Music, in which I took part, performed music by Hugo Wolf and Ingvar Lidholm. Conductors receiving the Diploma were Jerica Bukovec and Veronika Portsmuth.

Jerica Bukovec giving the music a final touch.

Veronika Portsmuth taking advice from the professor Anders Eby.

This diploma production was the last one during the teaching era of the main professor in choir conducting at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm; Mr Anders Eby! I have had the honor being a student at the Royal College during this period of time and have lots of magic moments to remember from concerts singing with Anders Eby as a conductor! He is inspiring both as a conductor, leader, teacher and as a person! A true role model for conductors!

Anders Eby and me after the morning rehearsal!

Me and my dear soprano colleagues Ulla Sjöblom and Sofia Niklasson!

The Vocal Ensemble of the Royal College of Music during dress rehearsal at the stage of Nybrokajen 11.

...and later during the rainy summer evening me and the superb pianist Carlos Murakami all happy and satisfied after the performance of opera highlights!

Come rain... - ...and come shine!

Wed, 3 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and come shine!

Rainy days like this morning it's perfect being inside practicing new music scores and learning lyrics by heart! Today the coming opera "Meeting with Impediment" was sceduled for rehearsal as well as an event tomorrow night with opera highlights! A day of opera in different shapes!

Come rain and let the music shine!

Carlos Murakami playing wonderful the Puccini opera arias for tomorrow night!

Kjell Perder, composer of the opera "Meeting with Impediment" and me during rehearsal.

Kjell Perder giving advice to Johan Strindberg on our duet "Night's longing" (Nattens Längtan).

Johan Strindberg, Kjell Perder and Anita Agnas discussing music!

Giving... - ...and receiving!

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...and receiving!

After a day of teaching singing I feel refilled with energy and inspiration! It's a joy being a part of the musical and personal development of each student. Some of them I have been coaching for several years, others only for a couple of sessions. The fruit of giving and sharing musical and vocal experiences is though to receive in return the joyful eyes of a student when taking a step forward and to go even deeper in the understanding and knowledge of singing!

Magnus Jensen trying new technique.

Olivia Svensson in a moment of musical joy!

..and Magnus Jensen and me sharing the wonders of singing!

Meeting with impediment... - ...new opera taking shape!

Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...new opera taking shape!

The first rehearsal of the new opera "Meeting with impediment" (Möte med förhinder) was held yesterday. During the months since the planning session in February the first extracts of the music have taken shape. It's always exciting to try new music for the very first time and to be able to try it out and shape it together with the composer!

The composers of this project, Kjell Perder and Kristina Forsman, complete each other superbly in tonality and music expression!

Kjell Perder and Kristina Forsman!

I'm really looking forward to co-acting and doing music with my wonderful colleagues Olle Persson, Johan Strindberg and Anita Agnas!

Me and my duet partner Olle Persson during rehearsal!

Johan Strindberg and Anita Agnas trying out the new score!

Olle, me and Kristina in a moment of creativity!

During a process like this it's great to co-operate with such a routinated and inspiring director as Elisabet Ljungar!

Elisabet Ljungar and Olle Persson developing ideas!

Songs of hope... - ...for the "forgotten children"!

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...for the "forgotten children"!

385 000 children live with parents suffering of alcoholism...To support and help these young lifes a charity concert was held yesterday in the Filadelfia Church, Stockholm. Various artists contributed by performing their music; Belle, Dynamic, Perla, Stephan Berg among others. I had the honor singing songs of hope with the great musician Sebastian Robertsson.

Sebastian Robertsson and me before the concert!

...and Sebastian during rehearsal!

During sound check!

Me and Christer Ferm from Dynamic signing our albums after the concert!

Me and my dear friend, aunt and photographer Anne Bylund off stage!

The inauguration of the Eric Ericson Hall - ...the former Skeppsholmen Church

Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...the former Skeppsholmen Church

While the evening sun was glowing and sending bright beams through the high windows, the Skeppsholmen Church turned yesterday night into the Eric Ericson Hall!
Delegates from all departments of the Swedish choral society were present to celebrate this important mile stone of Swedish choral history! And of course Eric Ericson himself was there conducting his chamber choir and enjoying this happy moment!

A sculpture was made of Eric Ericson for the inauguration night...

The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir participated with songs of Springtime, as well as the Adolf Fredrik Girl Choir and musicians from the Junior Academy. I had also the honor being one of the soloists performing a piece by our Swedish composer Daniel Börtz!

The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir ready to enter the stage.
From the right: Eva Ericsson-Berglund, Elin Skorup and Sofia Niklasson.

Me, the producer Esbjörn Mårtensson and Mia Lundell celebrating!

Now is the month of Maying.... - ...when merry lads are playing....!"

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...when merry lads are playing...!"

This Springtime song by Thomas Morley was performed by the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir, among other pearls from the choir treasure, during tonight's concert in the Gustaf Adolf Church, Stockholm!

The concert was held on account of the inauguration on Saturday of the new choral centre "the Eric Ericson Hall". Of course maestro Eric Ericson conducted himself (only 90 years old....;-)) and gave the music the perfect touch!

Eric during rehearsal! Still going strong!=) A great joy to us all!

The superb pianist Michael Engström, also a soloist during the concert, and me outside the Gustaf Adolf Church!

Promotion of autumn tour - ...with the Jönköping Sinfonietta!

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with the Jönköping Sinfonietta!

Today I finally returned to Stockholm after several days of concerts and travelling. Although it has been joyful and inspiring days it's however wonderful to sleep in my own bed again!=)

A beautiful view this morning at the Jönköping train station!

Yesterday night I performed at a gathering at Fjällstugan/Jönköping where the autumn program of the Småland Music and Theatre was presented! During the month of September I am going on tour in the Småland County with the Jönköping Sinfonietta! Together we will perform a various program with high-lights from the opera, the lieder repertoir, the baroque music and the musical theatre. We will be a part of the "Café-serien" as well as of the "Symfoni-serien". More information to be found at:
http://www.smot.nu/

The producer Inger Johansson and me planning the coming tour!

Performing some of the repertoir of the autumn tour program. With me on stage Thomas Tegnér and Hans Bodin from the Småland Music and Theatre!

Me admiring the magnificent view of the surroundings of Jönköping before the next song...

Later today the preparations for the inauguration of the Eric Ericson Hall got started. Eric himself did rehearsals with his Chamber Choir in the beautiful coming concert hall, and the former Skeppsholms Church.

Maestro Eric Ericson conducting songs for maytime!

...and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir is responding!

Musical Night - ...the final concert of Genklang 2009!

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...the final concert of Genklang 2009!

The festival Genklang 2009 ended yesterday night with a sparkling evening with high-lights from the Musical Theatre. Artists with their roots in the area of Lund gathered and made together a non-forgettable evening...and the audience was fantastic...and, yes, quite supportive....since a major part of the listeners were family and friends!!!

I had the honor performing with Malena Laszlo, Johanna Körner, Christopher Wollter, Simon Boström and Christer Nerfont, all conducted by the musical director Joel Bexelius!

From the right: Malena Laszlo, Katarina Bexelius and Johanna Körner preparing for the musical night!

The out-fit for the song "Defying Gravity" from Wicked!

The beautiful Johanna Körner and me backstage!

Me and my dear brother and colleague Simon Boström!

Me and Christopher Wollter as Christine and the Phantome!

The musical director Joel Bexelius and me after the concert.

Finally me and the fantastic Eva Bohlin who has given me so many great moments of choir music, as well as musical direction during my years in Lund!

Hannah and Queen Silvia... - ...has both recieved the Diana medal!

Sun, 10 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...has both recieved the Diana medal!

Yesterday I performed at the gala night of the Swedish cultural association Par Bricol. The event took place in Jönköping. During the night the special Diana medal was given to women who had made a great impression at the association. As the entertainer during this glamourous night I was nominated and recieved the beautiful Diana medal. I am very honored to be one of few to own this precious medal, and this actually links me to our Swedish Queen Silvia, who also recieved it a couple of years ago!=)

Gerd Andersson, me and the Diana medal!

Me and the Queen Silvia has something in common!;-)

The great tenor Mauro Nicoletti and me rehearsing La Bohème!

