Innlegg

Vi i Norgesklubben Sveits er utrolig takknemlige for muligheten, via Christer Løvold, dirigenten for The Swiss Gospel Singers, til å intervjue Chris de Burgh i forbindelse med konsertene “Believe in Christmas!” Hvordan Chris de Burgh endte opp med å opptre med et sveitsisk gospelkor ledet av en nordmann, er en spennende historie – les mer om det på korets nettside og i artikkelen fra BZ november 2021.

Årets julekonserter finner sted i Zürich 12. des., Basel 13. des. og Saanen 14. des. Info om konsertene finner du her.

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“Before we begin the interview,” says Chris de Burgh, “I want to share something with you—Norway holds a very special place in my heart.

I have a deep affection for Norway. If I recall correctly, I’ve had six number-one albums there over the years. I’d have to double-check, but I vividly remember Norway playing a pivotal role in my career during the late ’70s. It was a time when I needed a boost, and I performed in cities like Trondheim, Oslo, and Bergen—where it always seems to rain—and then on to Stavanger and perhaps a few others.”

It’s no surprise, then, that a gospel choir led by a Norwegian director captured the heart of the Irishman.

 

Concert Preparations
 As you prepare for your upcoming concerts in Switzerland, what can fans expect from your setlist? Will there be any surprises or new arrangements of your classic songs?

– I’ve already performed two concerts in Switzerland recently, in Bern and Zürich, and they were completely sold out—just like the other 29 shows since last summer, so it’s clear people’s taste for my music hasn’t diminished. While there will be some slight new arrangements, especially involving the Swiss Gospel Singers, I always believe in keeping the original feel of my classic songs like “Lady in Red,” “Don’t Pay the Ferryman,” and “A Spaceman Came Travelling.” People come to hear those songs as they remember them, so we stick to the original arrangements. Of course, there will still be surprises—it’s a concert, after all. The Setlist will be based on the Album „Believe in Christmas“ which I recorded last year together with the Swiss Gospel Singers. We will also perform the brand new song „On This Day“ from my latest album „50“!

Switzerland and Ireland
What do you find most different between Switzerland and Ireland, and what do you think they have in common?

– Switzerland and Ireland are similar in terms of size and population. Politically, though, we differ: Switzerland has a high level of democratization with frequent referendums on matters that might seem minor elsewhere. Ireland, on the other hand, uses proportional representation in its elections, which is also significant. Both countries are incredibly beautiful—Switzerland has its Alpine splendor, while Ireland is home to the rugged beauty of the west. Performing across Switzerland—whether in Geneva, Lausanne, or Neuchâtel—has always been a joy.

Audience Connection
You’ve performed all over the world. What makes performing for Swiss audiences special, and how do you connect with them during your shows?

– Swiss audiences have a reputation for being reserved, but I’ve found that they love to loosen up during concerts. Once the music starts, they’re anything but reserved—they rush to the front, dance, sing, and wave their arms. Breaking down the barrier between the stage and the audience is crucial for me. My goal is to make the audience part of the evening, not just passive observers. Whether in a historic venue like the Royal Albert Hall or an open-air arena, it’s about creating a shared experience. Performance is seduction, and my job is to engage and energize my audience.

Career Reflection
With such a long and successful career, is there a particular moment on stage or a song that you hold especially close to your heart?

While I wouldn’t single out one specific moment, performing in Ephesus, Turkey—a 300 BC amphitheater under a starry sky with 20,000 people—was unforgettable. Of course, things can go wrong on stage. Just last week in Zurich, my guitar didn’t work right as I started! But you learn to stay calm, engage with the audience, and keep the show moving. That’s part of the magic of live performance.

Creative Process
Your storytelling through music is legendary. Could you share a bit about your creative process when crafting a song with such vivid imagery and emotion?

– Storytelling has always been at the heart of my music. My English teacher in school emphasized the importance of a beginning, middle, and end where something changes—and that stuck with me. Songs like “Spanish Train” explore universal themes, like the eternal battle between good and evil. I aim to create a blueprint for listeners to bring their own emotions and ideas to the story. Inspiration can come in many forms—sometimes an idea is planted and grows, like with “The Keeper of the Keys,” a song about the suppression of women in places like Iran. Other times, melodies just drift in, like “This Day,” which I recorded with the Swiss Gospel Singers. Writing isn’t easy—it takes discipline and patience—but it’s always worth it.

