BW&BK has received the following TARJA TURUNEN update:

During her matchless career Tarja succeeded in combining two seemingly incompatible styles of music: Metal and opera. She proved successfully that these two can unite magically and turn into something entirely new. Not only did the soprano create the perfect mixture, but she was also instrumental in developing a new music style, which had a major impact on the rock and metal scene.

Against this background, it is not surprising how smoothly Tarja continued her success with her first solo album My Winter Storm, which was released in Germany on 9th November 2007 and climbed straight to number 3 in the album charts. Her first single 'I Walk Alone' (released 26th October 2007) received its TV premiere at an amazingly memorable event: The final boxing match of Germany’s multiple champion Regina Halmich included Tarja presenting her brand new single to millions of enthusiastic viewers.

By now, Tarja has received a great number of sales awards for My Winter Storm, such as a platinum award in Finland and golden awards in Hungary, Czech Republic and Russia. With her band she played more than 50 shows in 29 countries on 3 continents. Many were territories Tarja has ever played before in her career including some sold out shows and overwhelming reception in America and Eastern Europe for audiences over 5,000 people.

And Tarja’s story of success continues in 2008. At the beginning of the year she was nominated for two major awards: At the Finnish Emma Awards - the Finnish analogue to the Oscar Awards - she was nominated for "Best Finnish Female Artist". Around the same time she was put forward to receive the German ECHO in the category "Most Successful Newcomer 2007", award given in previous years to artists like James Blunt, Katie Melua, Avril Lavigne, Alicia Keys and Anastacia.

Her first song co-written with the German artist Schiller, 'Tired Of Being Alone' was even prenominated for the American Grammy Award.

And there is an opportunity of seeing Tarja live before the end of this year. She will play two exclusive Christmas concerts with Kalevi Kiviniemi, Marzi Nyman and Markku Krohn at churches in Helsinki and Tampere on 28th and 29th November.

After those concerts Tarja will give a very special guest performance: German rock legend DORO invited Tarja to play at her 25th anniversary gig in Düsseldorf on December 13th.

Subsequent to this, Tarja will start recording her new studio album. To ease waiting, fans can look forward to a very special release: Tarja’s album My Winter Stor" will be re-released on 2nd January 2009.

This double CD Extended Special Edition is packed with 32 tracks, including the CD My Winter Storm with the addition of the song 'The Seer' in its original version. The Bonus Disc present several new tracks, remixes and live recordings.

Among them, the brand new song 'Enough' and 'The Seer', this time featuring a duet with German Rock Star Doro. Both tracks were mixed at Resonate Recording Studios by Toby Wright (Slayer, Korn, Kiss, Alice in Chains).

Also included the unreleased track 'Wisdom Of Wind' composed by Jeff Rona and Lisa Gerrard and featuring the Beijing Philharmonic with Qingdao Symphony Orchestra recorded in China.

The 2 CD set is available as a Digipack Deluxe Edition including an exclusive poster, new album cover and enhanced booklet containing new photos. With this release, the scope of an extraordinary singer with an outstanding voice is to be revealed yet again.

A must for die hard fans, but also for those who are approaching Tarja’s music for the first time.

As an appetizer of My Winter Storm Special Extended Edition, a limited edition collectors item 11-track EP The Seer will also be released on December 1st in the UK only and available through web shop.