...and here we are again ready to perform!

Me and my dear colleague Lars Lisa Andersson, also the musical director of the gala night!

Artists gathering... - ...in Lund!

Sat, 9 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...in Lund!

During this weekend artists with their roots in (Swedish) Lund are getting together and are giving concerts with music from opera through chamber music and early music to musical!
I'm taking part of the musical concert tomorrow night and the last days have been scheduled with rehearsals and preparations! I have the honor doing music with great artists such as Johanna Körner, Malena Laszlo, Simon Boström, Christer Nerfont and Christopher Wollter! All produced and conducted by Joel Bexelius, my former schoolmate! It's quite easy to be nostalgic with people and surroundings from the past....but most of all a joy!!=) Looking forward to tomorrow night!
Now I'm on the train, after the morning rehearsals in Lund, to Jönköping and another event!

Beautiful Malena Laszlo and me during rehearsal!

Johanna Körner and Simon Boström singing!

Christer Nerfont and Malena Laszlo putting voices together!

Joel Bexelius giving instructions!

Sister and brother having fun!

Me with the band during morning rehearsals!

Johanna Körner and me doing "Defying gravity" from the musical Wicked!

Summer duo - ...presenting a superb fusion!

Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...presenting a superb fusion!

This summer my colleague and brilliant co-singer Jakob Stadell and me will give a couple of concerts together from the north of Sweden all the way to the south! Yesterday we introduced this program at the Design Passion Exhibition "Café Disire".

Jakob Stadell and me before entering the stage!

Since Jakob and me represent different genres of music and meet in the middle the program shows everything from rock, pop, musical to folk music, classical and opera! I think most people will find some of their favourite songs!
Of course our special duett "Look at the stars" from my album Free Voc will be on the program (Jakob is also one of the composers of this song!)!!

The amazing Joakim Holgersson, who will be our pianist during the summer concerts!

On stage, all three of us!

Now I'm on my way down to Skåne and the rehearsals of the musical concert in Lund on Sunday! New co-singers and new adventures! Thrilling!=)

Springtime gala concert - ...at the opera!

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...at the opera!

Yesterday evening the annual Springtime Gala Concert/Våryra was held at the Gothenburg Opera Main hall (sold out!!!). A sparkling evening with various artists and genres of music! It was a thrill doing music with the Gothenburg Wind Orchestra, the Mats Sköldberg Trio and of course with my dear friends Göran Rudbo and Ken Wennerholm in the Triple & Touch!

During rehearsal with the Gothenburg Wind Orchestra. Of course I have to use the stage in the main hall as much as possible!;-)

Singing Barbara Streisand's "People"! Jerker Johansson conducting!

Ready for the stage!

Changing dresses is a part of a glamorous evening...;-)

My fantastic soprano colleague Carolina Sandgren and me after the concert!

Bach... - ...forever....!

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...forever....!

Some music can only be listened to one only time...then it's....enough....and I guess everyone has their reasons! Anyway for me the music of J S Bach is eternal! I can't get enough of it! Yesterday I got lucky to sing the B minor mass again and this time in the Katarina Church in Stockholm. It's a joy doing music with such brilliant musicians as the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble and the conductor Hans Vainikainen!

Me, the excellent violonist Nils-Erik Sparf and Hans Vainikainen during rehearsal!

My score...and here the solo aria "Laudamus te".

My great co-singers John Erik Eleby, Carl Unander Scharin and Tobias Nilsson!

Tobias Nilsson on our way to the concert in beautiful Katarina Church!

Honored concert guests; maestro Eric Ericson and his extraordinary wife Monica!

Now I'm on my way to Gothenburg and will soon be doing rehearsals for tonight's concert "Våryra"/Springtime Gala Concert at the opera!

From death to life - The Easter message

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0200

The Easter message

Today is the Easter day and the message throughout the world is bright and clear; Life is stronger than Death! And nature is a proof itself....from the coldest winter the most beautiful springtime is born with life and joy and it invites us all to be a part!
Why not open the windows to let the sun in and share the joy with Your neighbour!?!=)

From death...

...to life!

Easter is a time of love,
A time of death and pain undone,
So we may know the power of
The love that lives in everyone.
Each love we feel, unstained and free,
Redeems us--as with you and me.

Courtesy of Poems for Free

A joyful Easter to all of You!

Me and beautiful Stockholm in the sunny springtime!

The golden three crowns of the Stockholm City Hall.

B minor Mass - ...with sensibility and strong out-put!

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0200

...with sensibility and strong out-put!

It was a joy performing the B minor Mass by J S Bach yesterday in the Gustav Vasa Church, Stockholm.
The music is a superb master piece where each movement is a soulful hit melody lingering in the mind and ears for days...looking forward to next performance in a couple of weeks!

The Gustav Vasa Chamber Choir together with the ensemble Rebaroque, the conductor Lars Fredén and the soloists did a sensible version of the Bach B minor Mass and with a strong and powerful out-put!

During dress rehearsal!

My lovely sister Michaela Boström and me outside the Gustav Vasa Church after the concert!

Subscription... - ...and beautiful Bach!

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...and beautiful Bach!

Dear friends! From now on You have the possibility to subscribe to my blog! Just click on [RSS-feed] above and sign in!
Most welcome!=)

This week-end is blessed with the beautiful music by J S Bach! It's heavenly both to sing and to listen to! Tomorrow we are performing the B minor Mass and we did some preparations today.

It's a pleasure doing music with the ensemble Rebaroque and the conductor Lars Fredén as well as with my duet partners Anna Zander and Niklas Engquist!

Lars Fredén during rehearsal with the ensemble Rebaroque.

Me, Anna Zander and the musical director of Rebaroque Maria Lindal.

Niklas Engquist and me in one of the fantastic duets of the B minor Mass.

Gloria by Vivaldi - and girl power!!!

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

and girl power!!!

This afternoon the Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi was performed in St Tomas Church by the Drottningsholm Baroque Ensemble, the organist Björn Gäfvert, the conductor Christoffer Holgersson and ONLY female singers! The St Tomas Choir and the female part of the vocal ensemble Voci VESTO. The parts for tenor and bass in Gloria was sung by altos and sopranos and the result was GIRL POWER! It was a great feeling being a part of this powerful female sound and the audience was enthusiastic!

The extraordinary organist Björn Gäfvert and me after the concert!

The ensemble Voci VESTO also performed a piece by the american composer Libby Larsen. The picture during rehearsal. From the left: Hannah Holgersson, Helen Larsson, Agnes Lindberg, Margit Zeijlmaker, Karin Sax Granlöf and Lotta Gullberg.

Below Lotta Gullberg during rehearsal of our solo parts with the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble, Björn Gäfvert and Christoffer Holgersson.

Home again... - ...with new productions!

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...with new productions!

After the successful week in San Francisco I'm back home preparing new projects.
This week I did a inspiring concert with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and the KammarensembleN (Swedish orchestra specialising on contemporary music) in the Stockholm Concert Hall. I'm very lucky to get the opportunity to creat music with these fantastic colleagues of mine!=)
We did music by Anton Bruckner, Lasse Thoresen, Johannes Brahms, Karin Rehnqvist among others. All conducted by the great (Norweigian) Grete Pedersen.

The amazing bass singing right behind me....Anders Butta Börjesson!

Grete Pedersen, KammarensebleN and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir during dress rehearsal.

Me between the adorable sisters Sofia Niklasson and Elin Skorup!

It's easy... - ...to leave the heart in San Francisco!

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...to leave the heart in San Francisco!

Yes, I think from this day a part of my heart will always belong to San Francisco...

Me and Christoffer at Pier 39 with the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge in the background!

At the moment Annika Hudak, me and Christoffer are waiting for a connecting flight at the London Heathrow Airport on our way back to Sweden and Stockholm. In the meantime we are enjoying the positive reviews of the past three concerts!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/06/DDUI16AK5A.DTL

http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_11853638

http://www.insidebayarea.com/music/ci_11854536

Boarding in San Francisco a couple (!) of hours ago!

The amazing view over the Golden Gate Bidge after take-off!

