- Christine Guldbrandsen
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Christine Guldbrandsen 
Background information Birth name Christine Guldbrandsen Born 19 March 1985
Bergen, NorwayGenres Folk, pop, Crossover Occupations Singer, Actress, Songwriter, Co-Producer Instruments Fiddle, Violin, Piano Years active 1998–present Labels Sony BMG Associated acts Eurovision Song Contest 2006 Website Christine.bz Christine Guldbrandsen (born 19 March 1985 in Bergen, Norway) is a singer who is best-known internationally for being the Norwegian entrant in the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. With a crystal-clear voice and a impressive vocal range she is often compared to sopranos like Sissel Kyrkjebø and Hayley Westenra. She has released three albums in Scandinavia, Surfing in the Air, Moments and Christine. A new album called "Colors" was released on the 8th of April 2011. She sings mainly in Norwegian and English, but has also sung songs in Swedish, Finnish, Italian and Latin.
Contents
Biography
Early life
Guldbrandsen began singing at the age of 3 in the local church choir. Guldbrandsen was discovered at the age of 13 by Kjetil Fluge. In 2000, when Guldbrandsen was 15, she sang at "Kulturbyåpningen" in Bergen. Among the audience was Sony Music Entertainment. After the performance Sony Music gave Guldbrandsen her first record deal. The contract was a result of long dedicated time and work with Kjetil Fluge, Atle Halstensen and Erlend Fauske in the Bergen Studio Sounds Familiar. In 2001, only at the age of 16, Christine wrote her first lyrics which was entitled "Fly Away". She wrote this song as a dedication to her father, who died the same year.
2003
Her 2003 debut album, Surfing in the Air, became a huge success in Norway, and was subsequently released in Finland. The album sold 30,000 copies, which is considered very good for a Norwegian debut artist and she received a Gold record.[1] The most memorable song on the CD was the song with the same name, Surfing in the Air, which became a radio hit, and to which she recorded an exotic music video on the weather-beaten and evocative coastal mountain landscapes of the volcanic island in the North Atlantic, Iceland. After this release, Christine Guldbrandsen received the Karoline-Prisen. This award is given to young artist, who combine school with a music career.
Other memorable songs from her debutalbum is The Far End which entered the Norsktoppen top 40 at number 22 and Fly Away which entered the ISC "The International Songwriting Competition" and finished in the Semi Final with 350 other songs out of 11.000 songs from all over the world.[2]
2004
In January 2004, Christine Guldbrandsen and her team started working on her second album. The album was released in December 2004 and got the title Moments and was also called "Christine Guldbrandsen's difficult second album", because of the mediocre reviews. Nevertheless, it entered the official Norwegian album chart VG-lista Topp 40.[3] And the song Because of You was played a lot on national radio, especially on P1 which is the most popular station and Because of You also entered Norsktoppen top 40 on number 26.
2006
In 2006 Christine represented her country at the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest in Athens, Greece, after winning the Melodi Grand Prix 2006. The Norwegian selection was a Nordic folk song, Alvedansen (The dance of elves) - the only one of 18 entries with Norwegian lyrics. It was an unusual Grand Prix entry, far from the typical schlager as it is an ethno piece spiced with chant, plus fiddle and harmonica. Thea Tunås Bratteng accompanied her on stage, playing the typical Norwegian fiddle instrument hardingfele. Guldbrandsen won the Bergen semi-final with a convincing performance and live voice, though she had strong competitors in Queentastic and Trine Rein. In Athens, she was placed 14th of 24 finalists. Guldbrandsen also sang in the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix 2007 in Oslo Spektrum with a medley of Dansekjolen "5th place on the Norwegian Radio Stations chart" and the new version of Alvedansen. The special thing about this performance was that Guldbrandsen came flying onto the stage and had 6 dancers on stage with her. On Wednesday 9 January 2008, Christine's hit Alvedansen was finally released in an English version Elf Dance. Alvedansen lyrics was redone by Andrew Boyle
2007
On 5 February 2007, she released her third studio album, simply entitled Christine. It's her most personal album and this time, Guldbrandsen was also a co-producer for the first time. The album presented ten new songs, all penned by Guldbrandsen and her co-writers except for one traditional Norwegian folk tune. A new, improved version of her well known song "Alvedansen" was also included. The songs on this album travel across a wide range of styles, from low key ballads with choir and piano to richly coloured soundscapes painted with broad strokes. The CD got a very good response from the media in Norway. Most magazines gave the CD 4 stars, some even 5.
