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New Benny interview ------------------------- Benny Andersson on his way! Benny Andersson, 57, composer, artist, is coming to Sammilsgropen in Leksand on Wednesday. Joining him are Helen Sjöholm, Tommy Körberg, Orsa spelmän plus a lot of danceable music. Benny Anderssons Orkester, or BAO when abbreviated, is touring for the third summer. But this is the first stop in Dalarna. Helen Sjöholm sings the audience' favorite "Du är min man". The premiere was, in other respects, last night at Skansen. This Tuesday the orchestra appears on Allsång på Skansen. Are you looking forward to the tour? -Yes, I look forward to come to Dalarna, it will be fun. But I also look forward to perform with the others, it's different to play with others than sitting by yourself. What did you want to be before Hep Stars and ABBA? -I was a trainee at a construction site in Vällingby, my dad was a building contractor, production engineer at Svenska bostäder. I worked there for a year and a half. I also sold washing machines, only one machine the first day. Then I went back to school, I was going to get a upper secondary school-leaving certificate, but after one term Svenne Hedlund (from Hep Stars) called. Can I ask if you picked the right job? -Yes, it feels that way! What do you think? Do you have any new musical ideas coming up? -No, I don't, the paper is blank. But I want to do one more project. I'm saving songs..., so far in life things have gone well but you have to be careful when you start up a new project. Why is the musical Mamma Mia such a hit in so many countries? (14 productions are being performed throughout the world, the next one will be a Spanish version in Madrid, a touring version and then the Swedish one in Stockholm next year) -Well, I don't know..., it's an unpretentious show, the audience is having more fun than you expect. Have you seen all productions of Mamma Mia? -No, not the ones in Korea and Japan. Why did you choose Martin Redhe from Borlänge for the Swedish production of Mamma Mia? -Why? Well, he's good! Why do you want to play with Orsa spelmän? -Because of my love for the Swedish folkmusic. Orsa spelmän are good! (Benny Andersson and Orsa spelmän have recorded half a dozen of records together, the first one in 1987) -What do you do in your spare time, if you have any? -I read, I enjoy detective novels, I cook, I'm the one who cooks the food. I have a summer house in Trosa, we go out on our boat. I've had my vacation but I'm going to take another two weeks during the Olympic Games. I'm not a sporty person but I like watching all sports. Earlier I watched the soccer European Championship. What's your favorite dish? -I don't have any favorites but I quite often use the oven when I cook. A lot of Italian! Which song do you prefer during this tour? -I can't pick one but the energy level is amazing both on stage and in the audience. (a dance floor is constructed in front of the stage and the audience get to dance to the orchestra) What's your absolute favorite song ever? -Hard to say! Do you or your wife have any connection with Dalarna? -No, I was born in Stockholm! My only connection with Dalarna would be the music. (through Orsa spelmän) Do you sit by the piano every day, trying to come up with new songs? -I try..., it's a nice way to keep busy! What kind of humor do you like? -I don't have any humor! But there's humor in the performance. Perra and Kalle Moraeus have humor. Do you root for Leksand when it comes to hockey? -No, there are teams in Stockholm to root for. Do you read reviews? -Yes, I do! Finally, when will ABBA reunite? -Never! Do you ever see each other in private? -Yes, Björn Ulvaeus and I work together. I saw Frida at a party a couple of months ago. By Roland Pettersson ---------------------- Thanks to ABBAMAILer Claes Davidsson, Orlando, Florida, USA |