Here below the center of San Francisco as well as the Alcatraz...a breathtaking view!

Success... - ...until the end!

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...until the end!

I'm sitting in my dressing room after the last performance of the Requeim by Ligeti and feeling a great joy. All three concerts have been sold out and during every evening the audience have responded with standing ovations. The Requeim is a piece full of depth and spirit, and tonight during the last performance the atmosphere was fantastic, a great connection between the musicians as well as between the audience and stage! A wonderful moment!

So...a success until the end! Tomorrow we'll go back to Stockholm and Sweden after a superb week in San Francisco!

Annika Hudak, Ragnar Bohlin and me enjoying the moment after the concert!

Me and Annika at the "wall of fame" back-stage at the Davies Symphony Hall!

Joyful moment!

...and me..sort of!... together with maestro Michael Tilson Thomas!

Successful première of the Ligeti Requiem - at a sold out San Francisco Davies Symphony Hall!

Thu, 5 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

at a sold out San Francisco Davies Symphony Hall!

Yesterday was busy with rehearsals from morning until evening. We started with a meeting at conductor Michael Tilson Thomas' magnificent home, and further on rehearsing separately with the orchestra at the Symphony Hall, and finally with everyone involved; the fantastic choir (doing their part superbly!!), the amazing orchestra and maestro MTT!

Me and Annika with our Ligeti scores doing the last adjustments.

During rehearsal with orchestra, chorus and maestro Michael Tilson Thomas in the Davies Symphony Hall.

The chorus master Ragnar Bohlin giving me some notes!

And our hard work and preparations gave a great result! At the première of the Requeim tonight the audience, in the sold out Davies Symphony Hall, responded with standing ovations!

A good and positive start of the coming concerts! I'm already looking forward to tomorrow!=)

Me before the première!

First day - ...getting installed!

Mon, 2 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...getting installed!

After having a good night's sleep we woke up (quite early though due to the jetlag...) to our first day here in San Francisco! The weather has been changing during the day, but we got a couple of sunny hours reminding us of the coming springtime!

Today was a day of rehearsals of our own. Annika Hudak and me got time for installation at the impressive Davies Symphony Hall!

Me and Annika outside the Davies Symphony Hall!

...and on the opposite side of the street, the City Hall!
And, yes, we are enjoying the sun!!=)

The magnificent inside of the Davies Hall!

Me and Annika getting a sight-seeing by the assistant to the Director of Artistic Planning; Lisa Zadek!

Arrival San Francisco - ...here we come!

Sun, 1 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...here we come!

At the moment it's nine o'clock in the evening and I'm sitting in the lobby of Hotel Majestic in San Francisco enjoying the wonderful ambiance of the city and, compared to Sweden, the much warmer temperature. Actually it's six o'clock in the morning in Sweden and I have been awake about 24 hours....beginning to feel a certain jetlag!

This is the beginning of a week together with the San Francisco Symphony and its conductor Sir Michael Tilson Thomas. My colleague Annika Hudak and I are going to perform the Requiem by György Ligeti in the end of the week in the Davies Symphony Hall. And today we arrived safely in California and San Francisco. So here we come!!!

Ready for check-in at Arlanda, Stockholm.

...and Annika Hudak ready to go!

...transfer in Frankfurt!

Me and my beloved husband Christoffer before take-off!

...and Annika and me shopping some fruits and water after arriving in San Francisco!

San Francisco approaching... - ...and we are getting ready!

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...and I am getting ready!

Next week the mezzo soprano Annika Hudak and I are heading for San Francisco and the performance of the Ligeti Requiem (Read more HERE!).

And we are slowly getting ready through rehearsals together and by our own. It's a privilege to sing this piece with Annika...it's so easy to find the same articulation, sound and expression while singing with her!

We are really looking forward to the three coming concerts in the the Davies Symphony Hall, that are all sold out!!!
http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=26942

Practicing.....practicing..and practicing....!!!!

Annika Hudak singing during rehearsal with the pianist Gustav Asplund.

Special day.... - ...our Valentine's day!

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...our Valentine's day!

Today is an opportunity for everyone to give LOVE to Your family, to Your friends and to people around You! The best of gifts is to notice Your neighbour and to see her in the eyes with respect and honor! Take the chance to spread love!!!

Love from my heart to all of You!

Soloist and choir member - ...without any problem!

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...without any problem!

Previous Sunday the first performance was made with great success of the piece Tantum Ergo by the Swedish composer Fredrik Sixten! The music was appreciated by both perfomers and listeners! And so was the rest of the concert with music by Zoltan Kodaly and music for organ performed by the wonderful musician Björn Gäfvert!

Fredrik Sixten

Christoffer Holgersson dressrehearsing with Voci VESTO and the St Tomas Chamber Choir. In the picture; Johan Pejler and Staffan Liljas.

For me it's a privilege to do both solosinging and choirsinging (as during this concert last Sunday!), and to be able of doing that without any complications. I know that some colleagues of mine prefer doing either one of these, but for me the mixing of solo and ensemble keeps my voice flexible.

The vocal flexibility and to be a good sight-reader I have been training during several years of ensemble singing. This ability is well needed during my next commission; the solo parts in the Requeim of Ligeti...

At the moment I'm keeping the score of the Requiem under my pillow...
...but during daytime vocal practicing is on the schedule!

Vocal coaching with my mentor Christina Öqvist-Matton!

Planning of new opera... - ...during first meeting!

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...during first meeting!

During last week-end the first meeting was held about the new opera "Meeting with impediment" (Möte med förhinder). A scholarship has been given to a group of composers and musicians to produce a new opera during this coming year.

Kjell Perder is the initiator of the project, but also one of the two composers together with Kristina Forsman. I will be the female singer and Olle Persson the baritone. The musicians will be Johan Strindberg on contrabass and Anita Agnas on accordion.

Kjell Perder and Olle Persson having a great time!

The head-line of the project is the meeting. The meeting between composers and artists but also the meeting between composition and improvisation.

Johan Strindberg and Kristina Forsman ready to create something new!

We were all inspired and enthusiastic during this first planning session and came up with many interesting ideas! Let the creativity begin!

Me and the great composer Kjell Perder!

Read more on
http://www.sr.se/sida/Artikel.aspx?artikel=2528608&ProgramID=1012

Preparations... - ...of music...and of hair and nails..!

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...of music...and of hair and nails..!

At the moment I'm having much calmer days and time to prepare coming concerts and events!

Christoffer Holgersson rehearsing Tantum Ergo by Fredrik Sixten.

Next week I'm going to do a first performance of a new piece by the Swedish composer Fredrik Sixten, Tantum Ergo. He wrote this music to my beloved husband Christoffer Holgersson and me as a soloist! It's an honor!
The concert includes the vocal ensemble Voci VESTO as well as the St Tomas Chamber Choir and Björn Gäfvert playing the organ.

Lotta Gullberg and me during rehearsal with the ensemble Voci VESTO.

...and Lotta once again but here with Mikael Stenbaek, Mattias Lilliehorn and Staffan Liljas!

The last days I've also had the joy meeting my hair stylist Matthias Lavesson at F&M Hair...

...and my nails sculpting artist Lisa-maria Carlsson at Salong 36!

...and I'm feeling so taken care of by these great and superb stylists!

My new nails...! (No...I'm NOT playing the cello with these...!!!)

Festival ending... - ...with successful final!

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...with successful final!

Yesterday night the Gloger Festival of 2009 ended with a Handel celebration! Parts from the most beautiful and extraordinary music by G F Handel were chosen for the final concert. The ensemble Notus, the baroque orchestra Akamus and soloists all conducted by Olof Boman performed with great success!

Olof Boman conducting the Akamus during dress rehearsal.

The beautiful Elin Skorup and me happy together after the concert!

During the concert a first performance was also made of the piece In Other Words by the Swedish composer Thomas Jennefelt.

Thomas Jennefelt and Olof Boman during rehearsal of In Other Words.

...and me happy with the superb baritone Patrik Sandin during final party!

Sunny girls; me, Elin Skorup and Mia Lundell...enjoying the snowy Norweigian winter!

Purcell in Kongsberg - ...with Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin!

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...with Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin!

