DENMARK
Concert Clemens was founded in 1997 by Carsten
Seyer-Hansen, named after Saint Clemens, the guardian angel of Aarhus
Cathedral. The vocal ensemble consists of 14-16 singers and is a mix of
professional singers, students from the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus and
other experienced singers. Concert Clemens sings concerts of professional
standard and loves to sing music which is not often performed – both old and
new. The ensemble does mostly a cappella concerts but is also often used in
oratorios. In August 2009 Concert
Clemens won the Grand Prize at the 3rd International Choir Competition in
Randers, Denmark.
The Køge Choir was founded in 1923 by Karl
Bjarnhof, the then organ player of the Køge Church, which is situated south of
Copenhagen. It is a mixed choir consisting of about 45 members. The choir often
performs concerts in Køge town and its neighbourhood. The choir has a very
comprehensive repertoire consisting of for instance church music by, among
others, Mozart, Schubert, Bach, Vivaldi, Bellini and Händel as well as
traditional Danish and foreign songs.
The SAS Choir with basis in Copenhagen was
founded in 1981. The members of the SAS choir are present or former employees
of SAS as well as other persons with a connection to SAS and the airline
industry in general. Since 1997 the choir is being conducted by Bjarne Kiel,
who holds a degree from The Royal Danish Academy of Music. The choir´s
repertoire is large and is comprised of traditional or patriotic Danish songs,
modern and popular music and spans from old English madrigals via classical
European music to spirituals and contemporary musicals. During the almost 30
years that the choir has existed, it has regularly participated in
Interscandinavian exchange concerts with choirs and orchestras from the entire
SAS group. Furthermore, the choir has visited and had visits from choirs from
Finland, Latvia, Portugal and Germany, and the choir has given concerts in
Canada, Italy and England. The choir has special relations to several choirs in
Denmark and has participated in choir festivals both at home and abroad. Being
a member of the SAS Choir has become a lifestyle to the majority. Several have
been members since 1981. There is a large sense of unity among the members and
the special intimate relation between choir and conductor contributes to that feeling
of mutual solidarity.
Viborg Kammerkor was established in 1943. Today
the choir is for 4 voices with about 45 members. They sing smaller a cappella
works as well as big concerts and oratorios together with other choirs and
orchestras.
ESTONIA
The chamber choir FLORA was founded in
1989 by a small group of young enthusiasts – today the number of singers is
around 40. Since 2002, the choir cooperates with Estonian Sports Society
“Kalev” – the oldest Estonian sports organisation established in 1901 with the
aim to improve sports and cultural activities. The rehearsals are held in the
rooms of “Kalev” in Tallinn and in return the choir performs in the various
events of the sports society. The choir has participated in different domestic
and international festivals – in France, Denmark, Italy, Greece, Croatia,
Finland etc. and has been awarded prizes in competitions. The choir has been
invited twice to a music festival “Joutsan Joutopäivät” in Finland as a guest
of honour and the main performer (in 1997 and 2001). The repertoire of the
choir varies from old choir music by known classics to modern pieces (including
the ones written by the conductor Erki Meister). Folk songs representing
Estonian cultural heritage are always the favourite ones in choir’s programmes.
During the last four years the choir has been carrying out a project “Estonia’s
small apostolic orthodox churches” by giving concerts in such churches. The
choir’s aim is to draw attention to those explicit architectural monuments due
to their present poor condition.The choir has two conductors: Ms Kaie Juurma
and Mr Erki Meister.
Haapsalu Chamber Choir was
re-summoned in Haapsalu in autumn 2006. It is operating under Haapsalu Culture
Centre and consists of 36 singers: 22 females and 14 males. The repertoire of
the choir is extensive, covering secular and spiritual music, early and folk
music, interpretations of contemporary pop music and the music of Estonian
composers. The choir has its own soloists and an accompanying ensemble (piano,
accordion, saxophone, contrabass, violin, percussion instruments). In 2008 the
choir participated in the 5th Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival in Tartu and a year
later in Estonian Song Festival. The choir has also participated in the Battle
of Choirs on Estonian national TV in 2009.
Mixed choir “Kevadised Hetked” was created in Põlva 1986 as a
small mixed choir. Members of the choir are 26. The repertoire is
both classical and lighter music. Kevadised Hetked has participated in
earlier Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals: Gotland 1997 and Skien 2000.
Kiviõli mixed choir Loit was
established in 1932. Since 1938 the choir has participated in all National Song
Festivals. The choir has given concerts also abroad: Germany, Russia, Finland,
Norway. They have participated in the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals in
Gotland, Skien and Tartu. At its peak the choir had over 60 singers and today
26 singers. Singers of the choir are simple people from all walks of life, who
enjoy singing together twice a week and spending good time with music.
Repertoire is mostly Estonian choir classics.
Kolga-Kuusalu Chamber Choir was founded in
1987, in Kolga village, Harju County, ca 50 km from Tallinn (the Capital of
Estonia). At the beginning there were two choirs actually: Kolga Chamber Choir
in Kolga village and Kuusalu Chamber Choir in Kuusalu, 10 km from Kolga.
Kuusalu Chamber Choir was founded in 1989. These choirs had the same conductor
(Taavi Esko) and they often had common concerts. At the end of 2002 the choirs
were formally united. The choir’s repertory has always been very diversified –
compositions from R.Lassus to nowadays pop-music variations. We have paid much
attention to Estonian composers’ works, especially Veljo Tormis, who was born
in Kuusalu parish. Kolga-Kuusalu Chamber Choir has participated in many
contests and has been quite successful, too. For example the 3rd place in
Estonian Mixed Chorus contest in 2005, B-category. We have given concerts
abroad (in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, most recently in Gotland:
in August 2009 – together with our friends in Kose Chamber Choir) and we always
take part in All-Estonian Song and Dance Celebrations. There are 26 standing
members in the choir now. Kolga-Kuusalu Chamber Choir is the member of the
Estonian Mixed Choirs’ Union.
Kose Chamber Choir comes from Estonia Harju County.
Our beautiful village is situated
about 40 km south of Tallinn. The place has very long traditions in cultural
life and has several choirs and folkdance groups. Kose Chamber Choir was
founded in September 1989. It is a
group of joyful, bright, music-loving people. We currently have about 20
members in an age range between 23 and 50. Our choir has had a lot of exciting
activities like singing camps, church concerts, charity concerts in local
schools and other places. Our choir sings different kinds of music – Estonian
music, classical choral music, and music of other countries. Estonia has a very
long Song Festival tradition – Kose Chamber choir has participated in many of
them; it has taken part in mixed choir competitions and in different projects.
We have friends in other countries, having hosted choirs from Finland, Sweden,
Denmark and Germany. We have had concert tours in Sweden, Germany, Finland, and
Austria.
Choir „August07“ was established in Rapla, a
small town in Mid-Estonia, in August 2007 and rehearses regularly under their
conductor, Urve Uusberg. The young choir is connecting people from age 25 to 65
who enjoy singing, each other`s company and new challenges (including learning
new things in the choir). The repertoire consists mainly of Estonian choral
music, mostly folk songs, interpretations by Veljo Tormis and Pärt Uusberg, a
talented young composer and composition student. The choir´s biggest
achievement so far was to sing in Estonia`s Song Celebration in 2009. VI
Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival, Reykjavik 2010 is their first foreign trip.