Legacy and Impact

– Looking back, how do you feel your music has impacted your listeners? What do you hope they take away from your performances?

Music has a profound ability to touch lives. I’ve heard from fans who’ve used my songs at weddings, funerals, and other pivotal moments in their lives. Knowing that my music has helped people through difficult times or been part of their happiest memories is incredibly humbling. At the end of my concerts, one of the last songs is “High on Emotion,” and I hope that’s how my audience feels—uplifted, inspired, and connected.

Future Plans
After this tour, what’s next for you? Are you working on any new projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to?

– I’m always working on new projects. My latest album, “50,” features 29 songs, each with its own story and energy. I’ll continue exploring new ideas, writing songs, and collaborating with talented artists. The journey isn’t over yet, and I look forward to what’s ahead.

Editor’s note: “50” is the 2024 album by singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh, released on 4th October 2024 by Rockware.

Can you  introduce yourselve?
My name is Belia Winnewisser, I work and live in Zürich. I am a musician, primarily focused on electronic and experimental pop music. Sometimes I give workshops, compose for orchestras or theater, and occasionally DJ.

How would you describe your musical style or genre and what got you into music in the beginning?
Ever since I began, my music has flowed between genres, drawing inspiration from abstract dance music, wave, pop, indie, and ambient. My interest in music began at a very early age. I was obsessed with certain types of music and started playing chords on a small keyboard I received as a child, singing along as I played. I guess that was the beginning.

Who are your biggest musical influences, both Norwegian and Swiss, as well as international artists? Which famous musicians do you admire?
As a kid, I used to love Sissel Kyrkjebø, and later, the band Madrugada became quite an influence. Norwegian fairy tales about trolls and Nøkken were also important to my songwriting. Another big influence was the artist Fever Ray back in the day. Later, artists like Jlin, Bullion, Smerz and Avalon Emerson definitely had an impact on my artistic direction.

How have your Norwegian and Swiss backgrounds influenced your music and artistic identity?
Both countries have immense natural beauty. In my free time, I seek silence in the forests and go to Norway as often as I can. My partner and I have a small wooden house by a lake, and it is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. Sometimes I go there to work on music, and sometimes I just sit and find peace in nature.

Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you go from an idea to a finished song?
Sometimes I have a core idea, but most of the time, I just start somewhere and end up somewhere totally different. I mostly follow my intuition and listen carefully. For me, making music is very similar to cooking. You taste, you listen, you add some salt and pepper, and incorporate a bit of sweetness for a twist.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your music career so far and can you share a moment that felt like a breakthrough or a significant achievement for you?
In general, since I handle everything by myself, it can be very challenging. There is a thin line between the joy of being my own boss and being creative while managing everything. I also need to be mindful of not falling into solitude too much. The last two years have taught me a lot; since I mostly live off my music, I’ve learned that the music business can be quite harsh.

Where can we meet you? Where are you booked for this year  and what is your favourite part about performing live?
This summer was a bit quieter than last year, with some small but very charming venues. This fall brought bigger shows, which were incredibly exciting to play. What I love most about performing live is the energy I feel—it’s such a powerful exchange with the audience. When everything aligns, it can develop into something truly magical.

How do you view the current music industry in Switzerland/Norway for young artists like yourselves? If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
It feels like Norway has a more stable artistic scene compared to Switzerland. There are so many great newcomer artists I admire a lot. While Switzerland has talent as well, it just feels like Swiss artists aren’t as international. Sometimes it seems like Switzerland is truly a fortress that you can’t enter or leave, making it quite challenging for artists to have an international perspective. But I am working on it.

What role does social media play in your relationship with your fans and where can people follow you and find your music online?
I am, like many, very ambivalent about social media. It’s nice to be present and for others to see what’s going on, but it can also be a bit of a trap. I’m mostly on Instagram, where I share most of my artistic life. People can find my music on every platform.

Where do you see yourselves in the next five years?
I hope to be in a position similar to where I am now, still loving making music, but hopefully a bit more stable.

What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians who are just starting out? What is the best advice you’ve been given?
This might sound a bit cheesy, but: trust your instincts! Surround yourself with good people, and don’t forget to give yourself breaks from time to time.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Enjoy your day!

Thank you Belia! We wish you all the best for the future.