The second day of the Gloger festival tour began with rehearsals of the Handel music for the Sunday evening concert. This is a musical interaction with the fantastic baroque orchestra Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin (Akamus)!

Akamus during rehearsal with the conductor Olof Boman.

Members from the Akamus also participated during the Purcell concert tonight. I had the honor doing some solo parts with these great musicians!

Me during rehearsal in the Kongsberg Church.

Akamus and Notus preparing the music of Purcell in the Kongsberg Church. Raphael Alpermann (organ), Simon Martyn-Ellis (lute) and Jan Freiheit (cello).

Me in the snow out-side the Kongsberg Church!

The newspapers presenting the festival program but also some pictures of the artists...me included!=)

Gloger Festival - ...in Kongsberg, Norway!

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...in Kongsberg, Norway!

Last week ended with a concert in the spirit of Purcell where I performed with the Vocal Ensemble Notus. Today we arrived in Kongsberg, Norway, to participate in the Gloger Festival! The festival of 2009 is focusing on early music and baroque, but the opening night encluded a variation of music from the 18th century until our time...from Haydn to Britten....

The opening concert was held in the Kongsberg Church and every seat was taken and the audience was enthusiastic!

My sweet colleague Elin Skorup outside the Kongsberg Church...noticing the walking sign where the figure in Norway is wearing a hat...!=)

Olof Boman, the conductor of the ensemble Notus, as well as one of the artistic leaders of the festival. Here inside the beautiful Kongsberg Church.

Me and another great colleague of mine; Mia Lundell, before entering the stage!

Me and Elin Skorup dressed up for the opera entertainment during the festival pub!

And when one visits Norway one mustn't miss the typical Norweigian "brown cheese"...

Purcell... - ...and the beauty of early music!

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...and the beauty of early music!

Previous week was definitely a mixture of various music genres...two concerts with the 3rd Symphony of Mahler (I participated with the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir) in the Stockholm Concert Hall, the romantic Swedish and Finnish music by Rangström and Sibelius at the Parliament, and finally a baroque concert in the spirit of Purcell!

The composer Henry Purcell was the theme of the concert yesterday in the Maria Magdalena Church in Stockholm. The ensemble Notus (created 2000 by the conductor Olof Boman) performed divine hymns expressing life and death, joy and sorrow.

Instead of a big symphony orchestra as during Mahler, or a piano as during the event at the Parliament, the instruments was this time of baroque touch! Kate Hearne played the flute and the cello, Peter Lönnerberg the organ and Anders Ericson the lute. Beautiful playing by great musicians!

Kate Hearne, Peter Lönnerberg and Anders Ericson during concert!

As a soloist I had the honor singing with the two wonderful guest artists of the concert; Lars Johansson Brissman and Fredrik Strid!

Me between Lars Johansson Brissman and Fredrik Strid!

...and here with beautiful Kate Hearne!

Songs at the Parliament - ...in Swedish as well as in Finnish!

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...in Swedish as well as in Finnish!

The last months I have been singing at many different stages and arenas. The event of today was special though since it were at the main hall of the Swedish Parliament. My mission was to sing songs that represented both Sweden and Finland during the international celebration of the former Union separation 200 years ago!

I sang one song by Ture Rangström and two songs by Jean Sibelius of which one was in Finnish...and this was of course the part that I have practised the most...but I think I got the lyrics right in the end...!

The celebration was broadcasted live both in Sweden and in Finland...

...and many celebrities, such as our Royal Family, were guests at the Parliament!

Me singing...

My fantasic pianist Matti Hirvonen and me, and in between us the other soloist during the celebration; the beautiful violonist Cecilia Zilliacus!

Successful Twelfth Day Concerts -

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

...good result in a short preparation time!

The beginning of this month...and of this very new year of 2009, has been completely scheduled with rehearsals and preparations for the tv-productions last week and later this week. New music has been memorised, the performances have been staged, rehearsals with musicians and the Radio Orchestra, rehearsals with camera positions....and different dresses and out-fits have been chosen and prepared....among other things....

All soloists, orchestra, dancers and tv-production team came together last week during a couple of days and ended up with two successful concerts and tv-shows in a very short time! Great result with great people!!!

The concerts can be seen during a 30 days archive on the SvT (Swedish Television) website! Don't miss the opportunity to see these fantastic shows!!!
http://svt.se/svt/play/video.jsp?a=1383730

Karl Dyall, me, Michael Weinius, Dan Ekborg, Hanna Lindblad and Rennie Mirro during rehearsals with the Swedish Radio Orchestra and the eminent conductor Rolf Gupta!

...and me rehearsing one of my solo parts!

During these production days I was surrounded with just marvellous people and colleagues! Here a pic with me and the superb tenor Michael Weinius!

...and here with Karl-Johan Ankarblom; king of music arrangements for orchestra!

My beautiful managers Lotta Bjurenstedt Waern and Caroline Axelius at Reliable Productions!

Getting ready for stage by the wonderful make-up artist Tove Jansson!

...and the result for the character of the doll Olympia!

...and here the character of Rosalinde:

Two Hanna:s all happy together after the concerts...one with an extra H (guess who?!)...and the fantastic singer and dancer Hanna Lindblad!

Happy ending and exciting beginning! - Crossing over to a new year...

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Crossing over to a new year...

Ending a glimmering and fantastic year and beginning a new 2009 with excitement...I want thank You all for being wonderful friends, family, co-musicians and supporters....I wish You the very best on the coming year, with great possibilities and blessings!

The last week has been calmer....I performed though during Christmas Eve with my brother Simon Boström and my brother in law Joakim Holgersson. It was a beautiful moment of music on a day of glad tidings!

My great pianist Joakim Holgersson and me rehearsing!

...and Joakim with my brother and superb singer Simon Boström!

These days I'm crossing over to the new year by preparing and rehearsing the music of the Twelfth Day Concerts next week...(read more here!)! Luckily I have fantastic people around me for coaching and good advise such as my mentor Christina Öqvist-Matton.

Christina Öqvist-Matton and me during coaching...

HAPPY NEW 2009!!!

Merry Christmas - ...finally coming home...

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...finally coming home...

Yes....at last I will be home for Christmas...sleeping in my own bed...unpack all luggage from the last weeks of touring....and prepare the coming Christmas Eve with my family...

From my heart to all of You:

A peaceful Christmas...

And take good care of Yourself and Your dear ones!

...final trip with my dear cello...for now...

Passing by yesterday, on my way to the event, at the Malmö University where my dear mother Astrid Boström works.

And when being in Malmö I also took the opportunity to wish a merry Christmas to my beautiful grandmother Inga-Maja Olson!

End of tour... - ...and new adventures!

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...and new adventures!

Saturday evening in Scandinavium, Gothenburg, we did the last show of the Christmas Tour 2008. The audience was enthusiastic and gave us standing ovations in the end! It was a really good ending for all of us! The head of the production; Julius Malmström and Cenneth Sangré were proud and celebrated together with the whole crew during a delicious dinner!

Me with Magdalena Stenlund and Fredrik Bergman relaxing after show!

The great singer and dancer Thulani and me during the last dinner!

Ending the tour that day I continued however the following day with a new concert! In this profession the wheel never stops spinning....
This time I had the honor celebrating the new released Christmas album December with the superb and wonderful choir Laudes conducted by Per-Henrik Holgersson and with a band lead by Joakim Holgersson (family party!!!). The concert was held in the Filadelfia Church in Stockholm....and after the performance there were no cd:s left...sold out! I must say that's a positive feed-back!=)

Read more about the album December here!

The choir Laudes and Per-Henrik Holgersson during rehearsal!

And today it's Monday again...."another day at work"..;-)...and I'm approaching Malmö. This time I will play the cello!

Great people... - ...on stage and back stage!

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...on stage and back stage!

Sitting up-stairs in the tour bus on our way from a successful performance in Malmö yesterday in the Baltic Hall, to Gothenburg and Scandinavium....I want to take a moment two give thanks not only to my dear colleagues on stage, but this time to the great people back stage! This show wouldn't exist without their superb work...sound, light, stage building...
And here they are!

Christopher Engström and me during sound-check!