2008
In September 2008, Christine played in Les Misérables as Cosette in Bergen, Norway and there were 100 performances. Les Misérables sold 35.000 tickets before the premiere.[4] Only three weeks after the opening night, this musical experienced a huge success. All tickets for the musical were sold out, and Guldbrandsen and the rest of the ensemble also performed on New Year's Eve and now more than 42000 people have seen Les Misérables on Den Nationale Scene (The National Scene) in Bergen. The reviews were extremely positive and the newspapers gave the musical (6/6 in BA, 5/6 in VG and 5/6 in Dagbladet) to name a few. This musical was Guldbrandsen's first acting performance.[4]
Christine also joined the Icelandic company Navia. The song "We Can Fly" is a project from Navia and is sung by Christine Guldbrandsen (Norway), Jippu (Finland), Julie Berthelsen (Denmark), Lisa Werlinder (Sweden), Disella Làrusdòttir (Iceland) and the African singer Youssou N'Dour. They are sent out on a mission to make a difference through the power of music! Representing different music genres, they perform individually and together, within the NAVIA-project. They share a dedication to making a difference, in the NAVIA spirit that has created a bond of friendship between them.[5]
Saturday 27 December 2008, Guldbrandsen performed at a concert called Tribute to Madonna, dedicated to one of the world's biggest stars, Madonna. Guldbrandsen teamed up with other popular artists like Elisabeth Moberg, Tine Taule and Torhild Sivertsen to name a few.[6]
2009
Late in May Guldbrandsen took part in "Mostraspelet" on Bomlo (located on the west-coast of Norway). She was offered the leading female role as Vigdis and accepted the role with high hopes. The leading male role was played by the actor/singer Sigurd Sele. Mostraspelet is a yearly event which show some of the Norwegian history. 100 actors and an orchestra of 40 musicians helped Guldbrandsen performing in the role as Vigdis. She also shared the venue with Alexander Rybak, who is the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest winner from Norway.[7]
Christine Guldbrandsen sang as a guest artist on the album Dorian Grey by Håvard Lothe. "Where They Fly" is the name of the song and it's a ballad mixed with pop. Håvard Lothes album was released on 31 August in stores and for download.[8]
In October 2009, on 18 October Christine, for the very first time, performed with the Norwegian group called "Nightingales". Nightingales is a project initiated by Christine and the artists Karianne Kjærnes, Helene Bøksle and Heidi Ruud Ellingsen. Four well-known young singers in Norway. And the reason for singing together was rather simple: they just wanted to do something together! The concert took place in Hareid (near the city of Aalesund) on the northwestern part of Norway. Six great musicians backed the artists, and together they created a special and magical concert. The audience was presented for both new material as well as songs from the artistst solo-albums.
In November 2009, From 4 to 12 December Christine toured the southwestern part of Norway. In the spirit of Christmas, Christine and Sigurd Sele gave the audience a Christmas concert containing some of the most-known Christmas carols in addition to more unknown material. The concerts took place in five different churches in Norway with musicians like Vidar Eldholm (piano), Thomas Dahl (guitars) and Kjetil Fluge (bass). She shared the venue with Eurovision winner 2009 Alexander Rybak.
In December Christine Guldbrandsen returned from her trip to Afghanistan, where she performed for the Norwegian, German, Swedish and U.S.American soldiers stationed in the northern part of the country. Christine experienced a lot during her stay, and she reported about a very different and very special Christmas that year. During her stay Christine performed with musicians from the Norwegian forces (Forsvarets Musikkorps Vestlandet).[9]
2010
Christine Guldbrandsen performed at various gatherings initiated by "Den Norske Sjomannskirken". Christines mainly performed in "Millenium Place", situated in the olympic city Whistler under the Vancouver/Olympic Winter Games of 2010.
From September 2010 to January 2011, Christine Guldbrandsen played Maria in Norway's The Sound Of Music. Espen Hana played the male role as George von Trapps. It was a huge success and received very well by both critics and public. Source: http://www.solabladet.no/modules/module_123/proxy.asp?C=38&I=38304&D=2&mid=55
Christine is featured as one of many artists on the album "Bergensbølgene - Et Dykk I Bergens Pop- og Rockhistorie" where she sings a song called "Telefonen" by the famous norwegian singer/songwriter Jan Eggum. The song and the album can be bought at CDON.com. In addition to Christine seceral of Bergens most distinguished artists participates on the album.
On December 2010, Christine held several Christmas-concerts with the tenor Mads Belden and Sigurd Sele.
2011
Guldbrandsen is working with a new album which will be released in 2011. She states on her official website guestbook, that her new album will be more modern and sound different than the three previous albums and the material will be more up-tempo. Guldbrandsen and her team, consisting the musical talents Kjetil Fluge and Atle Halstensen, are working on lyrics that give the songs character and a special "edge" to them.[9]
In a response to a later guest book message, Guldbrandsen states that recording is nearing an end, and fans will hear news of the album release in May/June.
