Sissel Kyrkjebø

Early Life

Sissel Kyrkjebø, a renowned Norwegian soprano, was born in Lønborg, Bergen Municipality, where she grew up with her two older brothers, Eirik and Bjørn. Initially aspiring to be a nurse, her passion for music ignited at the age of nine when she joined a children's choir under conductor Felicity Laurence. This experience, lasting seven years, was pivotal in her musical education, exposing her to a variety of genres including classical, jazz, and folk. Influenced by her family's diverse musical tastes, Sissel was inspired by artists like Barbra Streisand and Kathleen Battle. Her name, a Norwegian variant of Cecilia, reflects her connection to church music, as does her surname, which translates to "church farm."

Career

Sissel's career took off in the early 1980s when she made her television debut in the sing-along program "Syng med oss". Her first solo performance came in 1984, and by 1986, she had gained significant recognition after performing at the Eurovision Song Contest intermission. Her debut album, simply titled "Sissel," was released that same year and sold over 500,000 copies, marking her rise to prominence in Norway. Throughout her career, she has released numerous albums, including "Glade jul," "Soria Moria," and "Innerst i sjelen," showcasing her versatility across genres such as classical, operatic pop, and traditional folk music.

Personal Life

Sissel was married to Danish-American comedian Eddie Skoller from 1993 to 2004, with whom she has two daughters, Ingrid and Sarah. In 2013, she married Norwegian tax lawyer Ernst Ravnaas in a private ceremony. Her personal life reflects a balance between her family commitments and her flourishing music career.

Awards and Recognition

Sissel's contributions to music have earned her numerous accolades, including the Knight First Class of the Order of St. Olav and the Spellemann Award of the Year. She has also been recognized as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and was named Scandinavia's Most Selling Artist in 2002. Her impact on music and culture continues to resonate, making her one of the most celebrated artists in Norway.