Lars Alehag sound engineer!

Anders Karlsson eating a banana...and me enjoying the moment!

...and Johan Lindgren...a bit cold...sound engineer on stage!

....and me with production leader Johan Sjöstedt during show!

Johan and Johan in action!

...and the perfect result!=)

And yesterday I had the honor meeting my old crew from the show Invited to Labero in Malmö! Also a great team!

Martin Heiling, stage technician from the show Invited and the beautiful aerial acrobat Maria Zeniou!

Göran Rudbo, me, and Anna Bucht and Maria Zeniou from Invited!

Göran Rudbo and Ken Wennerholm entertaining during supper!=)

I'll be home for Christmas... - ...I will just....

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...I will just....

...travel around and visit some beautiful cities of Sweden...and of course sing and play the cello...and just have som fun!=)

At the moment we are moving from Kalmar to Karlskrona. Looking forward to spread some Christmas love to a new audience!

Me outside Cirkus, Stockholm after a successful performance!

The last days we have performed in Stockholm at the Cirkus Stage and in Kalmar Hall. In Stockholm I enjoyed having so many friends and family in the audience! Thank You all for coming! And of course it was something extra to share the moment with my beloved husband Christoffer! (Happy couple to the right!)

New venue and new dressing room! Here at Kalmar Hall yesterday! From the left; Hanna Lewin, Magdalena Stenlund, Benjamin Wahlgren Ingrosso and Pernilla Wahlgren (blogging...as usual!=)).

All dear ones having dinner together before the concert! A good way of getting closer and get together before performing!

Numfundo and me before entering the stage! Numfundo is a fantastic singer doing solo parts in the show!

Strange things happening back stage...Johan Sjötedt preparing some waffles....and I must say that the smell of these goodies was VERY pleasant!

...and so thought Pernilla....!

One week left... - ...approaching Christmas!

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...approaching Christmas!

During these days on tour we give from our hearts the music of Christmas to each audience! With joy!! At the same time we are far from home and from preparing the Christmas according to the tradition...
...the solution is to have a great time together eating traditional Christmas food, lightening candles, having fun and being "Chistmas sweet"....and yes of course singing Christmas songs...but enough of that on stage!!!;-) However this group of wonderful people is doing all this superbly!!!

My room in the west tower!=)

Agneta Bergsten and Göran Rudbo enjoying the food!!

Yesterday night we celebrated the day of Lucia with a Christmas dinner at the magnificent hotel Scandic Billingen in Skövde.

Beautiful singer NTombenchle from South Africa and me during Christmas dinner!

Magnus Sjölander and Fredrik Bergman solving a quizz in the bus!

...and me together with the fantastic pianist Magnus Spångberg
after the concert in Trollhättan!

An ordinary day at work... - ...but extra enlightened by Lucia!

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...but extra enlightened by Lucia!

I really love what I do (except for days with inflamed vocal cords...!)...new and inspiring projects each week, great musicians to work with, the opportunity to travel and to see and meet different cultures....well just to mention a few things....! And at the moment I'm spending a wonderful time with sweet colleagues and friends travelling around to new places each day. It's a joy!

Me blogging at the tour bus.

Tommy Lindh driving us safely to next venue!

Me playing the cello in "Ave Maria" together with Ken Wennerholm and Göran Rudbo!

Now we are heading for Skövde and a new show tonight. Yesterday we did two shows in a row in Halmstad with a great respons from the audience! To be that close to where I come from originally I met of course many dear friends from old times!

Ken, Göran, me, Linda Lampenius and Pernilla Wahlgren all together on stage!

And today, on the the day of Lucia, I of course wish You all light and peace. From heart to heart!

My dear and beautiful friend Linda and me happy in hats...

Yesterday during intermission!

....and Pernilla and Linda in a strange but however Christmas red dressing-room...

....and even stranger....!!!;-)

I'm back on tour... - ...giving it a try!

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...giving it a try!

Me with my cello outside the tour bus....and it's snowing again!

I'm on the road again with the Christmas Tour and it's WONDERFUL to be together with all dear friends and colleagues again and to be back on stage!!! Many days of total silence has given result! My voice is back and getting stronger for each day!

Well...yesterday night in Örebro Conventum was scary though...
It was not like the other week when I started to lose my voice, when it was all aching and hurting. Yesterday was more "Help, what if I can't produce the high notes..."....but as a miracle it worked out quite ok. Of course one can hear that I have been ill, but hopefully I can give the audience the feeling and music of this happy season!!!

Our great driver Tommy Lindh loading the bus with all our luggage!

...and the stage leader Johan Sjöstedt together with the trailer driver Joakim Edström. Here loading the trailer after concert at Conventum Örebro.
Hm....something isn't correct with the trailer banner....what can that be?!?!?;-)

Silent Hannah.... - ...but no Silent Night....

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...but no Silent Night...

This week-end didn't turn out as I planned...
During Wednesday my throat became very sore and I went through the evening concert with fear that every single note should disappear...but somehow I managed to hold on to what was left of my voice just until the end of the concert, including my number "O holy night"...
But the next day I couldn't produce a single sound. Literally speachless!!! Not having a cold at all I suspected my illness to be further down in the throat towards the vocal cords...
And my instinct was right....when visiting one of the best voice doctors, Stellan Hertegård, he gave me the facts...I had inflamed vocal cords (laryngitis)...

Since I had this illness five years ago I knew the conditions; to regain full vocal strength...and fast..I have to be completely silent for at least three days, combined with a cure of penicillin.
So the only thing to do was to cancel my part of the Christmas Tour during the week-end and being quiet....

Picture taken by Linda Lampenius. The note says that I won't participate during the concert due to illness.

So this is my fourth day of silence, but I can feel the positive result...! Hopefully I will be back on tour on Tuesday...
Thank You all for Your support!

Positive feed-back... - ...of a Christmas tour with high quality!

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...of a Christmas tour with high quality!

Tour goes on and this week we visited Gävle and Uppsala! It's so great to feel the welcoming atmosphere wherever we go and the positive feed-back from both audience and the critics! Read the latest reviews:
Gefle Dagblad
Upsala Nya Tidning

Me and the stunning Linda Lampenius getting ready for the next show...

Always having fun back-stage! This time it's Ken enjoying the moment!!=)

Our producer Julius Malmström using every minute he can get! Here with mobile phone, computer and coffee in one movement! Visit his web page here!

Magnus Sjölander working as well...the hours on road are appreciated!

...why not just listen to some good music (maybe something else than Christmas music....), as Olle Junholm!

Me and the beautiful singer Thandeka Mabuza from South Africa during intermission in Uppsala!

December the 1st... - ...and a day off!

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...and the first day off!

Today the tour rests in Sundsvall at the beautiful Elite Hotel Knaust. After six shows excluding dress rehearsal in four days everyone in the crew welcomes a day off...!

The picture shows the magnificent entry hall of Hotel Knaust!

Yesterday two concerts were held in Tonhallen, Sundsvall, and everyseat was taken! Since Göran Rudbo comes from this area of Sweden theatmosphere was warm and loving!

Ken Wennerholm and Göran Rudbo entertaining the audience!

Linda Lampenius at her very best!

The production leader Johan Sjöstedt back stage checking every move on stage ready to help out!

Advent Sunday celebrated with the first Advent candle, the Swedish "glögg" and "lussebullar" during intermission!

Fredrik Bergman and me enjoying the moment!

In need of a "power nap"....!

Beautiful Hanna Lewin and Magdalena Stenlund getting ready for second act!

Meeting the audience and signing after the concert! Always a great pleasure!

Tour goes south... - ...on Advent Sunday!

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...on Advent Sunday!

Today we light the first candle of four awating Christmas Eve and the great news of love and light to all of us!

At the moment we are heading for Sundsvall with the Christmas Tour. Moving south we gain a little bit longer days but lose on the other hand the beautiful snow (out side the tourbus window it's raining...)...

Yesterday was busy in Umeå with two concerts in one evening, and we had the honor having the minister Maud Olofsson in the audience!

Maud Olofsson with Linda Lampenius when buying our CDs after the concert!

Göran Rudbo with the Star School Choir back stage!

