CHOIR – BIO
Academic Choir of Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland
The Academic Choir of Gdańsk University of Technology, founded in 1965, performs mainly a cappella sacred music and oratorios of different styles and eras from renaissance to contemporary. The choir has rich concert activity in Poland and abroad and has participated in many choral contests and festivals with great success. Mariusz Mróz has been the conductor and leader of the choir since 1992. Achievements are over 110 oratorio concerts, 3 CD recordings and many awards, most recently: 1st place and Gold Diplomas at 2nd Riga Sings – International Choir Competition & Imants Kokars Choral Award 2022, Gold Diploma at 34th Stanisław Ormiński International Festival of Religious Music 2022, Grand Prix at 58th International Choral Song Festival in Międzyzdroje 2023, Gold Diploma at Ohrid Choir Festival 2023. The choir has been also twice nominated for Grand Prix of Polish Choral Music in Poznan in 2021 and 2023.
Adolf Fredrik’s Church’s Chamber Choir, Sweden
Adolf Fredriks kyrkas kammarkör – Adolf Fredrik Church’s Chamber Choir (AFCC) – is a mixed choir linked to the Adolf Fredrik’s Church located in the middle of Stockholm’s city centre. The choir was founded in year 2000 as a youth choir, and in the fall of 2016 it reformed into a chamber choir. Christoffer Holgersson has been the conductor and artistic director of AFCC since 2011. The repertoire is mostly classical, both sacred and profane, from the early baroque period to contemporary works. AFCC has premiered music by Swedish composers such as Britta Byström, Olle Lindberg and Fredrik Sixten and collaborates with orchestras such as the Drottningholm Baroque Ensemble and the Swedish Wind Ensemble. A recent notable international acknowledgement is the Fleischmann International Trophy at the 64th Cork International Choir Festival, Ireland, in 2019.
ARIA, Norway
Aria is a female choir for young adults, where many of the members have previous experience from choirs. They have a varied repertoire, and a lot of the arrangements, compositions and/or lyrics are written by their own members. The choir was established in 2021, and despite the short period of time they have been active, they managed to win second place in their first choir competition “Syng for oss” in 2023. Aria believes that being social and having fun goes hand in hand with musical development and skill. As such they focus on this at rehearsals, concerts, competitions and social events throughout the year.
Bergens Kvinnelige Studentersangforening (BKS) – Bergen Female Student Choral Society, Norway
BKS is a young and ambitious female choir connected to the University of Bergen, which they officially represent on various occasions. Presently the choir consists of 27 dedicated singers with experience from various student choirs in Bergen and other Norwegian cities. Their repertoire is varied, from classical music to folk, pop and jazz. With roots from the original female choral society founded in 1942, but dissolved in the 1970s, they are particularly inspired by the academic choral tradition. Their conductor is Regine Cornelia Forthun, who also contributed to reestablishing the choir in 2022. In 2023 BKS was awarded a prize for best performance of a Norwegian composition at the «Syng for oss» coral competition in Bergen. The choir is looking forward to exploring different genres and building their own unique sound in the years ahead.
Cantabo, Norway
Cantabo is a women’s choir founded in Bergen in 2018. The choir relies on joint rehearsal weekends three to four times per semester. Comprising experienced singers from Bergen and the surrounding areas, Cantabo provides an opportunity for singers who cannot commit to practicing on a fixed day every week or who seek a supplement to other choirs. The choir aspires to maintain a high musical standard, requiring significant independence and dedication from its members between rehearsals. Cantabo’s diverse repertoire spans from classical church music for choirs to contemporary, newly composed pieces. This eclectic range showcases the choir’s versatility and commitment to exploring a broad spectrum of musical genres. The choir has previously achieved commendable placements in competitions such as the Grieg International Choir Festival and the Norwegian Championship for Choirs.
CantArte, Germany
The women’s choir CantArte, consisting of 16 women and conductor Jacobus Gladziwa, is one of the choirs of the St. Helena Parish in Berlin. It was founded during the pandemic in 2021, when singing in bigger ensembles was not allowed. Their premiere was on Maundy Thursday 2021 with the Missa Verna by the Hungarian composer Laszlo Halmos. Since then they have performed at several services and concerts, mostly special women’s choir pieces. One highlight was the performance of Mahler´s 3rd symphony in a chamber orchestra version in 2022 during the Festival of Church Music Sankt Ludwig. Their program also includes compositions by Hildegard von Bingen and Orlando di Lasso as well as new choir music for female voices.
Cantus Vokalensemble, Sweden
Cantus Vokalensemble is a mixed youth choir aged 15-25 from Sundsvall, Sweden. The choir usually sings sacred, classical choral music, but also newly written music, preferably with scenic elements.
