TARJA TURUNEN Checks In From Moscow

Former NIGHTWISH singer Tarja Turunen performed her new single (see below), "I Walk Alone", last night (Friday, November 30) at the farewell fight of the German female boxing champion (and Doro Pesch's close friend) Regina Halmich. The event took place at the DM Arena in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Turunen has since issued the following update:

"Yesterday, the last fight of Regina Halmich was a big success for her. It was for me the first time to follow female boxers so closely during the match. They really are so tough…

"Thank you, Regina, for this nice experience and all the best for your future. May the lucky stars shine upon you.

"It was also great to be in Karlsruhe again [where Tarja finished her studies in classical singing at the local Music University]. I got to see some of my friends, my old singing teacher and visit the Christmas market in the Centrum.

"It was very nice to enjoy Glûhwein and Bratwurst! Has been too long since. I was very happy in Karlsruhe when I was studying there, so now it was good to come back in the memories and time.

"The band seemed to enjoy it also. Everybody was telling me that they could really understand why I chose to study here and not in another city. The city is beautiful and quiet.

"Now we are in Moscow, Russia. Everybody is happy to be here. For Doug, Alex and Toni this is their first visit in Russia

"I have been telling them how great the audience has always been for me in Russia. Local people are welcoming us very enthusiastically here.

"Just returned from the VIP dinner. Of course, with several dozens of beautiful flowers. Russian people are always very keen on giving flowers as a present, what it is really very welcome.

"The show is tomorrow so I am going to have some rest now.

"I am sure the show will be awesome. It is cold, but the snow makes everything beautiful."

Turunen's new solo album, "My Winter Storm", entered the German Media Control chart at position No. 3. The CD, which reportedly was certified gold in Finland for sales in excess of 15,000 copies on the day of the LP's release (November 14), landed on the Finnish chart at No. 1 and has since moved down to position No. 4.

"I Walk Alone" entered the German single chart at position No. 16.

"My Winter Storm" will be released in North America on February 26, 2008. The CD was produced by Daniel Presley (FAITH NO MORE, JEWEL, THE BREEDERS), who has been joined in the studio by a truly stellar line-up of musicians: Doug Wimbish on bass (LIVING COLOUR, ANNIE LENNOX, JOE SATRIANI, JEFF BECK, MADONNA, ROLLING STONES), Alex Scholpp on electric guitars (FARMER BOYS) and Earl Harvin on drums (SEAL, PET SHOP BOYS, AIR), a player personally selected by Tarja after she saw him stealing the show at a SEAL concert. Keyboards and programming, meanwhile, are being provided by Torsten Stenzel, whose previous credits include NELLY FURTADO, MOBY, TINA TURNER, VANESSA MAE and more.