Arbetarbladet 130504
This evening Helen Sjöholm and Magnus Carlsson are on stage at the Concert Hall in front of the Gävle Symphony Orchestra . We called Helen Sjöholm up on the train home last night.
– It’s pretty rare to get such free hands as Magnus and I have for this concert. Often they have already decided on some songs beforehand, but here it was more like: “This is the orchestra, what do you want to sing?” Magnus and I first pulled up thousands of songs and then there was a lot of “kill your darlings”. What was left in the end is a lot of modern stuff, British and pop. Elvis Costello, Depeche Mode, Coldplay, several by David Bowie. For me this is very new, she says.
How did you feel when you stood in front of the symphony orchestra and began to rehearse?
– It was so much fun. When you have gone for months and planned and finally get to hear the arrangements, because they are newly written.
– Since much of the material is new, I feel extra tingly and excited. Often I sing things that have been sung a lot already. I feel quite green and comfortable this time.
– I’ve been at home with my children, it ‘s been a long time since I sang at all. It feels fantastic to sing with such a great singer as Magnus. He sits here beside me and gets a little embarrassed now. It’s luxurious with so much input. I just enjoy it.
– Me too, Magnus says.