The crossover Soprano is a household name in the Scandinavian country. Sissel, who will perform Sunday at the Keswick Theatre, has sold more than 10 million albums in her native land, which only has a population of 4.7 million.
However, Sissel, who can belt out pop, folk, classical and operatic arias, is not so renowned in the United States.
“That's all right,” Sissel said while calling from Oslo. “It's a different country. I'm not so known but that's OK because that makes it fun. I like the challenge. I'll sing there and it'll be a good experience.”
Sissel, who sings in her native tongue, English and Latin, is touring behind her latest album, the enchanting and serene “Northern Lights.”
“This is the kind of project that I think is perfect for Americans to get to know me,” Sissel said. “The music gives the listener what it feels like to experience the Norwegian wintertime. As a native Norwegian, I get to show them how beautiful Norway is through music.”
Operatic legend Jose Carreras lent his vocal skills to “Northern Lights.” Sissel has been friends with Carreras since she sang duets with him, Placido Domingo and Neil Sedaka during the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
“He was kind enough to sing on the album,” Sissel said. “He has one of my favorite voices in the world. When I think of him, I think back to the Olympics in my country, which was so special.”
After performing during the Olympics, Sissel received an invitation to sing on the “Titanic” soundtrack.
“That helped open up things for me around the world,” she said. “It's funny to me because when I was working on it, the rumors were that the movie was going to be a flop because it was constantly going over budget. But that obviously wasn't so.
“Who hasn't seen the "Titanic?' That was one of my most favorite projects. I remember the first time I heard the music, I just thought it was so beautiful. The melody lines are stunning. I started singing the character Rose's emotional parts and it just took me away. It affected everybody and some people got to know me as the woman who sings on the "Titanic' soundtrack.”
In 2002, Sissel was invited to represent Norway at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert. She and pop/classical vocalist Josh Groban belted out “The Prayer” during their duet. “He has such a stunning voice,” Sissel said. “An absolutely amazing singer.”
Two years later Sissel went out with “The Lord of the Rings Symphony” tour. Sissel was the featured soloist, backed by a symphony orchestra and choir. “That was overwhelming,” she said. “I'll never forget being in the middle of that incredible orchestra and that wonderful choir. Such voices.”
Speaking of voices, Sissel's pipes rise an octave when raving about her December 2006 performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which was broadcast on PBS. Sissel, who was the featured soloist, sang for more than 80,000 people in Salt Lake City.
“The voices in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are amazing,” Sissel said. “They're inspiring and moving. I'm so glad they invited me to sing with them.”
The demand for Sissel's voice is great everywhere except at home. Sissel's 8 and 12-year old daughters prefer to handle the vocals in the family car. “They think I sing well but they've had enough of me singing,” she said. “When we're driving they say, "Mommy, you sing all the time. It's your job. Please let us sing.' That's fine with me. I sing enough.”
Sissel appears Sunday at the Keswick Theatre, Glenside. Tickets are $27 and $37. Show time is 7:30 p.m. 215-572-7650.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times
