It has been 17 years since Sarah Brightman (57) last performed in Switzerland on one of her tours. Now the "Time To Say Goodbye" and "The Phantom of the Opera" singer is coming to Switzerland with a Christmas show. And perhaps she will soon be in the country much more often when she retires.
Sarah Brightman, you are coming to Switzerland with a Christmas show. Do you have a favorite Christmas song?
Sarah Brightman: Difficult question! I like so many. But if I had to choose one, it would probably be "Silent Night". It always gives me goosebumps.
How did you come up with the idea of the "Royal Christmas Gala"?
I had already given concerts with the title "Gala", where I invited guests to support me. That was a great success, so my producer had the idea of doing a Christmas gala because I'm a big Christmas fan. If it's a success, we'll do it every year on different continents.
Which guests will be there?
A big orchestra, tenors and dancers from the Royal Ballet. And a little Russian girl - she looks like an angel - plays the harp. The Gregorian monks will also be there.
What do you like most about Christmas?
The time with the family. I have a big family, lots of siblings, nieces and nephews. So we celebrate Christmas with 22 people. We even plan it throughout the year, as there are already a lot of people involved.
The name Sarah Brightman is always associated with "Time To Say Goodbye" and "The Phantom of the Opera". How do you feel about the songs today?
I love both songs. Both are very well done and went from being hit songs to standard songs. Something in the structure of the songs brings the emotions very close to people.
"Time To Say Goodbye" in particular is played on so many occasions, even during fireworks. How is that for you?
It makes me happy. I worked hard and was very lucky that one of the best composers wrote this song for me.
Are you still in contact with Andrea Bocelli?
Yes. We don't meet very often, but when we are on TV shows or similar at the same time, we always talk to each other.
When was the last time you saw "The Phantom of the Opera"?
I took my niece once. It was very interesting to see how such a young girl likes the musical, as she comes from a completely different generation. She loved it, even though she was scared during the phantom scenes. The musical is a little gem that still works. It's exactly the same as when I performed it.
"I would love to retire in Switzerland. The country fascinates me."
What is your favorite musical?
I'm not a big fan of musicals. I prefer classical concerts or going to the theater.
Do you miss your life as a musical actress?
Not really. If I got a great offer, why not. But eight shows a week is a lot. I give a lot of concerts around the world, it's my own thing and I can change something I don't like.
How do you feel about Switzerland?
It's a wonderful country, I could even imagine retiring there one day. I was already enthusiastic about Switzerland as a child.
Where would you like to retire?
I haven't traveled to Switzerland enough for that. But I had French as a second language at school and spent some time in Germany, so the language is not a problem.
What is your favorite thing to do here?
Riding around on the train, hiking and skiing. I can't do the latter yet because I was a ballerina and was forbidden to do so.