Linda Lampenius and me in matching dresses!

...and in red!

Crazy days! - ...early mornings and late nights...

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...early mornings and late nights...

These last days has been like a spinning wheel...intense rehearsals and hard work just until the première of the Christmas Show 2008 in Luleå yesterday night! Since everyone was delayed by the snow storm in the beginning of the week when travelling up north, especially Ken Wennerholm and Göran Rudbo and the Star School Choir from South Africa (they were delayed like TWO DAYS!!!!), we lost one day of preparation and had to gain it back somehow by using the late evening hours...!
But the opening night was a however a great success and the audience was fantastic! Thank You Luleå!!!=)
(The picture shows the amount of snow in Skellefteå...!)

Read the Expressen review here!

Tonight in Skellefteå everyone was calmer! We knew our entries, felt more secure musically and could relax on stage! But like the first concert we have always a lot of fun together, artists and musicians, when performing! It's really a great team!=)

Me and Magdalena Stenlund all satisfied after the second show of the tour!

Make-up and hair done!!! Ready for the first dress of the night....;-)

Linda Lampenius getting ready!

Me and Pernilla Wahlgren dressed for Christmas!!

Göran and Ken finally arrived to Luleå after two days delay!

The Star School Choir directly from sunny South Africa to snowy Sweden!

Me and the Star School Choir leader Thandeka Mabuza!

Pernilla and her little Theo singing...

Fredrik Bergman!

Lars Lisa Andersson!

Magnus Sjölander!

Hannah and Hanna (Lewin)!! Great name indeed!!!=)

Hannah having fun back stage in Lindas winter hat!

...and tomorrow we leave for Umeå and two concerts in one day!

Winter wonder land? - ...complicated start of Christmas tour....

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...complicated start of Christmas tour....

"I'm dreaming of a white Christmas"...or not?!?
Outside my window the snow is covering the landscape and shining all bright and white....
....but this white beauty started in chaos when falling down in stormy winds along all the east coast of Sweden...Since yesterday flights have been cancelled or delayed, and for us in the Christmas tour going up north, today was a test of our level of patience....
Luckly Linda Lampenius and I finally arrived to Luleå (but without luggage....) after several hours delay from the Arlanda Airport. Less lucky were Göran Rudbo, Ken Wennerholm and all the Star School Choir...who should have arrived yesterday at seven in the evening, but aren't still here yet.....

Despite our lack of the Triple & Touch and of the choir we had a great rehearsal day, getting closer to the final and perfect version for the opening night!

Me and Magdalena in the break!

Magdalena Stenlund, Hanna Lewin, Fredrik Bergman, Lars Lisa Andersson and me in musical emotion and movement!

Preparing the coming tour... - ...only days left!

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...only days left!

Luckily my schedule is a bit calmer this week. Not so many performances....! So I'm spending my days preparing, rehearsing and planning the coming weeks...

....after putting together the Christmas tour concert program with everyone in the band including myself, Ken Wennerholm and Göran Rudbo, I can really welcome You all to this sparkling concert...we will give You the most wanted and loved Chistmas and winter songs in the most glimmering out-put!
Most welcome!
http://www.julkonserten.se/

Olle Junholm and me during Christmas tour rehearsals...

Magnus Spångberg, Göran Rudbo and Ken Wennerholm in discussion...

Fredrik Bergman and Magnus Sjölander waiting for instructions!

...and Hanna Lewin and Magdalena Stenlund having some Christmas fun!!!=)

Earlier this week I also had the honor working with the song writer Andreas Gustafsson and recordning one of his songs.

Check him out at
http://www.myspace.com/pagmusiccom

...and me during recording!

Morning news, Mozart and magnificent music for choir! -

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Oaw...what a week....quite buzy as a matter of fact....but I'm still alive!;-) As long as one does music with wonderful musicians of all kind, which is what I have been doing, it gives energy rather than taking it! So...even if I am tired physically I am super strong at the inside and ready for new adventures!!! But first one week of preparations before the christmas tour....!

Today started with rehearsal and sound-check at the Morning News studio (Nyhetsmorgon Tv4) at 07:00. Luckily breakfast, make-up and hair are taken care of at the house, so one can focus on doing it's very best performance at this very early hour...!;-)
During broadcasting Linda Lampenius and I did the song The Prayer and then we were asked some questions together with Pernilla Wahlgren about the Christmas Concert 2008 (Julkonserten 2008).

Girls only! Me, Pernilla and Linda!

...and me surrounded by the great musicians (as well as men...of course!); Andreas Habo Johansson, Johan Bengtsson and Sebastian Robertsson!

See The Prayer from this morning here!

This morning music was followed in the afternoon by the Requiem by WA Mozart in Storkyrkan, Stockholm.

The piece was performed by the Storkyrkan Choir and members of the Swedish Radio Orchestra conducted by maestro Gustaf Sjökvist. The soloists including me were Katarina Böhm, Mats Carlsson and Ove Pettersson. The atmosphere was impressive after the concert among the 1000 listening people!

Gustaf Sjökvist giving directions during dress rehearsal.

Finally, from morning news via Mozart, I ended my day with magnificent choir music in St Görans kyrka, Stockholm. The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir did, conducted by Fredrik Malmberg, a program named De Profundis (from the depths), inspired by the tour program from Spain this summer (read more here!).
The following photos are from the corresponding concert yesterday in Mariefreds kyrka, Mariefred.

The Mariefred Church.

Inside the church before rehearsal.

My beautiful soprano colleagues Elin Skorup and Eva Ericsson-Berglund....and me after the concert!

View from the inside of the church....breathtaking autumn!

Glamour days... - ...dressed for success!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...dressed for success!

The last days I have been performing at the stage of Cirkus, Stockholm. Two different shows but glamorous both in music and visual effects!

The theme of the Wednesday show was masquerade and of course this was a perfect occasion for me to use the mask that I bought in Venice earlier this fall (read more about this trip here!). And since I was singing at seven different numbers during the show I had to change clothes and dresses in between every single one...(one has to do every possible thing to keep up the glamour...doesn't one??!). The quickest change was 30 seconds....and to be honest...at that point I was at the microphone not even a second before the start of my singing!!! But every co-worker during this night was fantastic!!! (Thank You Anna Göransson and Ellen Mårtenson at KontraSthlm for great and beautiful styling for every song! Kisses!!***)

Well, since I am into giving thanx to superb people during this night....I want to mention:

Caroline Axelius & Lotta Bjurenstedt Waern for the inspiring, well organized and reliable producion, as always!

To Joakim Holgersson (conductor) and the extraordinary orchestra (especially Anna Dager with strings and Monica Ramos at the harp!) and the choir Laudes! You are all great musicians and it's an honour doing music with You!
And to my wonderful co-singers during this night; Niklas Andersson, Kaj Hagstrand and Dogge Doggelito!

Merit Bertilsson at Make up Store giving me the right look!

Emir Kapetanovic as my hair dresser for the night! Getting all curly....!

I thought I had a lot of hair myself....well, the more the merrier!!=)

The brilliant singer Beatrice Ericsson, another lady of the night, or actually Lady Marmelade of the night!!

Me and Dogge Doggelito rehearsing our duet!

Niklas Andersson, Kaj Hagstrand and me having a break before the show!

My first out-fit of the night....and don't forget to notice my precious Venice mask!!! Niklas Andersson waiting in background for his costume change.

The theme of yesterdays (Thursday) show was the fairy tale...and this performance was together with my dear friend and aerial acrobat Maria Zeniou and her superb and incredible stage partners Marcus Björn and Jakkin Wiss! This became a breathtaking show showing the strength of both body, voice and soul!

Jakkin Wiss, me, Maria Zeniou and Marcus Björn!

...and the fairy made my dream come true....to be the queen for one night! ;-)
The end

Sleeping... - ...a future project!

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

...a future project!?!

Well....actually the most important things to keep the body and voice in shape are a good sleep and water...but yesterday was an exception though...

The show in Gothenburg ended at 01:30 in the morning in between Saturday and Sunday.

Me, Peter Johansson and LaGaylia Frazier after a successful show!

To get in time to check-in at the Gothenburg airport I set the wake-up alarm at 04:30...

