1. What does "Ave Maria" represent in your life to the point of recording a whole album with different versions of the same song?
I have always loved singing Ave Maria’s since I started taking lyrical singing lessons. I think my voice sounds as it’s best in chamber music and that’s the music style what I have been mostly studying as a lyrical singer. Through years I had almost always included Ave Maria songs in my traditional Christmas concert programs, so I decided to write one on my own few years ago for my forthcoming tour.

2. An album with different versions of the same song is something completely new in your career. Besides this, which is the biggest differential of this release comparing to your other classical projects?
I have to make clear here that you all understand what this album is about. I didn’t record different versions of Ave Maria’s, but instead I recorded different SONGS named Ave Maria’s. The songs are from different composers and they are completely different in their style and mood. I am definitely not the first singer making this type of a recording. You can find several other Ave Maria album’s from classical singers as there are more than 4000 Ave Maria songs existing in the world of music.
This album is recorded “live” without an audience. There are no studio tricks used nor edits made afterwards.

3. The different covers of the album "Ave Maria" were very well accepted by your fans. What was the idea, or the concept, behind your outfit/hair/makeup on the cover?
The style of architect Alvar Aalto was the inspiration for my looks.

4. Besides your own, which was your favorite version to sing? And which one was the most challenging? Why?
The Piazzolla one was the most challenging because of it’s wide range and contemporary style. I loved singing the Ave Maria of Saint Saens because of it’s romantic style, but all the Ave Marias’ I recorded on this album, are my favourite ones.

5. How long did it take you to compose your own version of "Ave Maria"? How challenging was that for you?

It really took me just few hours. I felt very inspired on that day. Without Kalevi’s amazing organ arrangement, my Ave Maria would not sound the same though.

6. Is there a possibility of seeing an influence of church music with elements of gregorian singing on one of the tracks or future works?

I haven’t really thought about it, but I am used to combine my background in classical music and rock in my rock release productions, so things are possible.

7. Do you feel that each day there is more interest from your metal fans for your classical career, taking as an example the huge popularity that "Ave Maria En Plein Air" is attracting on the media, mainly on the internet?
I am very happy that my fans and listeners understand me as a whole, as an artist that is deeply involved in both rock and classical music. It is a blessing!

8. Do you always feel there is a great responsability to rescue and inonvate such highlighted songs like "Ave Maria"? Do you demand from yourself a special care when performing classics?
I am always taking a lot of time to prepare myself for my classical music performances, both for recordings or live performances. It takes months to get ready for this type of a recording for example. I needed to make a serious research before finding the pieces I wanted to have included on this album. I also needed carefully to prepare them with my singing coach, in order to follow and respect the composer’s style in singing.

9. Among your fans, it has become a tradition to expect for your classical Christmas concerts every December, mainly in Finland. This year you are taking these concerts to other countries such as Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Russia. Can we expect songs from your previous classical albums or this time you want to focus only on "Ave Maria En Plein Air"?
I will mostly perform songs from the new Ave Maria album, but also other Christmas carols and songs are going to be included in the concert program.