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SISSEL KYRKJEBØ The

SISSEL KYRKJEBØ The world-renowned Norwegian crossover soprano shares special moments in her life and her role as godmother to Viking Jupiter Sissel is recognized as one of the world’s leading crossover sopranos and is responsible for many of Norway’s most treasured musical memories. She has released more than 20 albums in a variety of languages, including English, Swedish, Danish, Italian and, of course, her native Norwegian. Sissel is also the ceremonial godmother of Viking Jupiter. At what age did you first start singing? I started in a children’s choir at the age of nine and started to sing professionally at 16; I have always loved singing. What musical genres have influenced and inspired you? The radio was my main inspiration growing up. My brothers listened to Pink Floyd, Queen, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Kate Bush, Genesis, Manfred Mann and so on, while my parents loved Scandinavian pop, country music and Tom Jones. I remember I found a classical album, and I think I was the only one who listened to it. I loved to dance and sing along when I was home alone. Kate Bush’s album Lionheart was the first album I ever bought; it was a big moment for me. And then, at the age of 11, I heard Barbra Streisand singing on the radio and I was lost. I thought: if she can sing like that, I can too. I started analyzing her technique and she became my first vocal coach, without ever knowing. Tell us about some special moments in your career. There have been so many. Singing during the intermission 24 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS of the Eurovision Song Contest was in many ways the real start of my career. Then the ceremonies at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Christmas in Vienna, and Moscow with Plácido Domingo and José Carreras are also extremely memorable. And of course, it was so special to work with the great composer James Horner on the score for the movie Titanic. How do you feel about becoming the godmother of Viking Jupiter? When Karine and Torstein Hagen asked me, I felt so honored that they trusted me to become the godmother to their dear Viking Jupiter. I have sung at many of the other Naming Ceremonies, and I thought that in itself was an honor, so this is extremely overwhelming for me. I feel I am part of the Viking family. What is your all-time favorite song? That is a really tricky question. I have to admit, I do not have one, as it always depends on my mood. How does Viking promote Scandinavian heritage? I think what Karine and Torstein Hagen have achieved is just incredible, and as a Norwegian, I am so proud when I visit the ships. The Norwegian and Scandinavian interior, design, culture and food are solid throughout the fleet. And guests are even greeted by people dressed in some of our national costumes. This is looked upon in Norway as most honorable as they are the outfits we wear for special occasions. You are such an ambassador for Norway and Norwegian life. What was your own childhood like? I just loved growing up in Bergen. It is one of the most beautiful cities, with its fjords and majestic mountains. I have discovered that I am definitely not a city girl. Where do you think your incredible voice came from? I think it is a combination of the voices of both my parents. They both love music, but my grandmother really loved to sing. She often sang to me, so it was a natural thing to have music all around. What would you like to do in the future? There is a lot that I would love to do. But like many performers, I am a little superstitious, so I do not like to say these things out loud. Do you feel that your singing voice has changed over time? Yes, it has changed over the years, and as I see it, your voice is part of your soul, part of you, so it changes over time. This is why it is so important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Go online: Watch the full interview with soprano Sissel Kyrkjebø on Viking.TV. Counterclockwise, from top of facing page: Sissel performing at the Viking Jupiter Naming Ceremony; formally naming her godship; out in nature, an integral part of Sissel’s life; participating in Viking Jupiter’s Float Out EXPLORE MORE VIKING.COM 25