In a later response via a guest book message, Christine reveals the release of her album to be in April 2011
Personal life
When describing her private life Guldbrandsen regards herself very much as a normal girl with normal interests. Her leisure time is divided between family, friends and daily chores. Guldbrandsen is very fond of fast cars, winter sports and airplanes. She thinks her interest to automobiles and airplanes comes from her father, who was a car-mechanic, and her 3 brothers who also enjoy cars.[10]
But her focus on her career hasn't allowed her much free time. "It is a sacrifice I make willingly. Music is an immensely important part of who I am; I can't imagine a life without the possibility to express myself in music and song - it would be empty and colourless. I always feel deeply grateful for the privilege of being able to share music with others through song".[11] Guldbrandsen also loves cooking and her favourite is steak with creamed potatoes (biff med fløtegratinerte poteter). If Guldbrandsen had chosen another profession she would have been a paediatrician.
Albums, Singles and Charts
Albums
Year Information Chart positions Sales/Certification NO SE DK FI 2003 Surfing in the Air - First studio album
- Released: 19 November 2003
15[12] — — 32[13] 2004 Moments - Second studio album
- Released: 20 December 2004
32[14] — — — - Sales: ?
- Certification: ?
2007 Christine - Third studio album
- Released: 5 February 2007
20[15] — — — - Sales: ?
- Certification: ?
2011 Colors - Fourth studio album
- Released: 8 April 2011
— — — — - Sales: ?
- Certification: ?
Singles
Year Title Chart positions Album NO SE DK 2004 Surfing in the Air 3[16] — — Surfing in the Air 2004 The Far End 22[17] — — Surfing in the Air 2005 Because of You 26[17] — — Moments 2006 Alvedansen 1[18] — — Norsk Melodi Grand Prix 2006, Eurovision Song Contest 2006 2007 Dansekjolen 5[19] — — Christine 2008 Elf Dance — — — — 2011 Break My Chains — — — Colors See also
References
- ^ a b c "Christine Guldbrandsen: Surfing in the Air sales numbers". www.nrk.no. http://www.nrk.no/programmer/tv/melodi_grand_prix/5365413.html.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: International Songwriting Contest". http://www.songwritingcompetition.com. http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/SemiFinalists2004.htm.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Moments VG-list Top 40". www.vg.no. http://lista.vg.no/album_info.php?AlbumOp=show&albumId=8470&albumtype=album&albumtype_id=1.
- ^ a b "Christine Guldbrandsen: Official Website News". www.christine.bz. http://www.christine.bz/eng.php.
- ^ "Navia Official Website". www.navia.is. http://www.navia.is.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Madonna Party". http://www.olebullscene.no. http://www.olebullscene.no/sider/visarrangement.php?id=00000000155.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Alexander Rybak In Montrasoelet with Christine". http://www.mostraspelet.no. http://www.mostraspelet.no/content.aspx?page=10804&newsarticle=10525.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Guestbook". www.christine.bz. http://www.christine.bz/eng.php?ID=Side&counter=8.
- ^ a b "Christine Guldbrandsen: News". www.christine.bz. http://www.christine.bz/eng.php.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Melodi Grand Prix 2006 Profile". www.nrk.no. http://www.nrk.no/programmer/tv/melodi_grand_prix/5365413.html.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Official Website Profile". www.christine.bz. http://www.christine.bz/eng.php?ID=Side&counter=9.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: VG-List Album Top 40 "Surfing in the Air". www.vg.no. http://lista.vg.no/album_info.php?AlbumOp=show&albumId=7907&listId=2&albumtype=album.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Finnish Charts". www.finnishchart.com. http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Christine+Guldbrandsen&titel=Surfing+In+The+Air&cat=a.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: VG-List Album Top 40 "Moments"". www.vg.no. http://lista.vg.no/album_info.php?AlbumOp=show&albumId=8470&albumtype=album&albumtype_id=1.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: VG-List Album Top 30 "Christine"". www.vg.no. http://lista.vg.no/show_list.php?ListsOp=showWeek&week=7&year=2007&listID=15.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Norsktoppen Surfing in the Air". www.nrk.no. http://www.nrk.no/programmer/radio/norsktoppen/1.1451489.
- ^ a b "Christine Guldbrandsen: Official Website News". www.nrk.no. http://www.christine.bz/index.php?ID=Nyheter&N=70.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Norsktoppen Alvedansen". www.nrk.no. http://www.nrk.no/programmer/radio/norsktoppen/5598846.html.
- ^ "Christine Guldbrandsen: Norsktoppen Dansekjolen". www.nrk.no. http://www.nrk.no/programmer/radio/norsktoppen/5830129.html.
External links
- Official website
- Christine Guldbrandsen's official fansite
- Listen to clips from Guldbrandsen's albums
- Listen to Alvedansen
- Guldbrandsens English Fan Page
Awards and achievements Preceded by
Wig Wam
with "In My Dreams"Norway in the Eurovision Song Contest
2006Succeeded by
Guri Schanke
with "Ven a bailar conmigo"Categories:- 1985 births
- Living people
- Norwegian female singers
- Norwegian Eurovision Song Contest entrants
- Eurovision Song Contest entrants of 2006
- Melodi Grand Prix contestants
- Melodi Grand Prix winners
- Nordic folk musicians
- People from Bergen
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