Hvem er Jarle?
Langhåret artist og låtskriver fra Bergen. Har stort sett en akustisk gitar i hendene, men har også blitt observert med banjo.

I hvilken forbindelse er du i Sveits ?
Jeg skal ut på turné i Februar/Mars for å promotere nye låter, og tar turen til Sveits for første gang. Sammen med gitarist Jonas Dyrstad Valberg skal jeg innom Solothurn, Olten, St. Gallen, Bern, og Winterthur. 

 

Kan du fortelle leserne våre om din jobb ?
Jeg står stort sett opp en gang i løpet av formiddagen, drikker en rolig kaffe, så er det enten å jobbe i studio eller å skrive musikk til langt på natt. Jeg jobber også med å lage spillelister til restauranter og utesteder.

 

Hva provoserer deg?
Unødvendig høye lyder. Vanskelig å unngå når man er musiker og bor i Bergen…

 

Hva gjør du om ti år?
Forhåpentligvis en bedre betalt, og mer stabil variant av det jeg gjør nå.
Og da må jeg jo gjerne flytte til Sveits for å beskytte min enorme formue, så da passer det bra med en liten rekognoseringstur nå.

 

Hva opplever du som er den største forskjellen på Sveits og Norge?
Sveits er foreløpig uopplevd for både meg og Jonas, men vi gleder oss veldig til å se hva Sveits har å tilby når vi tar turen dit i Februar. Vi forventer høye fjell, presise klokker, og god sjokolade. 

Hvis du kunne endret én ting her i verden – hva ville det vært og hvorfor?
Hvis jeg kunne endret hva som helst i hele verden så ville jeg hatt et studio uten ledninger. Totalt trådløst. Tenk å kunne bevege seg fritt rundt i lokalet uten å hele tiden stumpe i instrument-kabler, og uten en konstant frykt for å ødelegge for enorme summer. Det er drømmen!

Jarle

En serie spørsmål til nordmenn og -kvinner som bor, er innom eller på gjennomfart i Sveits.

 

Hvem er : Christian Wallumrød Ensemble?

  • Christian Wallumrød Ensemble (CWE) ble startet i 2001, har gitt ut tilsammen 6 plater (på ECM Records og Hubro Music) og spilt konserter i Norge, Europa, USA, Canada og Japan. Ensemblet arbeider i hovedsak med Wallumrøds musikk, og har hatt ulike besetninger oppigjennom årene (bl.a den sveitsiske barokkharpisten Giovanna Pessi, som var med i CWE i perioden 2005 til 2010). Siden 2011 har besetningen vært følgende: Christian Wallumrød – piano/harmonium, Eivind Lønning – trompet, Espen Reinertsen – saxofon, Tove Törngren – cello, Per Oddvar Johansen – trommer/vibrafon. CWE mottok Spellemannspris (samtid) i 2014 for platen Outstairs

I hvilken forbindelse er dere i Sveits?

  • Denne gangen er vi i Sveits for å spille på A.M.R Jazz Festival i Genève. CWE har spilt flere ganger i Sveits, og tre av platene til ensemblet er også innspilt i Sveitsisk Radio’s studioer i Zürich og Lugano. I 2007 gjorde vi også en dobbelturné med en rekke sveitsiske musikere, bl.a. Nik Bärtsch og hans band Mobile.

Foto: B.L.

Kan du fortelle leserne våre om deres jobb ?

  • Alle de fem medlemmene i ensemblet er musikere og komponister. Vi lager og spiller vår egen musikk, og av og til andres musikk.

Hva provoserer dere?

  • Jeg kan bare svare for meg selv.. men jeg blir alltid provosert av folk som tar seg til rette på andres bekostning.

Hva gjør dere om ti år ?

  • Jeg håper og regner med at vi fremdeles lager og spiller musikk som betyr noe for oss.

Foto: B.L.

Hvis dere kunne endret én ting her i verden – hva ville det vært og hvorfor?

  • Igjen, jeg kan kun svare for meg selv.. En velfungerende fordeling av matressursene i verden. Det er nok mat til alle, men for mange faktorer som virker uheldig sammen, slik at ikke alle får.

Tre ord som beskriver Sveits?

  • Det blir tre ord som jeg assosierer med landet og mine møter med sveitsere: natur, språkmektighet, ordenssans;)

 

Foto: B.L.