The mixed choir Hilaro was founded in
South-Estonia in a little town called Võru in 1991. The choir’s name “Hilaro”
means “to make people cheerful, to entertain” in Latin. This meaning is also
the principal of the choir. Hilaro sings cleric music, folk, pop and rock music
arrangements, and naturally lots of Estonian music. In addition to a busy concert
schedule in South-Estonia, Hilaro has also performed abroad: Switzerland,
Italy, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Latvia; also in Klaipeda during the Nordic-
Baltic Choral Festival in 2002. Hilaro is a group of cheerful and jolly people,
who enjoy creating music together.
Mixed Choir of Estonia Society (ESS, Estonia)
was founded by conductors Heli Jürgenson and Peeter Perens of two chamber
choirs in 1993. In 1999-2001, Jüri-Ruut Kangur worked as the second
conductor. 2001-2006 the position
was held by Jorma Sarv. Their concert life is truly active - during the 13
years the choir has sung sacred music in several churches and performed diverse
programmes at a wide range of venues both in Estonia and abroad. The choir has
participated in all Estonian song celebrations and in several local singing
days. They sing a lot of Estonian choral music, both new choral pieces and the
works of highly acclaimed Estonian composers. A selection of their favourites
sounds on the CD Liugleb üks lind (A Bird is Gliding). Another
important aspect in the ESS history is major vocal-symphonic works. The ESS has
also successfully performed at a number of choral competitions both in Estonia
and abroad. A few achievements over the last few years: Ist prize and Grand
Prix at International Choral Competition „Europe and it’s song ...“ (Barcelona,
2001), 2nd prize in romantic music category and special prize for the best
Estonian conductor at „Tallinn 2005”.
Mixed Choir TERVIS of Võru; The motto of
our choir: Let the songs from our singers sound far, like the sound of a zither
greets our homeland from heart! The Mixed Choir Tervis (Health ) of Võru was
founded in April 1947 by medical workers. Since 1997 the choir works in the
culture house Kannel. Nowadays the members of the choir have different
professions and age, from schoolchildren to pensioners. The choir sings
traditional choir and church music and also music which is written by its own
conductor Ara Bander. Ara Bander
is the conductor since 1987. Since 2007 the assistant of the conductor is Ülle
Sok, who is also the president of
Tervis.Tervis has taken part in several song festivals in Estonia and abroad
(Nordic-Baltic festivals in Latvia, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Estonia ) and
also in many local folk parties. We have been to Finland, France and in our
homeland and given there some concerts. Two perfomances, „The Wedding of Goldspinners“ and „The
Forest of Fairies“, are written for Tervis, based on fairy tales of Friedrich
Reinhold Kreutzwald ( the author of Estonian national epic ). The music for
those perfomances is written by Ara Bander. Taking part in these performances
gave the members of the choir an experience to show themselves as actors and
dancers. Traditionally Tervis gives Christmas conserts and beneficence concerts
in different places: hospitals, churches, culture centres, and sings on the
nationals holidays.The members of the choir are friendly and supporting. They
are together in joy and in sorrow.
Tartu Youth Choir was founded in 1983. It consists
of the town’s high school and university students at the ages of 16-25. The
choir has performed in many places of Estonia and in several foreign countries
and has taken part in many Estonian and international choir competitions.
Recent years’ results include the 1st place in the mixed youth choirs’ category
at Warsaw Choir Festival 2007, 1st place in the mixed youth choirs’ category at
Venezia in Musica 2008 and 3rd place in the mixed choirs’ category at
International Choir Festival Tallinn 2009. In addition to shorter musical forms
the choir is interested in grand compositions and has in recent times
participated in one or two performances of oratorios, masses and the like each
year. Every Christmas, the choir invites bands and orchestras to cooperate for
special events – the most recent include Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas
Oratorio”, Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carrols” (both in 2006), Ottorino
Respighi’s “Lauda per la Nativita
del Signore” (2007), Andreas Hallén’s „Christmas Oratorio“ (2009). A good
cooperation has been developed with the opera, ballet and drama theatre
Vanemuine, including performances of Honegger’s “Jeanne d’Arc au bucher”
(2005), Verdi’s “Four Sacred Songs” (2006), Philip Glass’s “Itaipu” (2007) and
Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 (2009) among others. In 2008, the choir participated
in Vanemuise’s production of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” and a rock opera about the
legendary Estonian rock band Ruja and smaller groups of singers have
participated in later productions. At the Nordic-Baltic Song Festival 2008 in
their hometown, Tartu Youth Choir was the Estonian representative choir, gave
workshop concerts on Estonian choral music and participated in other events. Tartu
Youth Choir is conducted by Riho and Kadri Leppoja
FAROE ISLANDS
Havnarkórið was founded as a broadcast choir,
Útvarpskórið, in January 1966 with the main aim to record Faroese songs and
have regular choir programmes for the Faroese radio. Since 1970 the choir has
worked independently, named Havnarkórið, which means The choir of Tórshavn.The repertoire
has been a cappella choir music from the renaissance up to present time. For
the last 15 –20 years the choir has also regularly had greater classical and
comtemporary works on its annual programme. Havnarkórið has made concert visits
to countries such as Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, The Czech
Republic, France, England and USA. This is the choir´s fourth trip to Iceland.
FINLAND
Chamber Choir Cantinovum, established
in 1989, is a youthful and ambitious choir. Cantinovum aims for the highest of
artistic levels, while continuously developing its repertoire and practicing
diligently to enhance its rich tone. Cantinovum is a representative choir of
JAMK Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences. At present, there are
approximately 30 singers in Cantinovum for whom music is a passionate interest
– for many it is also a future profession. Most of the singers are students
either at the University of Jyväskylä or at the JAMK Jyväskylä University of
Applied Sciences. The repertoire of Cantinovum is colorful and interesting. The
usual repertoire stretches from folk music to sacred music and from Renaissance
to modern composers. The name of the choir origins from Latin and translates to
new song. It is characteristic of Cantinovum to perform songs that have been
especially composed for them, and Cantinovum has been the first to perform
several choir compositions. In addition to a cappella singing, Cantinovum has
worked with Jyväskylä Sinfonia and other orchestras, most recently performing
Hreidar Ingi Thorsteinsson’s
Requiem. Cantinovum has published two albums, Commissioned by Cantinovum
(2000) and Lauloa minä lupasin (I Promised to Sing) (2006). The first album
contains new choral music that has been commissioned by Cantinovum. The second
album contains both music commissioned by Cantinovum and older choral music
that has been in Cantinovum’s repertoire for a long time. The lyrics are often
based on Finnish national epic Kalevala. The choir has performed in Lithuania,
Greece, Hungary, Belgium, and the Netherlands, Estonia, Spain, United States,
Italy and Slovakia. Cantinovum has proved its excellence by receiving many
prizes in international choir competitions. Recently Cantinovum won the first
prizes, including Absolute winner, of the ABB Banská Bystrica -competition in
Slovakia 2009.
