Jul i Betlehem II (Christmas in Bethlehem II)

Carola has recorded a new collection of old and new Christmas songs in the Holy Nativity Church in Bethlehem, bringing moods and sounds from the region of the world where Christ was born. 

Carola’s second visit to the city of David has inspired her to give us new interpretations of famous Christmas songs, featuring the musical expression of Bethlehem. On this CD Carola's wonderful voice is complemented by musicians from Norway, Sweden and the Middle East. 

Here is what she herself and producer Erik Hillestad say about the production: 

Bethlehem – where you still hear the heartbeat of history. The event that occurred in a poor stable in this city gave the world new hope, changing the course of history so completely that our era starts with this birth. 

Eight years after our first "Jul i Betlehem" (Christmas in Bethlehem) we returned to this emotionally charged city where the earth received the heavens. We wanted to find inspiration here for new interpretations of the songs of Christmas. This time we found that we were able to delve even further into a musical world of new melodies and oriental moods. What happened once upon a time in Bethlehem means something to the life of individuals across the globe, each and every day. God came to visit our earth, as he comes to each and every person who receives him. The miracle of the nativity in Bethlehem happens again and again, and each new Christmas reminds us of this wonder. Each Christmas our personal joyous celebration is confirmation that God is part of our lives. 

Singing the songs of Christmas where everything started is like joining a pilgrimage through the message of Christmas, ever relating the strange and wonderful story as the shepherds and the Magi did the very first time. 

Since our first visit many people have left Bethlehem. The wall that now surrounds this little city testifies to how mankind needs the advent of the Messiah. The walls we erect around ourselves and our lives are also signs of this need. We wish that each and every one of us could be touched by the miracle of Christmas, so that love can break down the walls and everything that separates us from God and each other. 

Erik Hillestad and Carola

The record features the following musicians: 

Torjus Vierli: piano, keyboards, autoharp

Rune Arnesen: drums, percussion

Jonny Sjo: electric bass

Hallgrim Bratberg: guitars

Issa Murad: oud

Elchin Hashimov: tar

Elnur Akhmedov: kamancha

Shirzad Fataliyev: duduk and zurna

Elshan Gasimov: nagara

Stig-Ove Ose, Anders Rensvik and Bendik Foss: violas

Marius Flatby: double bass

Audun Sandvik and Øystein Sonstad: cello

Gjermund Larsen: violin and Hardanger fiddle

Aygun Beyler, Mahsa Vahdat, Angela Holland, Johan Röhr, Micke Blomkvist, Per Øystein Sørensen and Marian Lisland: background vocals

Track list: 

1. Stille natt                                                              4:04

2. lyss till änglasångens ord                                   5:33

3. Gläns över sjö och strand                                  3:41

4. I denna natt blir världen ny                                3:53

5. Her kommer dine arme små                               2:58

6. När det lider mot jul                                            3:15

7. Vid Betlehem en vinternatt                                 3:29

8. Ett barn är fött på denna dag                             3:00

9. Mariavisa                                                              4:50

10. Jul, jul, strålende jul                                           3:16

11. Marias Vaggsång                                                3:37

12. This child                                                            3:18

13. Go, tell it on the mountain                                 5:11

14. Nu tändas juleljus                                               3:23