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biography / portrait

VIKTORIA TOLSTOY BIOGRAPHY Viktoria Tolstoy is at the age of 30 already a highly celebrated and respected international jazz vocalist and her numerous success stories are all a product of this explosive natural supertalent. Viktoria has never taken a single singing class thus she also owns that little perfect difference that delivers her clearly strong and wonderfully untamed, vibrant sound. She´ll capture the moment on any given occasion and will outperform herself from one grand evening to the next. Viktoria reaches all the way and her colorful, spontaneous persona will by all means make one forget to breathe for not only a short moment. Viktoria is already on the very top, yet once again aiming up. With the albums "Shining On You" (2004) and "My Swedish Heart" (2005) Viktoria has brought herself to the next level. Assisted by the likes of Jazz greats Esbjörn Svensson, Toots Thielemans and Nils Landgren she now brings us this balance act masterpiece of fingertip magic. Viktoria has been saluted by media wherever she has landed since she first grabbed that microphone, and rest assure, this show will go on. We suggest you buckle up. Expect a lot. ALBUMS - 1994 "Smile, Love and Spice". Right after being discovered at the age of 19 came her first album. Her great source of inspiration being her father who also wrote some of the songs. - 1996 "För älskad". Record companies wanted a more pop influenced record in Swedish and this album most definitely made Viktoria Tolstoy a Swedish household name. Many of her songs (written by Mauro Scocco) made it up to the top of the charts. - 1997 "White Russian". Here was the first Swedish album ever to be recorded on classic label "Blue Note". "White Russian" was produced by Esbjörn Svensson and is generally considered her greatest album ever... so far. - 2000 "Blame it on my Youth". A grand compilation of tasteful and interesting standards featuring fabulous interpretations of any- and everything from Costello to Chaka Khan. - 2004 "Shining on You". Music written by Esbjörn Svensson. - 2005 "My Swedish Heart". A journey through Swedish folk and jazz music, with composers such as Lars Gullin, Börje Fredriksson, Jan Johansson etc. APPEARANCES - Numerous tours in Sweden, Europe and Worldwide. - Frequently requested for Television and Radio appearances. - Due to her fortunate looks highly engaged for photoshoots. - Participating at many and more special occasions, such as "The Polar Prize Awards", The opening ceremonies at "The World Championships of Track & Field". - Has also been on the big screen, for instance acting as herself in one successful Swedish movie production. PLAYED WITH - Swedish jazz greats such as Svante Thuresson, Putte Wickman, Arne Domnerus, Ulf Wakenius, Jojje Wadenius, Esbjörn Svensson, Nils Landgren etc. - International stars such as McCoy Tyner, Ray Brown, Toots Thielemans etc. INTERNATIONAL TOURS - Viktoria has been engaged for concerts and tours in countries such as Japan, Malaysia, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico to mention a few. TRIVIA Yes, Viktorias great great grandfather was Leo Tolstoj, the Russian author. (source: www.viktoriatolstoy.com)