Chorus Vallis is a district chamber choir
consisting of some 40 singers who represent various professions and five
different municipalities along the Kalajoki river valley in Ostrobothnia,
Finland. The choir is registered in the municipality of Ylivieska but the
rehearsals also take place in the towns of Alavieska and Kalajoki. Chorus
Vallis was founded in the municipality of Ylivieska in 1982. The first
conductor was Martta Ruotsalainen. The choir published its first record “Se
soikoon ikuisesti” together with another local choir in 1985. Soon after this
Chorus Vallis entered a quiet period, which was to last for some years. The
second active chapter in the history of the choir began in 1996 when the
present conductor Soili Autio was asked to conduct the choir. Mrs Autio is a
comprehensive school teacher who has specialized in music with a degree in
choir conducting. Mrs Autio also conducts two other choirs. The repertoire of
the choir ranges from old Latin sacred music to spirituals and modern gospel
music, and from Finnish and foreign folk songs to classical choral works and
contemporary works. Chorus Vallis has made two recordings under the conduction of
Soili Autio: “Sävyjä” (Shades, 2003), representing the variety of the choir’s
repertoire and the Christmas music record “Kaunein Yö” (2005). In addition to
giving concerts in Finland, the choir has also performed in Estonia, Hungary
and Greece. In Greece, the choir took part in the 13th International Choir
Competition of Sacred Music in the municipality Preveza (2007), where it
received a silver medal in the competition for mixed choirs and bronze as a
female ensemble. Chorus Vallis also participated in the choir competition of
Tampereen Sävel in 2003 where it was merited with a silver honour.
Teljä Chamber Choir - Väinölä church was completed in the year 1956 and in
the same year 25.11. 1956 our choir was established. At the beginning the name
of the choir was Väinölä Church Choir. In the year 1977 we changed the name of
the choir Teljä Chamber Choir, with that purpose, that under this name we
probably can present more changeful and more wide music than before. The choir
has presented in Finland´s radio and television and visited abroad In Hungary,
Germany and in Nordic and Baltid Choir Festival in Sweden Visby, in Norway Skien, in Liettua Kleibeda and in Estonia Tartu. Most
exacting product has been “ Gospelpassio Crosscarrier” which we presented with the
German choir “Getogether” and finnish Cantando choir. Exciting feature in that was ”Käsikkäin “
deaf choir which were singing with their hands and body. The leader of Teljä
Chamber Choir has been from 1988 Anne
- Marie Grundsten only with some exceptions.
GREENLAND
Qeqqani Erinarsoqatigiit - Midtgrønlands sangkor; Greenland is a beautiful but vast, vast country, extremely rugged
and difficult to travel in. For some years there have been choirs in
North-Greenland and South-Greenland and in 1997 the Central-Greenland Choir was
started. In spite of hard communication all these choirs have tried to meet up
every year or at least every two years. In 2001 a Mid-Greenland Choir Association
was formed and works closely with the Danish Amateur National Choral Society.
Greenland has recently founded its own “Greenland National Choral Society” and
is presently working on co-operation with their Danish counterpart.
ICELAND
Borgarkórinn was founded in August of 2006 by
people working for the City of Reykjavik. Gróa Hreinsdóttir was their first
conductor and Ingveldur Ýr Jónsdóttir their vocal coach. The choir meets once a
week from the beginning of September until late May each year, learning various
kinds of songs, but focusing on songs related to the city of
Reykjavik.Ingveldur Ýr and Svava Kristín Ingólfsdóttir worked with the choir as
conductors in the absence of Gróa for 18 months in 2008 - 2009 until she
returned to her position in the autumn of 2009. The choir has participated in
concerts with other choirs in spring and Christmas concerts, and was the first
choir to sing a concert in the upcoming concert hall HARPA in Reykjavik.
Kór Flensborgarskólans and Flensborgarkórinn
Hrafnhildur Blomsterberg
has been the director of Kór Flensborgarskólans (The Flensborg College Choir)
since 1996. The Flensborg College is located in Hafnarfjörður, the third
biggest town in Iceland with a population of twenty thousand. Most of the
singers are at the age of sixteen to twenty.
Flensborgarkórinn (The Flensborg Choir) was
established late in the year 2008 and counts now 28 singers ranging from the
age of 20 to 28 who all are former members of The Flensborg College Choir. With
these two choirs the singers have frequently toured Iceland and travelled
abroad giving concerts and taking part in festivals and competitions in the
Nordic countries, Austria, Canada, Estonia, Germany, Italy, North America,
Portugal, Russia, Spain and Switzerland. In 2002 the singers won the first
prize for folk music in the competition “Certamen International de Habaneras y
Polifonía” in Spain. In August 2010 Flensborgarkórinn was awarded 1st prize in
the category mixed choirs at the VI International Competition of Choral Arts – The
Singing World – which was held in St. Petersburg, Russia. The repertoire of the two choirs
contains a cappella music from around the world, both sacred and secular,
modern as well as early music. Icelandic folk songs and folk lyrics are quite
common within the program.
It is true to
say that the girls of Graduale Nobili
came, saw and conquered when They made their first appearance in April 2001 at
their début concert in Langholtskirkja. Critics wrote of the choir’s rare
refinement and musicality, the indisputable quality of the voices and perfect
singing. These comments were heard again a few months later, when the choir’s
first CD was issued, presenting lesser known 20th-century choral works from
Iceland and abroad. The ambitious
and avant-garde programme was well received, and again the choir was praised
for its expressive singing and rare virtuosity. By then the girls had already
won second prize at the International Youth Choir Festival in Kalundborg,
Denmark, thus placing themselves among the best youth choirs in the world, just
months after the choir was founded. All the members of choir have sung in one
of Iceland’s best youth choirs, the Langholtskirkja Graduale Choir, before
being admitted into the élite Graduale Nobili choir. Graduale Nobili has
continued to flourish, holding many concerts here in Iceland to an enthusiastic
response from critics and music-lovers; performing with the Iceland Symphony
Orchestra and at the Århus Church Music Festival; singing for all of Europe in
a live broadcast from RUV state radio; and participating in international
choral competitions – in 2003 the choir won two gold medals at the Vocal
Festival in Tampere, Finland. The works performed by the choir make up a
demanding and diverse repertoire, with continuing emphasis on music of the 20th
and 21st centuries. The repertoire includes music from Iceland and other
countries, by such composers as Benjamin Britten, Arvo Pärt, Einojuhani
Rautavaara, Ruth Watson Henderson and John Rutter. In addition Icelandic
composers have created works specifically for Graduale Nobili, thus making an
important contribution to the limited amount of music hitherto composed in
Iceland for female choirs, in a country with a strong and predominant
male-choir tradition.
The Hamrahlíð Choir has been at the forefront of
Icelandic musical life for four decades. Founded in 1967 by its present
conductor, Þorgerður Ingólfsdóttir, it was among the first college choirs in
Iceland, and has maintained its leading position ever since. The choir, made up
of students at Hamrahlíð College in Reykjavík, is an educational institution in
its own right. More than 2,000 Icelandic teenagers have come into contact with
classical music through the Hamrahlíð choral experience. Many of these have had
no prior musical training, but through diligent practice they have gone on to
participate in music-making of the highest quality, from new Icelandic
compositions to the choral masterworks of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. The
Hamrahlíð Choir has been a breeding ground for many of Iceland’s leading
singers, instrumentalists, and composers. Among the many musicians who are
former members of the choir are singer/songwriter Björk Guðmundsdóttir,
composer Haukur Tómasson (Nordic Council Music Prize 2004) and bass Kristinn
Sigmundsson. In 1982, a choir made up of former students at Hamrahlíð College
was founded and immediately established itself as one of Iceland’s leading
choral ensembles. Although the Hamrahlíð Choir is primarily devoted to musical
education, it has from the very beginning been dedicated to giving performances
of the highest quality. The choir sings with a pure, flexible, well-blended
sound, and it performs with exuberance and a youthful sense of discovery.
