Camilla Nylund Sings the Great American Songbook with Marin Alsop and the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra

A Dazzling Journey Through America’s Golden Age of Song

Few things evoke 20th-century elegance like the Great American Songbook—a canon of enduring jazz standards, Broadway tunes, and classic love songs penned by the likes of Cole Porter and George Gershwin. In a bold crossover from opera to golden-age Americana, acclaimed Finnish soprano Camilla Nylund brings her vocal prowess to a selection of these beloved works, accompanied by the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of renowned conductor Marin Alsop.

Available to stream on Marquee TV, this cinematic concert special presents 13 newly arranged gems from the Great American Songbook in lush orchestral form. Directed by Robert Neumüller and André Heller, the performance not only sounds extraordinary—it looks it too. Rendered in nostalgic black-and-white, the film harks back to a bygone era of glamour, echoing the ambiance of old Hollywood and smoky supper clubs.

Reviving a Timeless Repertoire

What Is the Great American Songbook?

While not a literal book, the Great American Songbook refers to a collection of the most influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early- to mid-20th century. Composers like Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Michel Legrand created music that became the emotional soundtrack of a nation—romantic, witty, melancholy, and endlessly stylish.

These songs were typically written for Broadway musicals, film scores, or Tin Pan Alley publishing houses and later popularized by performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Judy Garland.

Camilla Nylund: From Wagner to Porter

Best known for her commanding roles in the operas of Wagner and Strauss, Camilla Nylund is no stranger to vocal challenge. But here, she swaps Valkyrie armor for silk gloves, channeling her artistry into a softer, jazz-inflected palette. Her interpretation is refined yet emotionally direct, bringing clarity to every lyric and elegance to every phrase.

Nylund’s operatic training allows her to glide effortlessly through the expansive arrangements, balancing technical mastery with sincere storytelling. It’s a testament to her versatility—and her deep respect for the repertoire—that she never overpowers the songs but lets them breathe with grace.

A Modern Orchestra Meets Vintage Mood

Under the deft leadership of Marin Alsop, the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra delivers a vibrant, full-bodied sound that honors the original spirit of these songs while expanding their orchestral dimensions. Alsop, one of today’s most respected conductors, brings both structure and swing, guiding the ensemble with an intuitive sense of phrasing and atmosphere.

Arrangements are reimagined but never alien—lush string passages glide into playful woodwinds, evoking the smoky glamour of Art Deco dance halls and Broadway footlights. It’s this alchemy between classic and contemporary that makes the performance feel timeless.

Highlights from the Setlist

• “I Got Rhythm” (Gershwin): A jubilant opening number, full of brass sparkle and rhythmic zest.
• “So in Love” (Porter): A lush, romantic ballad, tenderly sung and beautifully paced.
• “The Windmills of Your Mind” (Legrand): A cinematic, swirling performance that lingers long after the final note.
• “Summertime” (Gershwin): A sultry classic reinvented with operatic warmth and orchestral sweep.

A Filmic Tribute to Classic Showbiz

Directors Robert Neumüller and André Heller frame the concert with exquisite visual care. The monochrome cinematography adds a layer of nostalgic dreaminess, conjuring the atmosphere of early talkies and cabaret stages. Lighting and costumes are era-appropriate yet subtly modern, suggesting a world out of time—rooted in the past, yet resonant in the present.

Close-ups capture every expressive nuance in Nylund’s face, while wide shots reveal the full majesty of the orchestra. It’s a masterclass in cinematic concert presentation, perfectly suited to Marquee TV’s discerning audience.

Why It Matters

In an era when genres are increasingly porous, Camilla Nylund’s foray into American song is not just a novelty—it’s a reminder of the universality of great music. These songs, though quintessentially American, speak to human emotions that transcend borders. And when interpreted by artists of such caliber as Nylund and Alsop, their staying power becomes all the more clear.

This concert also opens doors for opera fans to explore jazz and for popular music lovers to appreciate classical technique. It stands as a luminous example of how great artistry knows no bounds.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're revisiting the melodies of your youth or discovering these classics for the first time, Camilla Nylund Sings the Great American Songbook is a sumptuous, emotionally resonant experience. It celebrates the rich legacy of American music while reimagining it for today’s audiences—with elegance, intelligence, and heart.

Watch It Now

Stream Camilla Nylund Sings the Great American Songbook exclusively on Marquee TV. Discover more performances featuring Marin Alsop and explore our curated music collection celebrating the world’s greatest composers and performers.