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Per Sørensen of Fra Lippo Lippi returns to Manila with new music
Per Sørensen of Fra Lippo Lippi returns to Manila with new music
Norwegian singer-songwriter Per Sørensen, the voice behind Fra Lippo Lippi, is coming back to Manila for another night of timeless music. The concert is his 10th live performance in the Philippines and will take place on Oct. 24, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.
For Filipinos who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Fra Lippo Lippi’s brings to mind a lot of emotions and memories. Songs like “Everytime I See You,” “Light and Shade,” “Stitches and Burns,” and “Beauty and Madness” have been staples of many love stories and karaoke sessions.
Since the early 2000s, Per has carried the Fra Lippo Lippi legacy solo, following bassist and co-founder Rune Kristoffersen’s retirement from touring. Yet, the devotion of Filipino fans has kept his music alive in one of the band’s most loyal corners of the world.
“I love all the enthusiasm that I meet every time I play for my Filipino fans,” he said in a virtual interview for his upcoming concert. “When I'm in front of them, we have such good dialogue and communication, and we sing a lot together. They’re very enthusiastic, it feels really fantastic for me to be on stage.”
Per teased a special treat for fans in this year’s show, including a new single titled “Stay This Time.”
“We’ll do the hits, of course,” he said, smiling. “But we also have a new song that was released. It’s called 'Stay This Time', and it’s sort of a Christmas song, really.”
The song was written with empathy for Filipino overseas workers separated from their loved ones for years.
“It’s written with the overseas workers in mind who don’t see their families for a couple of years,” Per explained. “The lyrics are about that. I hope they will take that to their hearts.”
He revealed that this year’s concert will be more visual and cinematic than previous ones.
“I won’t give everything away, but there will be more visuals and a few surprises,” he hinted. Unlike past tours, he’ll be performing with an all-Norwegian band this time.
“Since 2012, I’ve always brought my son along. But now I’m bringing my own Norwegian band, the same musicians I use back home. They know the material really well,” he said.
His connection to the Philippines, however, remains deeply personal. “I love performing here because the people are wonderful with their hospitality, their warmth. They always welcome me so kindly. And they all sing! Everywhere I go, people start singing our songs, even security guards.”
Asked what advice he would give to young songwriters, Per kept it simple: “Be honest in writing. Don’t try to write a hit or adjust your work to the masses. Write from your heart. If it connects to people, then they will like it.”
Fra Lippo Lippi’s music endures because of that honesty. Decades after “Beauty and Madness” first played on Philippine airwaves, Per still marvels at how it continues to reach new generations through streaming platforms.
“It’s really nice these days. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, we didn’t know how much airplay we had. Now I can check Spotify or Apple Music and see where people are listening, and I’m amazed that young people are discovering our songs,” he shared.
Per's 2025 concert marks what producers call his “comeback love affair” with Filipino fans. Erica of Live Artists Productions, one of the producers, said: “After watching Per perform last August, I was amazed by his deep connection with the audience. It felt genuine. That’s why we knew we had to bring him back for another show in Manila.”
When asked what he misses most about performing here, Sørensen’s answer was immediate: “It’s really about communication and having a party. We sing together, we smile together. I love it. I just love it.”
As for his secret to longevity in music? “Be real. Be open. Don’t hold back your emotions. If you’re honest, the songs will last.” And indeed, they have. Forty years later, the music of Fra Lippo Lippi continues to be relevant in every corner of Filipino life.
Tickets for "The Voice of Fra Lippo Lippi: Per Sørensen" are now available via www.ticketworld.com.ph,at the Solaire Box Office (Level 2), and through all TicketWorld outlets nationwide. Ticket prices are at P8,000 (SVIP), P6,000 (VIP), P5,000 (Gold), P4,000 (Silver), and P3,000 (Bronze).