Critics throughout the world have praised its accurate intonation, clear
diction, and the high level of enthusiasm and commitment that are among the
hallmarks of the choir’s music-making. Throughout its history, the choir has
collaborated closely with Icelandic composers. Over 70 works have been composed
especially for the choir, including works by virtually all of Iceland’s leading
composers. Apart from its close association with native composers, the choir
has collaborated with foreign artists such as Arvo Pärt, John Cage, and Vagn
Holmboe in the first Icelandic performances of their works. Arvo Pärt was
so impressed with the choir’s performance of his Te Deum in 1998 that he
composed a choral work dedicated to Þorgerður Ingólfsdóttir, ...which was the
son of..., which was premièred in 2000. With its dedication, passion, and
spirit, the Hamrahlíð Choir has touched audiences around the world. The Choir
has travelled to 20 countries and has performed at many of the world’s leading
choral festivals to great acclaim, introducing audiences around the world to
the rich legacy of Icelandic choral music. The choir has participated in
festivals in Europe, North America, and Asia, and collaborated with renowned
conductors such as Tõnu Kaljuste, Osmo Vänskä, Lukas Foss, Laszlo Heltay,
Robert King, Timothy Brown, Gustav Sjökvist, Willi Gohl, Hansruedi Willisegger,
Johan Dujick, Petri Sakari, and Thomas Adés. The choir has been a member of the
European Federation of Young Choirs since 1978, and is one of the founding
members of the International Federation for Choral Music.
Kammerkór Norðurlands was founded in
autumn 1998. The choir consists of singers from all over Northern
Iceland, from Kópasker in the east to Sauðárkrókur in the west. Kammerkór
Norðurlands performs regularly, both in the north of Iceland and in Reykjavík and
has received rave reviews. The choir focuses on performing Icelandic
music and has premiered many new compositions, some of whom are composed
specifically for the choir. Guðmundur Óli Gunnarsson has been the conductor for
Kammerkór Norðurlands since 2000.
The Garðabær Women’s Choir was founded in
the fall of the year 2000. The founder and choir director is Ingibjörg
Guðjónsdóttir and the choir pianist is Sólveig Anna Jónsdóttir.The choir
numbers about 40 singers. The
women in The Garðabær Women’s Choir should always have a chance to participate
in an ambitious, clearly-defined, and socially-rewarding singing project. The
choir’s repertoire includes Icelandic and international choral music from all
periods, with a special emphasis on music by women composers. Each year, the
choir is involved in numerous concerts and other cultural events. In addition
to performing on various occasions in its hometown, the choir has toured the
country on a number of occasions. In June 2005 the choir travelled to Austria
and The Czech Republic, where it sang in Europe’s premiere baroque churches and
in October 2007 to Denmark. From its inception, the Garðabær Women’s Choir has
contributed greatly to the culture of Garðabær and its neighbouring areas, and
is now one of the pillars of Garðabær’s cultural life.
Kvennakór við Háskóla Íslands – The Women’s
Choir of the University of Iceland – has been active for five years. The choir
consists of current and former students as well as staff of the university. The
choir sings regularly at lunchtime in the buildings of the University of
Iceland and Christmas songs in the entrance of the main building as well as
presenting its individual concerts. The music critic of Morgunblaðið wrote the
following in a review in the spring of 2007: “their success is in fact one of
the most remarkable debuts of a choir that I can recall in recent years”.
The Women‘s Choir of Reykjavík was founded in
January of 1993, it‘s first director was Margrét J. Pálmadóttir. Sigrún
Þorgeirsdóttir took over the directorship of the choir in 1997 and
concluded 12 years with the choir
in December of 2009. The choir hosted the Icelandic Women‘s Choir Festival in
1996 and in 2000 hosted the first Nordic Women‘s Choir Festival. In 2002, the
choir participated in an international choir competition in the Czech Republic
and won two silver medals in the categories of women‘s choral music and
national folk music. The Women‘s Choir of Reykjavík has issued 3 CDs: Víf,
1997, directed by Magrét Pálmadóttir; Jól, 2000, and Konur, 2005, both directed
by Sigrún Þorgeirsdóttir. In January of 2010, Ágota Jóa took over as the new
director of the choir.
The Women‘s Choir of Öldutún was
established in 2005 by young women who had previously been members of the Choir
of Öldutún. The Women‘s choir of
Öldutún is conducted by Brynhildur Auðbjargardóttir who had also been a member
of the Choir of Öldutún. The
Women‘s Choir of Öldutún has performed in several concerts, most recently in a
performance of Stabat Mater by Pergolesi in collaboration with solo vocalists,
a string quartet and an organ. The
choir has also been involved in partnerships with other choirs and done a few
CD-recordings.
Ymur, women´s choir comes from Akranes, Iceland. The choir was establised on 31st of
january, 1995 and is 15 years old this year. The choir has had three conductors
in its history. The first conductor was Dóra Líndal Hjartardóttir. Elfa Margrét
Ingvadóttir took over in July 2001 and Sigríður Elliðadóttir has been the
choirs conductor since 2005. This year Ymur has 19 active singers. The choir
performs mostly a cappella. Ymur holds at least two concerts each year, as well
as singing in joint concerts with other choirs and taking part in various
cultural activities. The choir always tries to attend the Festival of Icelandic
Women Choirs, which is held every two to three years, and has once attended the
Festival of Nordic Women Choirs. Ymur has travelled to, and held concerts in,
the Faroe Islands 1997, Poland 2001, Copenhagen 2001, Scotland 2004 and Holland
2008. In 2005 Ymur issed a CD, called Ymur, with Icelandic folk songs and
gospel songs.
The Choir Kyrjurnar was founded by a group of women
attending group courses in singing at Söngsmiðjan in 1997. The choir´s
conductor is Sigurbjörg Hvanndal Magnúsdóttir and the accompanist is Halldóra
Aradóttir. Every year Kyrjurnar sing a Christmas Concert in December and a
Spring Concert in May. They have also been singing at many other different
opportunities and for the last three years they have been performing at
Sólheimar in Grímsnes for the charity society Bergmál. The Choir Kyrjurnar has twice travelled
abroad, in 2003 to Italy and in 2006 to Slovenia and Croatia.
The “Kyrjukór” is a women’s choir based in
Þorlákshöfn, Iceland. It was established in the autumn of 1998 and its first
conductor was Anna Sigurbjörnsdóttir. Their first concert was held for family
and friends in April 1999. Later that year Kristín Sigfúsdóttir was appointed
conductor and the choir performed its first public concert to a full house in
Þorlákshöfn church in May 2000. Ever since, the choir has maintained a regular
programme of Christmas and spring concerts, either on its own or in cooperation
with other musical groups, as well as performing at various functions in the
town and the surrounding area.The choir is made up of women from Þorlákshöfn
and the local district who enjoy singing.
Most have either studied singing or are able to read music. Membership
of the choir has varied between 15 and 35 since the choir was formed. Under the
conductorship of Gróa Hreinsdóttir the choir performed for the first time
abroad when taking part in the Nordic-Baltic Choir Festival in Tartu, Estonia
in August 2008. The choir´s repertoire is very varied, ranging from Icelandic
folk songs to popular international music, the selection of which is naturally
based on the choirs own enjoyment. For the last year the choir has had 16
members and the present conductor is Sigurbjörg H. Magnúsdóttir.