Tusen takk  til Christian Wallumrød for at han ville dele litt av sin hverdag med Norgesklubbens lesere!

Hendelser

Lávre Johan Eira er en av den unge garde av samiske musikere. Han tilfører forsiktig nye impulser til den tradisjonelle joiken: Med gitar og effektapparater skaper han overraskende friske, meditative og jordnære klanger. Også tematisk bryter artisten fra en liten norsk bygd nord for polarsirkelen ny mark. I tillegg til forfedrenes mystiske, ulyriske verden er han inspirert av dagens følelsesmessige kaos. Lávre fortsetter å utvikle urfolkenes sang- og kulturarv – noe han allerede har blitt hedret for med Sámi Music Prize og som beste up-and-coming artist.

Billetter finner du her: https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/festivals/weitere-festivals/17-nordklang-festival-7282388671612802228.h

Vilde Frang og Lawrence Power utforsker musikk for strykere i et sjeldent og fengslende program.

Program

Eugène Ysaÿe 1858-1931

Sonate for to fioliner i a-moll

Bjarne Brustad 1895-1978

Capriccio for fiolin og bratsj

Zoltán Kodály 1882-1967

Serenade for to fioliner og bratsj op. 12Serenade for to fioliner og bratsj op. 12

Vilde FRANG fiolin

Valerij SOKOLOV fiolin

Lawrence POWER bratsj

Vennligst merk! Eksklusiv konsert i La Chaux-de-Fonds! Gjør deg klar for en uforglemmelig kveld med den norske fiolinvirtuosen Vilde Frang. Vilde Frang ble kastet inn på den internasjonale scenen i en alder av tolv år av Mariss Jansons, og er i dag en av de mest fremtredende og unike fiolinistene i sin generasjon, kjent for sin utrolige virtuositet og kunstneriske dybde.

Hun blir akkompagnert av den talentfulle ukrainske fiolinisten Valeriy Sokolov, vinner av den prestisjetunge George Enescu International Violin Competition, og den engelske bratsjisten Lawrence Power, som er en anerkjent lærer ved Zürich University of the Arts. Sammen vil de fremføre et sjeldent og fengslende program, med verk for to fioliner og bratsj av den norske komponisten Bjarne Brustad, samt stykker av Eugène Ysaÿe og Zoltán Kodály.

Eugène Ysaÿe, en ledende skikkelse i fiolinens verden, var også en innflytelsesrik pedagog som utdannet generasjoner av musikere. Bjarne Brustads «Capriccio for fiolin og bratsj» gir et glimt av hans nyklassisistiske stil, som kombinerer moderne elementer med tradisjonelle former. Til slutt vil Zoltán Kodály, en lidenskapelig forsvarer av Ungarns musikalske arv, fortrylle oss med sin «Serenade for to fioliner og bratsj», et stykke rikt på tradisjonelle melodier og mesterlig harmonikk.

Gå ikke glipp av denne eksepsjonelle begivenheten i La Chaux-de-Fonds, en kveld der fortreffelighet og lidenskap for kammermusikk vil stå i sentrum!

Anbefalt alder
6 til 12 år, Tenåringer, Voksne, Seniorer
Varighet
105 minutter

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Vilde Frang et Lawrence Power explorent la musique pour cordes avec un programme rare et captivant.

Vilde FRANG violon

Valeriy SOKOLOV violon

Lawrence POWER alto

Programme

Eugène Ysaÿe 1858-1931

Sonate pour deux violons en la mineur

Bjarne Brustad 1895-1978

Capriccio pour violon et alto

Zoltán Kodály 1882-1967

Sérénade pour deux violons et alto op. 12Sérénade pour deux violons et alto op. 12

Attention ! Concert exclusif à La Chaux-de-Fonds ! Préparez-vous à une soirée inoubliable avec la virtuose norvégienne du violon, Vilde Frang. Propulsée sur les scènes internationales dès l’âge de douze ans par Mariss Jansons, Vilde Frang est aujourd’hui l’une des violonistes les plus éminentes et singulières de sa génération, reconnue pour son incroyable virtuosité et sa profondeur artistique.

