Artist Spotlight: Hege Høisæter "Himmelskygge" Album Review

" Hege Høisæter Expands the Language of Nordic Song on Himmelskygge, into a breathtaking, groundbreaking neo classical work that left us speechless. " Produced by a Girl

Himmelskygge finds Norwegian mezzo-soprano Hege Høisæter diving into a creative playground where contemporary classical, electronics, jazz, poetry, and improvisation all get to shine in their own right. Released by LAWO Classics in May 2026, this album feels like a living, breathing portrait of Norwegian song; never stuck in the past, but always moving forward. Høisæter teams up with pianist Jorunn Marie Bratlie, electronic musician and composer Kari Telstad Sundet, and the dynamic jazz trio Tov a Vot: Vetle Nærø, Theis Jakob, and Ola Grindbakken.

What instantly grabs you about Himmelskygge is how it refuses to draw lines between old and new. Classical vocals, electronics, and improvisation don’t compete; they lift each other up, creating a soundscape that’s dramatic, intimate, thoughtful, and dreamlike all at once. Høisæter’s mezzo-soprano is the heart of it all, anchoring the listener in a world where every element feels essential. This isn’t crossover for the sake of being different; it’s a genuine artistic conversation that bridges generations and genres.

The journey kicks off with Olav Anton Thommessen’s Cosima minnes, a bold reimagining of Wagnerian themes that sets the tone for the album’s fearless spirit. It’s like stepping through a doorway where history isn’t just remembered; it’s challenged and reshaped, letting new stories emerge. Then, Carl Gustav Sparre Olsen’s pieces bring a lyrical touch, connecting deeply with Norwegian poetry and giving Høisæter the perfect canvas to showcase her sensitivity and command of musical storytelling.

Right at the heart of the album is Kari Telstad Sundet’s The Drift, a song cycle inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poetry. Acoustic instruments, electronics, and expressive vocals come together here in a way that feels totally in sync with the album’s vision. Dickinson’s words always seem to float between the real and the mysterious, and Sundet’s sound world amplifies that sense of wonder. As both composer and performer, Sundet brings a personal touch that makes the electronic textures feel woven into the fabric of the music, never just an add-on.

Tov a Vot contributes another important dimension with Two Dystopian Songs, written by the ensemble themselves. These tracks add a bold, contemporary edge, bringing in jazz grooves and a sense of modern tension. Their energy transforms Himmelskygge from a traditional recital into a vibrant meeting of creative minds, all sparking off each other in the moment. Vetle Nærø’s piano and keys, Theis Jakob’s bass, and Ola Grindbakken’s drums lay down a foundation that’s both flexible and full of surprises, moving easily between tension, abstraction, and flashes of raw emotion, moving the project toward reflection and transcendence. After the album’s darker, more exploratory passages, the piece offers a luminous conclusion without simplifying what came before it.

Himmelskygge shines because it treats contemporary Norwegian music as an open conversation rather than just a label. Høisæter and her collaborators let musical boundaries blur, yet every composer and performer’s unique voice still comes through. The album is smart, adventurous, and full of emotional space; a project that respects classical roots while boldly exploring new horizons.

Connect with: Hege Høisæter

https://www.instagram.com/hegehoisaeter/

Writtnen by PBG Press Chief Editor, Mary Knoblock