Norwegian singer Helene Bøksle performed ‘The Blue Wave’ at the opening of Innovation Norway in New York, on International Woman’s Day, March 8. And there is an Irish connection

The event was opened by H.R.H. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, who specifically requested that ‘The Blue Wave’ be performed. Mette-Marit is the wife of Crown Prince Haakon, heir apparent to the throne of Norway. A single mother, she was engaged to the crown prince in 2000, leading to considerable controversy at the time. She is known for her support for arts and humanitarian projects.

The song was written specially for Bøksle as part of a cross-cultural, Norwegian/Irish collaboration between composer Tove Kragset and hit Irish songwriter, Brendan Graham, of 'You Raise Me Up' fame.

A singer and actress, Bøksle has performed in the past with Secret Garden, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1995 with ‘Nocturne’. One half of Secret Garden is Rolf Løvland – who co-wrote ‘You Raise Me Up’ with Brendan Graham.

'The Blue Wave' and five other Kragset/Graham compositions, including the title track 'Winter Blessings', will feature on Bøksle’s upcoming album, recorded in both Ireland and Norway using a mixture of Irish and Norwegian musicians.