Maria Mena on Amsterdam Sinfonietta: “The orchestra really makes me feel the lyrics I sing”
December 2025, interview
By Amare Editorial Team
In this exclusive interview the Norwegian pop singer Maria Mena looks ahead to the concert she will give on 6 January in Amare together with Amsterdam Sinfonietta. After the tremendous success of the concert series with Karsu, Amsterdam Sinfonietta is joining forces with a remarkable international artist from outside the classical world for a second time in 2026 . Maria Mena feels honoured: “It makes me hear my own music in a whole different way”
Your music has always been deeply honest and comforting for many listeners. What does it mean to you to now perform them in a classical setting with Amsterdam Sinfonietta?
"It's easier to answer this question now because I came back from rehearsals with the orchestra this morning and I now know how incredible it sounds! I was blown away! It makes me hear my own music in a whole different way and makes me fall in love with singing all over again."
How did this collaboration with Amsterdam Sinfonietta come about, and what drew you to the idea of bringing your songs into this orchestral world?
"They got in touch with my manager and one of their creative directors got to see me live last year at paradiso. I felt like they wanted to merge who I am as an artist with their classical touch."
You’ve performed in the Netherlands many times and have a loyal Dutch audience. What makes playing here, and now at Amare, special for you?
"I’ve always felt so welcome in The Netherlands and we, the Norwegian and Dutch people, have a very similar sense of humor.. you just get me."
Your songs are often very personal and emotional. Does their meaning shift for you when they’re performed in this new musical context?
"No but it really makes me feel the lyrics I sing. Sometimes you just sing the songs automatically, without really feeling the words but in this case you suddenly hear it all again."
What can audiences expect in Amare: will it mostly be familiar songs in new arrangements, or are there any surprises along the way?
"We’ve decided to take you on a journey through my life musically. We’ll do popsongs that I grew up with. Norwegian songs I hold dear and classical pieces from musicals I love.. as well as my well known hits."
How do you hope people will feel after experiencing this concert with Amsterdam Sinfonietta?
"I hope they run home and put my records back on!"
Looking back on your career, from your early songs to now standing on stage with a full orchestra, what feels most meaningful about this moment for you?
"I am at a point in my carreer that I can allow myself to enjoy. I’m not chasing success. I am having a good time with my music and I can play with it. It is a privelege to grow older and more secure."
Maria Mena in Amare
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