The Hallgrímskirkja Motet Choir has long
established itself as one of the leading choirs in Iceland. Its large and
diverse repertoire includes a number of oratorios, passions and requiems,
together with a cappella sacred music from various periods and premieres of
many Icelandic compositions. It has toured widely, including performances in
Notre Dame, Paris and Chartres Cathedral in France and Uppsala Cathedral in
Sweden. The choir has participated in festivals such as the Bergen Arts
Festival and the Wiener Festwochen, and was a prize-winner in the international
choral competition in Cork, Ireland, in 1996. Having released a number of CDs,
the choir has earned particular international acclaim for its recordings of
Maurice Duruflé´s Requiem and Hafliði Hallgrímsson´s Passía. On the Swedish BIS
label, the choir has recorded works by Jón Leifs, performed with the Icelandic
Symphony Orchestra (ISO). The choir has also released popular Christmas
recordings and its Christmas concerts in Hallgrímskirkja have become a
perennial fixture on Reykjavík´s music scene. The choir‘s latest recording was
released 2008 and is an hommage to Icelandic church music, new and old. In
November 2009, the choir premiered St Cecilia, an oratorio by composer Áskell
Másson and writer Thor Vilhjálmsson that was nominated as Composition of the Year
at the Icelandic Music Awards 2010. The choir’s latest performances include
Mahler’s Symphony no. 2 with the ISO in March 2010 and Brahms’ Ein deutsches
Requiem in April 2010 at the Festival of Sacred Arts in Reykjavík.
The Icelandic Opera Choir has made an
important place for itself in Icelandic music life, and is much in demand for
performances of various works, as the choir has been praised for its singing by
critics and audiences alike in recent years. The choir was founded in 1973 by
Garðar Cortes, who has been its conductor from its foundation. The choir has a
twofold role: it has held concerts, made concert tours in Iceland and abroad,
and performed many major musical works with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. It
has also provided singers for all the productions of the Icelandic Opera from
its foundation until 2004 (well over thirty productions), and participated in
various productions at the National Theatre. Recordings of some of the choir’s
performances have been issued on CD: The Verdi Requiem, Beethoven’s Ninth
Symphony, Alþingishátíðarkantata (Cantata celebrating the millennium of the
Icelandic parliament in 1930) by Páll Ísólfsson, the oratorio Elijah by
Mendelssohn and Óperukórinn býður til veislu (Famous Operachoirs). The Choir
has taken part in concerts with two of the most famous tenors in the world;
Placido Domingo and José Carreras. In November 2004 the Choir gave a concert in
Carnegie Hall in New York under the baton of its conductor Garðar Cortes.
Samkór Kópavogs (Kópavogur Mixed Municipal Choir)
was founded in 1966. Through the years it has performed in many concerts, both
in Iceland and abroad with a varied repertoire from many countries. It has
travelled to the Nordic countries, Hungary, Austria, England and all the Baltic
States. In later years the choir has focused on performing large choral works
with orchestra accompaniment under the leadership of Björn Thorarensen who has
been conductor since 2006. Notably, the Samkór has premiered in Iceland some
large works by the Welsh composer Karl Jenkins, including The Armed Man (2010)
and Requiem (2009) and is planning a first performance of Jenkins’ Stabat Mater
in Iceland next spring.
The Philharmonia Choral Society was formed in
1959 for the purpose of performing the larger works of the choir and orchestra
repertoire with the Iceland Symphony Orchestra. In these fifty years the choir
has performed a variety of major choral works, including those by Beethoven,
Brahms, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Verdi. Of the Icelandic works mention can be
made of pieces by Páll Ísólfsson, Jón Þórarinsson and Þorkell Sigurbjörnsson.
For the past eighteen years the choir has operated under its own auspices,
seeking the cooperation of other musicians and soloists as the occasion
demands, and also still performs regularly with the Icelandic Symphony
Orchestra. Recent performances include Brahms‘ Deutsches Requiem with the
Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavik and with the Lutoslawski Philharmonic
Orchestra in Wroclaw, Polland,
Requiem by Mozart with the The Academic Symphony Orchestra of the St.
Petersburg Philharmonia in Sjostakovish Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia and with
the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra in Reykjavik, and performances of Handel‘s
Messiah, Stabat Mater by Haydn, and Mass in G-minor by Bach, to mention a few.
Other performances abroad include trips to Scandinavia, Hungary and Slovenia.
The choir has has made recordings both for television and radio and released
two CDs which include foreign and Icelandic advent and festive music.
LATVIA
Female Choir of Riga Latvian Society „AUSMA” was founded in 1959. The choir consists of 53 singers. In the 50
years of its existence choir AUSMA has asserted its ability to maintain a high
level of artistic performance and give a lasting contribution to Latvian choral
art. AUSMA performs music of
different epochs and styles, from Latvian and foreign classics, original
Latvian music and folksongs to sacred music and jazz. Every season the choir
stages a new programme as well as improves and perfects the nuances of its
existing repertoire. The choir has won awards in different international choral
contests and several Latvian Song Festivals. As of 1968 the choir’s art
director and conductor is Jānis Zirnis, associated professor at Latvian Academy
of Music and chief conductor of Latvian Song Festivals. AUSMA in Latvian means “the dawn” - the
moment when the light appears, the
living beings wake up, the birds start to sing and the world begins to warm up.
That is the symbol of the choir. AUSMA’s songs ring as a hope of a new, bright
day.
The choir “Ogre” was established in 1972. Since
1974 the main conductor of the choir is Janis Zirnis. At present he is also the
professor of Latvian Academy of Music. Under his guidance the choir has taken
part in all Latvian Song Festivals, getting into a final contest named as
“Songs’ Wars” and being a prizewinner several times. The choir “Ogre” has also
performed abroad: in Lithuania, the Ukraine, Moldova, Germany, Estonia, as well
as taken part in several international choral music events – the Choral
Festival of the Baltic States and the USA “Bridges of Song” in Tallinn, Estonia
(1991), the choir festival of Latvia and „Eversmiling Liberty” in Denmark (1993),
the Musichoridanse Festival in Tarare, France (2009) and all Nordic-Baltic
Choral Festivals. A great experience for the choir was the participation in
several international choir competitions: the international choir music
competition in Ventspils, Latvia (1992), the Olomouc Song Festival in Czech
Republic (2004), where two gold medals were awarded, the international choral
festival in Veszprem, Hungary (2005), where a special award was given and the
3rd Grieg International Choir Festival in Bergen, Norway (2007). The choir
performs different kind of music – folk songs, classical music, sacred music,
secular music and jazz.
Choir “TALAVA” was founded in 1993. Its conductor is Tamara Semicheva, a graduate
of St. Petersburg State Conservatory. The choir “TALAVA” is laureatus of three
international choir festivals: in Moscow (the Russian Federation) in 2003, in
Wernigerode (Germany) in 2005 and in Linz (Austria) in 2007. The choir “TALAVA”
has participated in all Latvian nationwide Song and Dance Festivals since 1998,
as well as the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals in 1997, 2000 and 2002. Singers
in the choir are from 18 to 60 years old. The choir’s repertoire includes
Latvian and other nation’s choral music pieces and folk music, as well as major
classical pieces such as “Gloria” by Vivaldi, the masses by Schubert and Haydn,
“Stabat Mater” by Pergolesi to name but a few.
The mixed choir ‘’Uz Augšu’’ was founded in
1994 in Talsi and consists of around 30 different age and profession members
from Talsi and its nearby area. Within the choir’s lifetime it has participated
in a couple of foreign choir festivals – Graz (Austria), Alta Pusteria (Italy),
as well as the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals in Riga (Latvia), Klaipeda
(Lithuania) and Tartu (Estonia). The choir has also performed in Denmark. ‘’Uz
Augšu’’ choir’s repertoire mostly consists of songs of Latvian composers and
folk-song arrangements.