Waiting for take off...rather sleepy....

The only way to be present at the rehearsal in Stockholm at 10:30 was to travel by air via Copenhagen...

Of course my suitcase didn't catch the plane in Denmark.....but I luckily arrived in time for the rehearsal!

Me rehearsing with the orchestra for new shows...Joakim Joke Holgersson conducting, Monica Ramos playing the harp and Anna Dager the cello!

...and a duet with the fantastic singer Niklas Andersson!

After a full day rehearsal I ended up at home at about nine...followed by a looooooong sleep!;-)

On a high level - ...and higher and higher!

Sat, 8 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

At the moment I am in Gothenburg doing shows with the excellent and great singers LaGaylia Frazier and Peter Johansson! Of course I take the opportunity during the show not only to sing (notes) on a high level but also put myself physically on a high level! Oh, yes, I'm talking about my dear friend "the swing"!!=) But I couldn't do this air born number without Olle Jacobsson assisting me and assuring the security!

Olle Jacobsson and me (down on earth again!) after the first show!

Speaking about high levels it's not every day I have my breakfast at this level.

View from the top of the Gothia Towers in Gothenburg.

LaGaylia Frazier and the Michael Bäck Band during the rehearsal.

Singing and dancing... - ...united for a night!

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Oh...no no....not me dancing!=)
(It would be nice though, but not at my present level...especially not on stage!!)

No, I was singing and performing tonight with two superb dancers giving expression to the song "Somewhere over the rainbow"!

The dancers Linda Kukko & Karin Berg with me and my pianist Samuel Starck before entering the stage!

The rehearsal earlier this morning was a bit dramatic though, since my pianist Samuel Starck was stuck at the airport in Amsterdam, and at one point we didn't know for sure if he could get to the performance in time! So I had to play the piano myself during the sound-check....!
Luckily Samuel arrived in time to play "Time to say goodbye"...;-)

Happy together...at last!

Light and love to all of You! -

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

This coming week-end we are celebrating All Saints' day and we remember all those, friends and family, who are no longer with us. Peace to all of You!

This is also a season (especially in the northern countries as Sweden...) when it's all dark and cold...and therefore a perfect time to light candles and sending love and light to Your beloved ones!

Tomorrow I will celebrate this message of light and peace together with my husband Christoffer Holgersson. He is doing his first concert at his new post as a church musician and choir conductor in St Tomas Church, Vällingby, Stockholm.
http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/vallingby/

I will be a part of his new vocal ensemble Voci VESTO during the concert and together with the St Tomas Chamber Choir and members of the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble we will perform the beautiful peace Actus Tragicus by JS Bach. (Most welcome to this "enlightened gathering"!)

Last Sunday I had the honour being the soloist of the magnificent piece "...a riveder le stelle" by the Swedish composer Ingvar Lidholm during the Hommage à Eric Ericson 90 years. This piece is about returning to the light and to see the skies and the stars again.
Read review: http://www.svd.se/kulturnoje/scen/artikel_1952595.svd
This concert can be heard again tomorrow at 15.00 at the Swedish Radio Channel 2/P2.
http://www.sr.se/p2/

Me and Eric at his 90th birthday the 26th of October 2008! All happy together after a successful concert in Berwarldhallen, Stockholm.

Singing in a bathtub.... - ...on wheels...!!

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200

There are many ways of singing...and there are certainly also many ways to act and to be located when singing...!!

The great producer and director Anders Butta Börjesson (as well as a close and dear friend of mine!) has always new ideas of imaginative locations to perform and act, and the last few years I have often been the object of these bright ideas in very different projects...

To sing and swing is one of those innovations of Butta that tend to pop up now and then in various events. One famous occasion is of course during the performance of the song Golden Star with Elysion in Melodifestivalen 2006 (the Swedish part of the Eurovision Song Contest 2006). This performance started with me coming down from the ceiling on a large swing!

See the performance here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lC-FXYxLYk

Another moment of suberb direction by Anders Butta Börjesson is the present show Invited to Labero where I was part of the musical creation.

See me up side down when playing the cello...and other amazing things in this introduction to the show:
http://www.labero.eu/

And yesterday it was time for another singing position!! Of course the hair and make-up is very important to give the right character! The lovely and fantastic make-up artist Mia Bengtsson transformed me into "Hannah in the bath"!

Well I have always dreamt of GREAT eye lashes....

Mia Bengtsson creating...

Bad hair day?

The more the merrier?

Ready for sound check...in a bath tub....on wheels...

...conducted and taken care of by these wonderful artists:

From the left: Niklas Löjdmark, Christian Larsson, Nicklas Ahlgren and Christopher Schoug!

And together with another brilliant artist of the night; Jessica Marberger!

B minor Mass conducted by Ericson and Award Concert - ...classical music at its very best!

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200

It is an honour being a member of the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir and to be chosen by the maestro himself!

Eric Ericson, the founder ofthe Swedish choral sound, started a couple of days inadvance thecelebration of his 90 years by performing the B minor Mass by J S Bachin the Stockholm Concert Hall last Saturday! The hall was crouded andthe audience responded immediately after the performance with standingovations! Due to his very age he did only the first three movements andwas then succeeded by maestro Gustaf Sjökvist.

Photo: Jan-Olav Wedin

Read more on: http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1058&a=839524

I am so grateful for all the years with Eric and for being part of this musical gift to his 90 years!
Happy birthday dear Eric! Thank You for Your musical inspiration, and for charing Your invaluable knowledge and for Your never ending confidence!

Me and dear Eric Ericson after the concert!

My soprano colleagues!
From the left: Ulla-Carin Börjesdotter, Eva Ericsson-Berglund, Pernilla Ingvarsdotter and Maria Uusijärvi.

And yesterday night it was time for the Award Concert honouring the former voice professor Dagmar Gustafson by doing classical songs composed by Claude Debussy, Johan Hammerth(first performance of two of his Lovesongs in chamber version!), Gunnarde Frumerie and William Walton. Songs given as separated pictures, eachone with its own colours, taste, emotions and tonal landscape...

Creating these pictures with me was my superb pianist Michael Engström. And sharing the award with me did the great singer Susanna Sundberg with her pianist Johan Ullén!

Susanna and me rehearsing!

...and the stage at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm with an autumn touch!

Two fantastic men; my husband Christoffer Holgersson and the pianist of the night Michael Engström, enjoying the moment!

...and me together with my beautiful voice teacher Christina Öqvist-Matton (student of Dagmar Gustafson!)!

Exciting days... - ...from Queen to Bach!

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0200

My friends and family sometimes worry about me working a lot...and maybe even too hard...
...but most of the time it really is worth everything...because the music is giving so much joy and energy in return!! These last few days are proof of that conclusion!

Yesterday night I was part of a Gala Night of WorkingLife 2008 at the Globe Arena in Stockholm.

Three years ago I did the magnificent song Barcelona by Queen for the very first time together with the Freddie Mercury-voice reborn in the superb singer Johan Boding, and yesterday we did it again!!! Johan and me had so much fun on stage with Sebastian Robertsson & Band and the choir By Grace backing us up!

Among other songs I also got the opportunity doing my own song written for the show Invited to Labero; Air beneath my feet. In the show, one year ago, the excellent artist and aerial acrobat Maria Zeniou and me created a performance together out of this song. Yesterday the guests of Working Life 2008 could experience this air born number!

My stylist Matthias Lavesson is doing the final touch before the Gala Night performance.

Ready...and all satisfied with the result!=)

And tonight it was time to move from show music to classical sacred music in doing the B Minor Mass by J S Bach....classical baroque beauty that will last forever!

Eric Ericon rehearsing with his Chamber Choir preparing the coming B Minor Mass.

This concert was a part of celebrating maestro Eric Ericson and his 90 years. Tonights concert was performed by:

Conductor: Gustaf Sjökvist
Soprano: Hannah Holgersson
Alto: Maria Sanner
Tenor: Mikael Stenbaek
Bass: Ove Pettersson
Bass: Gunnar Birgersson
The Eric Ericson Chamber Choir
The Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble

...and the audience of the Klosterkyrkan in Eskilstuna responded with a standing ovation!

