In the dark midwinter night, Skellefteå's 66th Lucia, Thyra Israelsson, was crowned in Landskyrkan. Together with the other Lucia aspirants, she gave us a wonderful Christmas concert.
The church was packed to the rafters to hear the different voices of the Lucia candidates, with hymns, carols and even solo singing, and all accompanied by beautiful piano music. In addition to the traditional song "Sankta Lucia", the small choir sang other classic Christmas songs such as "Stilla natt" (Silent Night) and "Låt det brinna" (Let it burn).
Skelleftebygden's Lucia is a collaboration between Norran and the Lions Club in Skellefteå. It was Norran's editor-in-chief, Malin Christoffersson, who lit the candles on the Lucia crown, which was passed on from last year's Lucia, Emelina Gjoliku Laisfeldt.
After the concert, the newly crowned Thyra was pleased and relieved:
– It went well! It was majestic to sing here; it had a special atmosphere. There was a different feeling than in other places we've sung, she said.
Were you nervous before?
– Very nervous! I went to the bathroom several times, Thyra said with a laugh.
Do you have any advice for future Lucia candidates?
– Apply! It was a lot of fun. You also make new friends. It's a wonderful experience and something you'll remember for the rest of your life, she said.