Elle sera accompagnée du talentueux violoniste ukrainien Valeriy Sokolov, lauréat du prestigieux Concours International de Violon George Enescu, et de l’altiste anglais Lawrence Power, professeur réputé à la Haute École des Arts de Zürich. Ensemble, ils interpréteront un programme rare et captivant, incluant des œuvres pour deux violons et alto du compositeur norvégien Bjarne Brustad, ainsi que des pièces d’Eugène Ysaÿe et de Zoltán Kodály.

Eugène Ysaÿe, figure marquante du monde du violon, était également un pédagogue influent ayant formé des générations de musiciens. Bjarne Brustad, quant à lui, nous offrira avec son “Capriccio pour violon et alto” un aperçu de son style néo-classique, combinant éléments modernes et formes traditionnelles. Enfin, Zoltán Kodály, défenseur passionné du patrimoine musical hongrois, nous enchantera avec sa “Sérénade pour deux violons et alto”, une pièce riche en mélodies traditionnelles et en harmonies magistrales.

Ne manquez pas ce rendez-vous exceptionnel à La Chaux-de-Fonds, une soirée où l’excellence et la passion de la musique de chambre seront à l’honneur !

billetterie.vch@ne.ch

Age conseillé
6 à 12 ans, Adolescents, Adultes, Seniors
Durée
105 minutes

Marcus & Martinus are by far the biggest pop-duo phenomenon hailing from Scandinavia. The 21-year-old twins from Norway are already established as successful artists in large parts of Europe, celebrating 10 years as touring artists just last year. 

With a start in January Marcus & Martinus will do a big tour in Nordics Norden – We Are Not The Same Tour prt 1 – with gigs at the biggest venues.

During these years they’ve been a supporting act for Jason Derulo, sold out Globen twice within minutes, and performed at The Nobel Prize with more. Their song Elektrisk holds the record for the most streamed Norwegian song of all time. Their catchy pop music and magnetic stage presence are impossible not to like. This has resulted in large social channels hundreds of millions of streams and devoted fans all over the globe.

Please only purchase tickets from the official ticket agency: www.ticketcorner.ch

Den 28. mars 2025 inviterer Stadtcasino Basel til en unik konsertopplevelse med Tord Gustavsen Trio og Hildegunn Øiseth Quartet, som en del av serien Norwegian Lights. Konserten finner sted i Musiksaal, og dørene åpner kl. 18:45. Selve konserten starter kl. 19:30 og varer til ca. kl. 22:15.

Hildegunn Øiseth Quartet: Den Trondheim-baserte jazzmusikeren Hildegunn Øiseth, kjent for sitt bruk av tradisjonelle instrumenter som bukkehorn, presenterer sitt nye album Time is Coming. Med seg har hun Espen Berg (piano), Magne Thormodsæter (bass) og Per Odvar Johansen (trommer). Sammen formidler de en melankolsk nordisk stemning med teknisk briljans.

 

Tord Gustavsen Trio: Tord Gustavsen, en av Norges fremste jazzpianister, spiller med Jarle Vespestad (trommer) og Steinar Raknes (bass). Trioen har nylig utgitt albumet Opening og bringer en blanding av melodiske komposisjoner, subtile rytmer og dype emosjonelle uttrykk.

Billettene kan kjøpes via Starticket eller direkte fra Stadtcasino Basel

 

Alan Walker ved pc

Alan Olav Walker er en norsk-britisk DJ og musikkprodusent født 24. august 1997. Han vokste opp i Bergen etter å ha flyttet dit fra England som toåring. Walker begynte å lage musikk som tenåring, inspirert av EDM-artister og selvlært gjennom YouTube-tutorials. I 2014 slapp han sin første singel “Fade” under navnet DJ Walkzz. Gjennombruddet kom i 2015 med hitsingelen “Faded”, som toppet listene i over 10 land. Andre kjente låter inkluderer “Sing Me to Sleep”, “Alone” og “On My Way”.Walker er kjent for sitt karakteristiske image med hette og ansiktsmaske på scenen. Hans logo, som består av bokstavene A og W sammenflettet, designet han selv i 2013. I 2018 ga han ut debutalbumet “Different World”. Walker har oppnådd enorm popularitet på sosiale medier og strømmetjenester, med over 45 millioner YouTube-abonnenter i 2024. Han har vunnet flere priser, inkludert en MTV Europe Music Award for Best Norwegian Act. Walker fortsetter å turnere verden rundt og slippe ny musikk, inkludert albumet “World of Walker” i 2021 og “Walkerverse” i 2022.