Norwegian singer-songwriter Per Sørensen may have lost count of how many times he’s performed in the Philippines.
What remains crystal clear, however, is the unwavering affection he continues to receive from Filipino audiences — from longtime fans who grew up with his band’s music to younger listeners who discovered their timeless sound years later.
Of course, Per is best known as the voice of Fra Lippo Lippi, the beloved 1980s new wave and pop-rock band behind classics like “Everytime I See You,” “Light and Shade,” and “Beauty and Madness” — songs that have long become part of the Filipino soundtrack of love, nostalgia, and life.
Since the early 2000s, Per has carried the Fra Lippo Lippi legacy solo, following the retirement of founder and bassist Rune Kristoffersen from live performances.
Today, he continues to tour with a talented backing band, blending the group’s timeless hits with songs from his solo albums for a fresh yet familiar experience.
And now, he’s set to return to the Philippines once again — this time for a one-night concert on October 24, 2025, at The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City.
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DECADES OF PASSION FOR MUSIC
Despite a career spanning decades and achievements that every musician can only dream of, Per is not ready to give up recording and performing anytime soon.
"I love it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing it. I love my gig, I love my job, and it's my life really, to perform," Per tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other local media outlets during a virtual interview.
Per still finds it thrilling that a new generation of listeners continues to discover and appreciate the songs he and Fra Lippo Lippi created decades ago.
While some veteran artists express concern over how music is consumed in the digital age, Per takes a more open-minded view.
He welcomes modern technology — or at least appreciates how it allows musicians to understand their audience better, from where their listeners are to who they are.
"It's really nice these days, isn't it? I mean, in the old days, let's say the '80s and '90s, we didn't have a clue on how we were doing," smiles Per in recollection.
"We heard people say, 'Oh, you get played on the radio a lot.' 'Really? Okay.' We didn't know any numbers.
"These days, I can go to Spotify for artists, and I can go in and I can look at the geography — where in the world do they play us? What demographics?
"Oh, so young people are listening to us. What is that all about? So, so I can see the numbers all the time and it's quite nice. Whether it's Apple Music or YouTube, or Spotify — so that's great."
For a touring artist like Per, these insights help shape his journey — guiding him on which countries and cities to visit next, and allowing him to fine-tune his setlist based on what fans most want to hear.
"If you go to see some artists, if I were to go see, you know, Elton John or the Rolling Stones, you don't want them to play the songs you've never heard of.
"So you want to hear the hits. Of course, I do that as well," Per explains.
CALLING THE PHILIPPINES HOME
Of course, Per doesn’t need to think twice about how to please his Filipino fans.
After all, classic Fra Lippo Lippi hits such as “Everytime I See You,” “Beauty and Madness,” and “Light and Shade” have long been staples among Filipino fans.
There’s no denying the special bond Filipinos share with Fra Lippo Lippi’s timeless music — a connection that keeps Per coming back to the Philippines whenever he can.
"It means the world to me. It really does. I love performing, and I love meeting my Filipino fans," Per says affectionately.
He continues, "They sing along, and they are so happy. It's really about communication and having a party. So I just love it."
Per proudly recalls visiting Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ormoc, Tacloban, Cebu, and Laguna, marking the cities and provinces he’s had the pleasure of performing in across the Philippines.
"And when I'm there, by the way, I want to play in more cities. I want to play everywhere," beams Per.
"Maybe I could go to Boracay and have a show on the beach. Wouldn't that be great?"
For Per, being a musician goes beyond simply performing — it’s about creating genuine connections. It’s about writing songs that mirror people’s emotions and experiences, and channeling that same sincerity and energy into every live show.
It’s no surprise, then, that Fra Lippo Lippi’s music continues to resonate deeply with Filipinos, bridging generations through melody and meaning.
"It's always about the people, you know. They're [Filipinos] wonderful, and the hospitality, the way I'm received — they welcome us very warmly.
"And they all sing. They all sing! I love that."
Tickets to The Voice of Fra Lippo Lippi: Per Sorensen are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph, Solaire Box Office Level 2, and at the Ticketworld outlets.