Christians Kirke
17. December 2001

Photographs by Eric Klitgaard, copyright 2001

 

Englestemmer

The concert was built up on a framework of topics, being Stars, Tradition, Hearts, Angles, Forgiveness, Solemnity, Presents, Family and Community. In this concept Freya included poems, which she read out loud. Her small stories prior to each song were touching and coming straight from her heart.

She started reading a poem by William Heinesen and continued to speak about the first topic: Stars. The opening song was a previously unheard song made by Freya and Rune Westberg. It was called I See Stars and was followed by the Danish version of Silent Night (Glade Jul). Rune Westberg deserves his part of the succes of this night's performance. Rune is evidently able to play anything and still make it convincing for the audience. Thus, this often heard Christmas song were converted to a powerfull rock tune.

Being raised in Africa, Freya has some sweet memories of African songs from her childhood. So under the headline Angles, she sang the traditional Swahilian love song, Malaika. She sang it in pure Swahili - all three verses, really admirable.

For me (as I expected) the live version of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, was the highlight of the evening. The way Freya variated the level of her voice, almost brought the tears out in my eyes. Again Rune played his divine guitar riffs and it turned out to be an outstanding experience.

The church was full, not only by Freya's regular fans, but all ages were represented. Also by older people - even older than me! The applause was heavy after the final song, much to Freya's surprise. Anyway, she had not prepared any encore, so a brief opinion poll among the audience was nessecery, before a reprise of Santa Baby was decided as the encore.

After the concert I had my first meeting with Freya, except for a brief autograph session in 1999. Freya was very sweet, posing for photographs and signing pictures. I was surprised by her openness and natural charm. Now, I realize that she not only sings like an angel, and look like one - she also IS an angel! I wondered how such a great talent and that powerful voice could be contained in a little body like hers.

See the set list of what Freya and Rune played that unforgettable night in Christians Kirken in Recording List on this site. See more of my photos from this session in Freya With Fans and About Me.
If you want to see some really nice close-up photos of Freya from this unique event, see Michael Boesen's photographs. Click here!