Mixed choir „Valmiera” is a
non-professional unit that belongs to the Valmiera Culture centre. It was
founded in 1974 by chief conductor of Valmiera district Daumants Gailis . Since
2001 the conductor is Martins Klishans. The choir consists of 40 members. The
choir „Valmiera” has participated in all Latvian National Song festivals. In
1977 it won the competition through non-professionals choirs in Latvia. In 1995
the choir participated in the 1st Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival in Riga, and in
1997 the 2nd festival in Gotland. In 2001 the choir “Valmiera” received the
silver price as the best non-professional choir in Vidzeme region. In 2003 the
choir was awarded the 4th place and participated in the recordings of XXIII
Latvian National Song Festival’s CD with 3 songs. It participated at Latvia
Song and Dance festival in 2008. Mixed Choir“Valmiera” has regular concerts in
different towns in Latvia. It has toured to Denmark (1993), Gotland (1995),
France (1996), Hungary and Austria (1998), Slovakia (2007) and Germany (2001,
2005, 2009).
Choir of Food and Veterinary Service Republic of Latvia (FVS) was founded in the autumn of 2006. The godfather of the choir is Māris Sirmais – one of
the most outstanding conductors of Latvia, founder, head conductor and art
director of the world-known and famous choir “Kamēr”. The choir is now led by
Gints Ceplenieks and Egils Jākobsons helps develop vocal abilities. Members of the
choir are employees from the Food and Veterinary Service Central Authority,
management and Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”,
as well as their relatives and friends.
The first major concert for the choir took place in front of several
hundred Employees of FVS in 2006. The performance was valued with burst of
applause. Besides developing vocal abilities as well as bigger and smaller
concerts, the choir started to prepare for the song festival. In April of 2007 the choir sang at the
University of Latvia and received 1st degree diploma. Also, the choir
participates in commonwealth and charity concerts organised by Ministry of
Agriculture, City of Riga and Republic. In 2008 FVS choir, with more than 30 people,
participated in XXIV Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Celebration.
Participating in choir activities are each person’s choice and the people who
do so, lay their hands on something remarkable as really enjoying singing.
Mixed Choir Tikko – Concuctor: Liga Priedite
LITHUANIA
Kaunas mixed Choir “Kamertonas” was founded
in 1995 by conductor Romaldas Misiukevicius and singer Vytautas Normantas.
Choir members are amateur singers – representatives of all variety of
occupation. 1996 Algirdas Viesulas became a conductor of “Kamertonas”. At the
end of the same year the choir had performed at the prestigious F. Schubert
competition in Austria.The choir, led by Algirdas Viesulas, organized a number
of concerts in various towns of Lithuania as well as abroad: Germany, Austria,
Poland, etc. Since 1998 Kaunas mixed choir “Kamertonas” is a regular
participant of Kaunas and the World Songs festivals. In 1999 the choir
organized a concert tour in the United States of America. It was a tour of 12
concerts organized in different Lithuanian communities in various towns. Two
years later, “Kamertonas” was one of the first Lithuanian choirs to perform in
Australia. In 2001 the choir “Kamertonas” brought back home a Gold Diploma from
the International Choir competition in Prague, Czech Republic. In October of
2003 “Kamertonas” visited the Republic of South Africa where they performed
with local choirs. At the end of 2003, the steering wheel of the “Kamertonas”
choir was taken over by conductor Kestutis Jakeliunas. He led the choir to the
Kaunas Chamber choir festival-competition “Cantate Domino” where the choir
received a Silver Diploma. At the Lithuanian choir contest in 2006 “Kamertonas”
was granted the 1st level diploma, which endorsed the choir’s position among
best choirs in the country. In February of 2006 “Kamertonas” had a tour in Mexico,
where three concerts were organized during the travel all over the ancient
Indian country. In Mexico “Kamertonas” received a warm welcome and a big
appreciation from the local music admirers. In the 2nd Choir Competition of the XIVth Festival of Sacral
Music „Cantate Domino“ on November 25th, 2006 in Kaunas, Choir Kamertonas won a
Ist place and a Golden Diploma In the Internacional choral festival “A voyage
of songs” on 12 - 16 July 2007, on Pattaya - Thailand, won a silver diploma. In
the 16 th Internacional S. Šimkus choir competition on 17 - 21 October 2007 ,on
KLAIPĖDA, LITHUANIA “Kamertonas” won a 3th place. Mixed choir „Kamertonas“ has
won the prize of „Golden bird“ in the nomination of „International shining
star“ 2007. In the 3rd International
Choral festival “FESTA CHORALIS BRATISLAVA 2008”, “Kamertonas” won a GOLDEN MEDAL !!!Kaunas mixed choir
“Kamertonas” recorded an audio cassette “Christmas Carols and Spirituals”
(1997), five CDs: Antonio Vivaldi “Gloria” (1998), Live Concert in Cleveland
(1999), The Choir’s 5th Anniversary Concert (2000), The Choir’s 10th
Anniversary Collection of Songs and Spirituals (2004) and Christmas songs
Collection “Kaledu ankstu ryta” (“ON THE EARLY MORNING OF CHRISTMAS”) (2008)
Chamber Choir „OPUS“ of Taurage District Culture
Center, Lithuania, was founded in 1989. The repertoire consists of Lithuanian
composers’ choir music, other nations’ modern and national songs and religious
choir music. Zenonas Komskis is the founder and conductor of the choir . He
gradulated from Lithuanian Theatre and Music Academy. The majority of the
members of the choir have qualifications in music. The chamber choir is a
constant participant of the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals.
Sodzius – Vilnius Chamber Choir was founded by
Antanas Pugžlys in the autumn of 1981. Two years later the head of the choir
became Arūnas Simaška, and since 1986 Regina Maleckaitė has been
conducting. 25 singers are rehearsing with her and finding pleasure in
music .Choir Sodzius has participated in all Lithuania’s Song
Celebrations starting from 1985. In 2004, it celebrated the 80th anniversary of
first song celebration in Kaunas, has represented Vilnius in all Nordic-Baltic
Choral Festivals, taken part in international festival of romantic music in Hungary,
has won 2nd place in choir competition of famous Lithuanian conductor
Stasys Simkus and 1st place in contest-presentation among choirs of the city,
Vilnius. In October 1993, Sodzius sang in Vingis park, Vilnius, at a Mass
when Pope Jonas Paulius II visited the country .20 years ago choir Sodzius
started intensively collaborating with churches and has sung at the Cathedrals
of Veszprem, Blois, Tchenstakova, Vilnius; in the Catholic churches of
Latvia, Poland, Russia, Estonia, Sweden and also in many churches of small
citys and villages of Lithuania. The choir has already sung about 250 pieces.
Mixed choir “GIJA” of the culture centre of
Šiauliai district municipality was
founded in 1964. A young professional
Jonas Kievišas
started conducting this choir. Since 1998, Stasė Žukienė has been conducting
“GIJA”. The current concertmaster is Tatjana Kot. “GIJA” has been a participant
of all the Republican song festivals, many world Lithuanian song festivals and
The Millennium song celebration of Lithuania “Songs of the centuries” (2009).
This choir has won prizes in many contests, including the choir contest in the
Republican song festival in 1965, where they took the 5th place. They were the
first in the contest of Vilnius song festival in 1970, in the Republican choir
contest in Elektrėnai (1972) they took the second place. In 1977 the choir went
on a tourist trip to Hungary in return to their brilliant achievements. “GIJA”
participated in Šimkus’ mixed choir festival “Kur bakūžė samanota” in Jurbarkas
and in the contest of Lithuanian adult choirs in Šiauliai. Every year this
choir is invited to participate in the regional choir festival in Kelmė. “GIJA”
participated in choir festivals in Sweden, Norway, Lithuania and Estonia,
including the first Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival in Riga (Latvia). In 2005,
this choir presented its program for the citizens of Port-sur-Saône (France).
