Ready for its third Palmesus Classics

“The first year, in 2020, I probably wasn’t quite prepared for how overwhelming it would be. I clearly remember during ‘Titanium,’ which was the closing number, the intense energy from the orchestra and band, the lights, the pyrotechnics, and the incredible atmosphere among the audience,” she smiles.

“After I stepped off the stage, I felt a sense of emptiness, and I couldn’t stop crying,” says Raylee, who will be performing this weekend in her third of three Palmesus Classics atperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre.

Child Star and Fjæreheia

The artist, who is originally from Tromøy in Arendal, has already had a varied and eventful career on the national stage despite her young age of 25. She was a child star under the stage name Lotta, and at the age of eleven she played her first leading role in a production of Annie in Oslo. As an adult, she has participated in Stjernekamp on NRK, Skal vi danse on TV2, the game show Fangene på fortet, and has competed several times in the Melodi Grand Prix.

Kilden performing arts centre no stranger to Raylee either. In 2015, she played the role of Mary Magdalene in *Fjæreheia*, and the following year, she played Anna in *Skyfri Himmel*. She considers it a great honor to be invited to Kilden Palmesus Classics for the third year in a row.

– The most amazing thing about being an artist

“The first two years were the biggest and most overwhelming experience I’ve ever had as an artist. I feel truly privileged to be able to do this again. It was so nice to see the orchestra members again today,” she says, two days before the concert kicks off at Konsertsalen, and continues:

– This third time around, I think I’m even better prepared mentally for just how intense it can get—with the sound, the lights, the pyrotechnics, and the energy on stage and in the audience. So the plan is to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Palmesus Classics is organized byperforming arts centre Kilden performing arts centre collaboration with Palmesus and Kunstsilo. In addition to Raylee, the artists Ylva, Jesper Jenset, and Ruben will take the stage on Friday, October 14, and Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Photos: Lars Gunnar Liestøl