Frozen Fever being worked on. 

\'Frozen\' arranger working on sequel, \'Frozen Fever\'

Dave Metzger works in his Salem music studio. "Frozen\'s" success means he\'s turning work away.

David Stabler | dstabler@oregonian.com By David Stabler | dstabler@oregonian.com The Oregonian

on December 24, 2014 at 11:04 AM, updated December 24, 2014 at 11:06 AM

Dave Metzger, the Salem arranger of songs from "Frozen" and "The Lion King," is working on "Frozen Fever," a short sequel to the hit Disney animated movie, he said. The sequel is scheduled for release next year.

In the sequel, it\'s Anna\'s birthday and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa\'s icy powers may put more than just the party at risk. 

"Frozen\'s" success has had a "substantial impact" on his life, Metzger said by email.

"In the past I was always kind of hidden/tucked away for the most part (there were a few exceptions like "The Lion King"). However, since I was in essence in charge of the instrumental aspect of the songs, which included running the instrumental recording sessions, deciding which musicians to use, on top of doing the arrangements and orchestrations, I was in a higher profile position than usual."

Another impact on Metzger has been getting to know "Let It Go" songwriters Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, he said. "They\'re so normal it\'s almost funny, especially considering the incredible success they\'ve accomplished. We have a great relationship, and they\'ve invited me to be involved in projects with them moving forward. 

Metzger is turning work away, now, he said. 

"I\'ve already had to turn down orchestrating 13 films and a large number of other projects since "Frozen" was released because I have too much going on. On the list of things I\'m involved with are three Broadway shows. As you can guess, "Frozen" has spun off a bit of a cottage industry of projects that I will likely have an opportunity to be involved with."

"I do think that it\'s amazing at how it has had such a cultural impact not just in the U.S., but around the world. I also appreciate that the songs seem to speak to such a wide range of people, and that there can be a sort of therapeutic impact on some people. I\'ve been contacted by many people who have told me that particularly "Let It Go" has helped them, be it in dealing with cancer, or emotional issues, or whatever. That is certainly gratifying; to know that something you\'ve been a part of creating is helping people.

For all his success, Metzger still seems to be a humble guy.

"I recognize how incredibly lucky I am to have worked on so many high profile projects in my career, in particular "The Lion King" Broadway (which this year became the largest grossing entertainment event of any kind in history), and now "Frozen", both of which have had a pretty large impact worldwide. I also know that I\'ve been fortunate to have had incredible support all the way, from my parents, my wife and kids, my friends, and my colleagues. And to also have been able to do it all from here in Oregon - who\'d have thunk it!"