In 2008, “GIJA” participated in the international Christmas festival in
Kuldīga(Latvia). Choir “GIJA” has deep and creative relations with the choir
“Ventava” from Latvia. Every year the choir renews its repertoire which
consists of secular and religious music and aims for the artistic level. “GIJA”
is a regular participant of song festivals and events of Šiauliai district and
culture centre. The choir “GIJA” is enthusiastic, creative, loving songs and
travels.
Mixed choir “ŠALTINIS” of Ginkūnai
branch, culture centre of Šiauliai
district
municipality is the participant of the world Lithuanian song festivals (1994,
1998), the world Lithuanian song festival “We” (2003), Lithuanian song festival
“Būties ratu” (“In the circle of entity” 2007), The Millennium song celebration
of Lithuania “Songs of the centuries” (2009).The choir was founded in 1994. Its
conductor is Birutė Andriukaitienė and concertmaster Jūratė Narvilienė. In
2002, the title of “ŠALTINIS “ was
given to this choir. The year 2003 was extremely significant. They won the
diploma of 2nd degree in the contest of Lithuanian adult choirs. In addition to
this, in 2006, this choir won the diploma of 3rd degree. The repertoire of the
choir is very wide and miscellaneous. It includes not only the works of the
great classicists, but Lithuanian folk songs and the works of modern composers
as well. Every year “ŠALTINIS” renews its repertoire and adds some new pieces
of music. Giving concerts in different places helps reach higher artistic levels. “ŠALTINIS” has given concerts in the
Museum of Kristijonas Donelaitis in Tolminkiemis (Kaliningrad), in regional
choir festivals in Kelmė, in the choir festival of Stasys Šimkus “Kur bakūžė
samanota” (Jurbarkas), in the choir festival in Naujoji Akmenė, in the festival
of art amateurs “Rudens mozaika” (“The mosaic of autumn”, Šiauliai). “ŠALTINIS”
actively participates in the cultural life of Šiauliai and the district of
Šiauliai. It also participates in various song festivals and concerts of
Šiauliai district. Since 2002, a
traditional festival of vocal music “Auksinis ruduo” (The golden autumn”) has
been organized. Every year this festival gathers together the performers of
choral and vocal music from Šiauliai district and from all the Lithuania.
Mixed choir „ ZEMAICIAI „ of Telsiai
Culture Center. The history of the choir started in 1977. Choral activity is very great. Over the year, it
gives three to five solo performances. It is a participant in Lithuanian song
festivals and the winner of many competitions. “Zemaiciai “ presents concerts
not only at home, but also abroad. There have been concerts in Italy, France,
Germany, Latvia and Estonia. It has also
participated in all the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals: I in Latvia (
Riga 1994), II Sweden ( Visby 1997 ), III Norway ( Oslo 2000), IV Lithuania (
Klaipeda 2002 ), V Estonia ( Tartu 2008 ). And it doesn’t break the tradition this year by
participating in the VI Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland. The choir’s repertoire
is very wide and varied; harmonized Lithuanian folk songs of different ages and
composers’ classical pieces, sacred music, as well as contemporary composers’
choral music. The choir is led by
Gintaras Vaitkaitis
,,Varpile”, the mixed choir of Varena
cultural centre has been existing for 50 years. It is constantly operating and
giving concerts and has taken part in all regional, zone and republican song
festivals as well as in various concert events and competitions organised
by neighbouring countries and regions. The choir took part in
international song festivals of Northern countries and Baltic republics: in
Riga ( Latvia), Gotland ( Sweden), Skien ( Norway), Klaipeda ( Lithuania),
Tartu ( Estonia). In the repertoire of ,,Varpile” there are original songs by
Lithuanian and foreign composers, folk choral music and sacred - religious
music. The choir master is
Ramona Elena Velziene and concertmaster Laima Petruskeviciene.
Mixed choir “ NAVIS” – Chamber Choir of Sirvintos District Culture Center, Lithuania, was
founded in 1953 and is the oldest amateur collective in the district. Audrone Burakoviene has been the choir leader since 1980. In 1994 a
few young teachers became members of the choir, bringing with them youthful
spirit, new ideas and a good atmosphere. 1995, 1997, 2003 and 2008 the choir
participated in the Nordic – Baltic Choral Festivals. The choir sings in
churches, participates in
celebrations of the city, is also happy to take part in republican events,
competitions and festivals in general. The choir takes part in all Lithuanian song and dance celebrations,
also in the 2009 Millennium song and dance celebration.
The choir of Ukmerge Culture Centre VYTURYS was established by the artistic director Mr. Antanas Pocius who is the
only conductor of choir VYTURYS since its establishment in year 1976. VYTURYS is an adult mixed choir and has
singers of different professions like engineers, doctors and teachers. Choir
VYTURYS participated in many state competitions and usually came as the winner.
They have had concerts in Byelorussia, Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, North Korea
(1981). Choir VYTURYS participated in Nordic-Baltic Choir Festivals in Latvia
(1995), Sweden (1997), Norway (2000), Lithuania (2002), Estonia (2007).
Mixed Choir of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences was established in 1969. Its founder was Dr. Vytautas Cetkauskas (1921-2000), emeritus choir-master and
a longtime chief conductor; a laureate of many republican contests. At present, the choir-master and chief
conductor is Vytautas Verseckas. Judita Taucaite is concert-master and
conductor of the choir. The repertoire of the choir ranges from the national or other people’s folk
songs, original songs of famous Lithuanian and foreign composers to the
classical and sacral music of various nations. The choir gives 30-40 concerts a
year, the majority of which is singing in churches during the mass and
propagating folk and sacral music
in Lithuania and abroad. The choir participated in all the Nordic-Baltic Choral
Festivals and the national festivals, and gave concerts in Austria, Belgium,
Czechia, Slovakia, Italy and Vatican, Spain, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, Russia,
Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Latvia, Estonia. In 2009, the choir took an active
part in the celebration of the
20th anniversary of Sajudis, i.e. the Movement for Independence of
Lithuania. On this occasion, the choir was invited to give a concert in the
Lithuanian Parliament as well as in the European Parliament in Brussels and in
Riga, to name a few places.
NORWAY
Haukeland songlag, a choir of mixed voices, was
established in 1928 in a little suburb outside Bergen, Norway. Today the choir
consists of 52 members and 33 are going to participate in the choir festival in
Reykjavik.The choir likes to sing different styles of music: church music,
folksongs, “pop and rock” and also melodies from famous films and musicals. The
choir has travelled a lot both in Norway and abroad. The first trip abroad was
to Iceland in 1986. Twice the choir has attended the Nordic-Baltic Choral
Festivals, in Skien and Klaipeda. During the last 20 years the choir has
participated in several competitions with good results.
Leirvik Mannskor was established in 1914, in
Leirvik on the island of Stord, south of Bergen on the west coast of Norway. At
that time Leirvik was a small place but now Stord is a city with more that 17
000 people. At the beginning the choir was rather small but has grown to be one
of the biggest in the county of Hordaland. The members are now 47. In the local
community the choir takes part in various events in addition to their own
concerts. At Christmas time they participate in concerts and sing in nursing
homes and hospitals. May 17, Norway’s National Day, is the busiest day of the
year and this year they had the responsibility of all arrangements. The choir sings
both sacred and profane music. Since 1970 the choir has traveled a lot abroad;
Wales, Yugoslavia, Austria, The Orkney Islands and to the United States. Last
summer they went to Croatia and this summer to Iceland to sing at the Choral
Festival.