Hannah Holgersson and Maria Sanner during rehearsals with Gustaf Sjökvist and the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble...

Me and the beautiful soprano Johanna Nyström arriving to the Klosterkyrkan, Eskilstuna.

Warm up with orchestra and choir before the concert. Gustaf Sjökvist conducting and instructing.

Early Christmas... - ...and Autumn beauty...

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

In this business Christmas often starts early with planning and rehearsing for coming concerts...sometimes even during the sunniest summertime...
....and last week I had to evoke the atmosphere of the winter and Christmas season when recording some solo parts for the coming Christmas album of the choir Laudes...The producer Joakim Joke Holgersson and me had a lot of fun...as always!;-)

The excellent producer Joakim Joke Holgersson recording....

...me...!=)

Despite really good Christmas music and a fantastic choir to sing with it's nice enjoying the beauty of the autumn season a little bit longer!

Susanna Sundberg and me took the opportunity photo shooting during a sunny morning in Stockholm by fall. We got some great pics for our concert the 13th of October.

My beautiful friend and colleague Susanna and me deciding pics for the concert poster....

...and the photographer Martin Hellström helping us out!

Last night of the Proms - ...celebrating its 20 years!

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

This weekend I had the honor to be a part of the 20th "Last Night of the Proms". A sparkling concert with the fantanstic wind ensemble The Swedish Wind Ensemble (Stockholms Läns Blåsarsymfoniker). The program encluded music from La Traviata by Verdi to the more compulsory Proms-music such as Fantasia on the British Sea Songs, Pomp & Circumstance and of course Auld Lang Syne. And the audience was great....singing with us with such enthusiasm!!!

On our way to the Proms in Östersund! The orchestra filled a plane...

Sound check on stage at the Storsjö Theatre in Östersund.

The amazing co-soloist Karl-Magnus Fredriksson and me before entering the stage!

....And the Proms in Stockholm at the Concert Hall!

Maestro Nicolae Moldoveanu and me happy together after the concert!

The host of the evening Nigel Harvey and me...kissing goodnight!

Read more on:
http://blasarsymfonikerna.blogg.se/

http://www.blasarsymfoniker.se/

Musical interaction... - ...with choirs as well as orchestras!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

People are often asking me how my week is scheduled....?
Well to be honest, every week is different from one another...each day includes different musical projects. That is one of the most inspiring things with this profession, to be able to do music with varying ensembles and musicians and in so many different ways of musical expression!

This week started with another international event at the Nordic Museum in Stockholm. The superb Adolf Fredriks Youth Choir conducted by Karin Bäckström performed together with me a mixed program of high-lights for choir and solo voice.

Hannah ready to perform at the Nordic Museum!

The Adolf Fredrik Youth Choir spread out in the audience and Hannah on stage!

The last days I have rehearsed together with The Swedish Wind Ensemble (Stockholms Läns Blåsarsymfoniker) for the coming concerts The Last Night of the Proms.

Karl-Magnus Fredriksson singing and maestro Nicolae Moldoveanu conducting.

Hannah and Karl-Magnus singing the duet from Traviata by Verdi.

Nordic folk song... - ...at international opening ceremony!

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

From Italian classical music to Nordic and Swedish folk songs with traditional folk music improvisation...in one day...!

Tonight I was part of the opening ceremony of ESTRO (European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology) Conference 2008 in Gothenburg. I did a combination of several well known Swedish folk tunes as a welcoming gesture to all international guests (and of course as a national hymn to all Swedish inhabitants!!!).

On stage with a red flower singing of the rose of love....

Me and the amazing pianist Martin Persson after performing together!

....as a nordic touch...;-)

Venice... - ...in a harmony of voices!

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

On the evening of the 11th of September the music of the great composer Luigi Nono filled the Chiesa Madonna dell' Orto in Venice.

The Swedish vocal ensemble the Harmony of Voices with its conductor Fredrik Malmberg was invited to be a part of the opening concert of the festival "Sense of Architecture" where we did a homage to Luigi Nono by doing his composition "Das atmende Klarsein" (1980-83). The music is for eight voices, bass flute and sound construction.

Me outside the Chiesa Madonna dell' Orto in the September sun!

The magnificent inside...

Preparation of the sound construction. In the picture from the left: Cecilia von Heijne, Ivonne Fuchs, Michael Pannes, Andreas Olsson, Gunnar Andersson and Mikael Bellini.

...and the sopranos; Hannah Holgersson and Ulla-Carin Börjesdotter!

Roberto Fabbriciani, who was part of the composition and creation of new sounds of the bass flute together with Luigi Nono!

All girls happy together after a successful concert!

Of course we had to do some sight-seeing when visiting such a beautiful and inspiring city!

Venice....the city of water!

Me and Ulla-Carin Börjesdotter at one of the bridges crossing the Canal Grande!

And of course we had to see the tomb of the great composer Claudio Monteverdi!

Venice...also the city of masks!!! Fun, fun, fun!!!=)

Planning, preparing, rehearsing.... - ...the invisible things...

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0200

I never stop getting fascinated by all the long and hard work before actually "entering the stage"....
Theprogram has to be set to please both the specific audience and theartists on stage, the music has to prepared, arranged (and sometimeseven composed!) and rehearsed... and all lyrics to be known byheart...not to mention all visual details such as stage light,choreography, dresses, make-up and hair....and of course warming thevoice...
...all these things preparing the one and only concert and performing of its kind!
ButI feel very lucky and greatful to be one of those who has theopportunity to be in this very final moment of creating and doingmusic, and to be secure in all preparations and in the end be able togive all energy and spirit right back at the audience!

Me and Ken Wennerholm planning the "Christmas Concert 2008". Well, what would we do without the computers....

...and some planning when dining with Göran Rudbo!

Rehearsal with the Harmony of Voices before our tour to Italy later this week!

The wonderful soprano sitting next to me; Ulla- Carin Börjesdotter!

Composing with my superb musician and pianist Joakim "Joke" Holgersson in the ToneZone Studios.

New contemporary music released! - Hannah celebrating in Jönköping...

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:02:00 +0200

Tonight new contemporary music was released in the Jönköping Concert Hall during the opening concert of the autumn season.

Composed by Johan Hammerth and with lyrics by Niklas Rådström these songs are a beautiful fusion between words and music!

The songs are recorded with the Jönköping Simfonietta conducted by Jan Stigmer.

The voice of the Songs of Wild Boy belongs to Olle Persson, while I had the honor singing the Four Love Songs.

Me and one of the managers of the Jönköping Concert Hall/ Smålands Music and Theatre; Thomas Tegnér celebrating the new album!

Of course this brand new album had to be celebrated!! Everyone involved are very proud of the result and we are, of course, hoping these songs will give a new exciting angle of the classical song! Please enjoy!

Signing the album together with the composer Johan Hammerth at the Jönköping Concert Hall!

Happy ending... - ...of the pilgrimage tour!

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:31:00 +0200

To do a pilgrimage is often about purifying oneself in body and soul. Step by step towards the final destination the spirit reaches a higher level and one comes closer to life itself...

The pilgrimage for the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir gave both choir and audience soulful moments during the concerts. The combination of a beautiful environment in every church along the tour, great music, a superb choir instrument and a welcoming audience took us all automatically to a higher level!

The magnificent inner area of the Monastery of San Zolio.

Me at the monastery well.

The president of the choir Mr Jaan Seim and me inside the monastery of San Zoilo, Carrión de los Condes, where we performed the 22nd of July.

The "minor" stage of the concert the 23rd of July...the Cathedral of León!

....and the inside of the Cathedral....even more magnificent?!?

Members of the choir having a nice dinner after the apreciated concert in the Catherdral of Léon.

My wonderful friend Mia Lundell and me in the warm night of Léon!

What would we do without the coffee?!?
In the picture: Mia Lundell

We had this little coffee under the grapes in the last village of the tour; Villafranca del Bierzo.

The church of our last performance; Iglesia de San Fransisco, Villafranca del Bierzo.

The pilgrims of the Eric Ericsons Chamber Choir 2008!

A stork nest of Villafranca del Bierzo...maybe this is the spot for a higher level?!??