Salten Festival Choir is a project
choir established for the third time. It consists of members of 9 different
choirs in the region of Norwegian Choir Federation Salten. We have met four
weekends during the last year to prepare our proposals. In April we participated
in a concert in Bodø Domkirke. In 2004 we joined the Choir festival in Port
Elizabeth, South Africa. The second time we participated in Nordic-Baltic
Choral Festival in Tartu, 2008. Our repertoire this time is a mix of sacred and
profane songs representing our region in the upper North of Norway.
Sangforeningen Samklang is a 97 year
old mixed choir from Norway and a small place 40 km from Oslo called Nedre
Eiker. Samklang is an independent choir with large age span, unrelated either
political or belief-wise. The repertoire is diverse and varied. Including
traditional choir, folk music, pop, church music and musicals, to name some.
The Choir practices every Thursday and twice a year has rehearsals that stretch
over a weekend with the extra effort and social fun. Sangforeningen Samklang
participates annually in one or two festivals in Norway and abroad. The choir
counts 42 members and the conductor is Torgeir Hanssen.
The choir “ Skjervøy Koret” was founded in
1982. It started as a women’s choir, but soon turned into a mixed choir. The
membership number has been quite stable, around 30. As of 2010, the choir
counts 35 active members. For several years, the choir also put together a
revue. Many of the members from the choir also started SATS (Skjervoey Amateur
Theater). In 1993 the choir produced their first cabaret, “Steinrøysa vårres.”
The cabaret was also shown in Thorshavn, Faroe Islands, when the choir was on
one of its trips abroad. Other destinations have been Sweden, Lithuania and, in
2006, Ireland. In Ireland they held several concerts, among others in the St.
Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. The choir has also visited a number of locations
in Norway. Throughout the years the choir has performed many concerts with
great success, alone or with guest artists, such as The North Norwegian Chamber
Orchestra, Geirr Lystrup, The Moscow Balalaika quartet and with Ola Bremnes.
They have performed highly demanding plays like “Misa Criolla” and held several
different Christmas concerts. The choir is capable of singing variable music,
from demanding, rich a capella, to modern music with a full orchestra. In the
90’s the choir hosted a gathering of choirs from all of Northern Norway where
between 500-600 singers participated. Skjervøkoret is believed to be the cultural
flagship of the community. Under the direction of several skilled conductors
through the years, the quality of the choir has grown. Today it is the only
public offer for people from 16 and up, who wants to have singing for a hobby.
Sunnmøre Festivalkor is a mixed
amateur choir with 30 – 35 singers from different places in the county of Møre
and Romsdal in Western Norway. The conductor is Svein Eiksund. The choir was
founded in 2004 with the purpose to participate in music/choral festivals.
Despite having existed only six years, the choir has been to many international
song festivals: in Italy, Ireland, Estonia and Poland. The choir also presents
concerts in the local communities. The choir’s repertoire is a wide variety of
songs from Norway and Sweden, some from the Baltic countries and a few from
Denmark, Finland, Ireland and Iceland.
TRIVSELKORET ROLVSØY was established in 1987. It is a mixed choir with 44 membets and the
conductor is Marit Hetmann Akabogu. The choir sets focus on joyful singing
& good mood. The repertoire is everything from church music to musicals,
folksongs, evergreens and pop. Trivselkoret Rolvsøy participates at local
festivals and in other counties in Norway. They have participated three times
at Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals: Skien, Norway, Klaipeda, Lithuania and
Tartu, Estonia. They arrange their own festival in the spring every year. They
like to entertain and therefore often visit hospitals, old peoples homes and
churches.
The mixed choir Untak was started in 1991. The choir is a common choir for the
municipalities of Nesseby and Tana. Untak
has singers from both Nesseby and Tana municipalities. At present the choir has
30 members and
conductor is Dag Broch. The choir’s repertory reflects the cultural diversity
in our two municipalities, where the Lappish music is significant. But the collaboration with our friends
in Russia, Finland and South-Africa also influence our choice of songs. In 2006
Untak made a CD called “Dei jo go” . The CD reflects the choir’s Lappish repertory.
Mannskoret Ørnen (The Eagles Male Choir) has
unclear origins. However, the choir war founded in Oslo, years ago, and
some members distinctly remember it was around Christmas. Mannskoret Ørnen is
still nesting around the Oslo fjord. They perform largely at company
arrangements, dinners, conferences and private functions. Their conductor is a
double bass.
SWEDEN
The choir Folkpust was formed in 1981. Folkpust is a
group within the Folk Dance Group Kedjan The choir sings mostly Swedish folk
songs and a capella music. The repertoire is both profane and sacral. Some of
the songs have their origin from the fiddlers’ music and then the group is
warbling the polska or even imitating the sound from the fiddle. But the choir
also sings songs from the Renaissance and Medieval periods.The choir has
performed both in Sweden and other countries such as the Nordic countries, and
the Baltic States, but also in Germany, Italy, Ireland, Russia, Spain,
Portugal, Poland and Hungary. Due to these travels Folkpust also occasionally
sings some foreign folk songs. They also organize their own arrangements such
as church concerts for Advent and Christmas. The choir has been awarded with a
Bronze Medal in the International Choir Competition in Barcelona and a Silver
Medal in The Intenational Choir Competition on Malta. An important thing to
remember is, that the choir members are amateurs and have music and song as a
big joy in their lives.
The Gotland Festival Choir 2010: Every
Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival, Gotland sends a voluntary choir. Interested
singers send their applications to the Gotland Choir Association. This year 29
chorists from nine different choirs participate. Most of them were also in
Tartu in 2008.
The Schola Cantorum Choir was founded in
1934 at the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) in Sweden. The initial purpose was
to create a choir concentrating on Gregorian chanting at the worships of the
cathedral. One of the founders of Schola Cantorum was the cathedral’s organist,
David Wikander, a composer of four-part vocal music. One of David Wikander’s
choral songs, ‘Pingst’ (Whitsuntide), was performed at the IVth Nordic Baltic
Choir Festival in Klaipeda, Lithuania, in 1992. For some time, the choir was
also a school preparing singers for the ordinary cathedral choir. In addition
to singing sacred as well as secular choral music, the choir performed church
plays as well as other lyric dramas. Schola Cantorum also provided instruction
in recorder and guitar playing. In 1969, Schola Cantorum left the congregation
of the Stockholm Cathedral. Nowadays, Schola Cantorum is an independent
association comprising several different kinds of musical groups and
activities. The choir, however, is still the core activity and the biggest
group of Schola Cantorum. The choir has 32 members at present, and its
conductor is Östen Wall since the beginning of 2002. The repertoire of the
Schola Cantorum Choir today is a mix of older and more modern, mostly a
cappella choral music. From Monteverdi to Bach, Brahms and Bruckner, Grieg, Nielsen,
Stenhammar to Swedish choral music from the 20th century by Wikander, Öhrwall,
Taube, and Adolfson. While the choir usually sings a cappella, it is sometimes
accompanied by piano, organ, and/or flute. The Schola Cantorum Choir sings in
concerts two or three times each year; now and then it sings together with
other choirs in joint concerts. The choir participated in all previous
Nordic-Baltic Choral Festivals, and looks forward to participating again in
Reykjavik in August.