Eller Girls Choir, Estonia
Eller Girls Choir was founded in 2010 when a choir studio emerged at Heino Eller Tartu Music College. Its singers are young women aged 17-24 who study at various high schools or universities in Tartu, and their founder and chief conductor is Külli Lokko. Taking part in international competitions and festivals has been an important part of the choir’s activities, winning notable prizes at competitions such as International Canta al Mar in Spain and Cork International Choral Festival in Ireland. The choir’s repertoire mostly consists of contemporary Estonian and international choral works and Estonian folk music. In 2021 the choir was announced Choir of the Year. The love for making music together, creating a warm atmosphere, is the binding force that has kept the choir together all this time.
Emils Darzins Mixed Choir, Latvia
The choir was founded in 2003 as Swedbank Choir and renamed as Emils Darzins Mixed Choir in 2014. Since 2019 the choir’s Artistic Director has been Mr. Rihards Lapiņš. The choir performs a cappella as well as with organ and orchestra. They participate in various musical events such as theatre plays, Riga Christmas concerts, church services, charity events and amateur choir gatherings in Latvia, as well as international festivals and contests, such as Spittal Choir competition in Austria, International Choir Contest in Marktoberdorf, Germany, and International Choir Competition “Riga sings”. In 2022 the Choir participated in the 5th International Baltic Sea Choir Competition and was declared as a winner in category “The Most attractive performance”. Emīls Dārziņš Mixed Choir has got the highest-level evaluation in regional showings and nominated to participate in the “Battle of the Songs” competition in Latvia.
Female Choir Canzona, Poland
The Canzona Absolwent ladies’ choir was established in the autumn of 2001. It is made up of former members of the Canzona girls choir. The choir takes part in events and gives concerts all over Poland and abroad.
The choir’s repertoire is based on the traditions of romantic, contemporary and folk song, as well as popular music. The ensemble also performs early music. The choir’s founder and first conductor is Elżbieta Wtorkowska, Professor at the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz, and its second conductor is Adrianna Wtorkowska-Kubińska. The choir’s president is Aleksandra Ancan. The most recent international participation and achievements are at “Music&Sea in Paralia, Greece (2016), 23rd International Choral competition on Malta (2017), a concert tour in the United States (2018), giving performances in New York City and New Jersey, and “Les coix de la liberté” in Yvetot, France (2019).
Førde Kammerkor Chamber Choir, Norway
Førde Kammerkor was established in 1983 by Knut Tønsberg. He was organist at the church in the city of Førde. He wanted to form a choir that had a slightly different repertoire from the church choir. Since 2010 the choir has been under the leadership of Asbjørn Flåm. He has higher education in church music from Bergen Music Conservatory and a major in choral conducting from the Norwegian Academy of Music. Førde Kammekor currently has 29 active members, and its repertoire is based on classical choir music and tradition. Over the years they have performed many of the major works for choir and orchestra with guest soloists. In May this year they had a workshop and concert together with Aurum Vocale from Berlin. In February 2025 the choir will do three performances with Operakysten, singing and acting, and they are planning to go to Berlin to meet up with Aurum Vocale for a workshop and concerts.
KLUSTER, Sweden
KLUSTER was established in 2018 when a small group of good friends and fellow singers took the initiative to start up something new together. From then it has grown into a steady group with artistic ambitions and confidence in trying new a cappella music, exploring folk music, different languages and expressing themselves on stage. The choir loves to collaborate with musicians, directors, dancers etc. Since the start KLUSTER has sought and found challenges and opportunities on different stages and media, which has made the choir grow and develop. During 2024 KLUSTER works closely with composer Anders Rimpi, who creates new music in Sami language for the choir. KLUSTER’s conductor Helena Fornegård works as music teacher, voice coach and leads several choirs in Gothenburg.
Korall, Norway
Korall was founded in 1997 and is led by conductor Chris Lund. Currently they are 24 dedicated members who in recent years have experienced significant musical development. Their repertoire includes songs from various genres such as jazz, pop and classical works. The choir focuses on communication and enjoys experimenting with sound. They have participated in national and international competitions and have received commendable positions and positive feedback.
Kvinnekoret Kvitre, Norway
The women’s choir Kvitre was established in 2015, and today it consists of 26 committed women aged 25 to 55. The choir has a rich and varied repertoire, with songs from many genres such as folk tunes, pop, jazz and everything in between. Most important of all is the joy in creating music together, and they want Kvitre to be a warm, inviting and cheerful choir to sing in. At the same time, they are hardworking and constantly striving to increase quality and reach their musical goals. For the past two years, the choir has been led by conductor Beth Ramfjord, who challenges the choir to constantly try new musical expressions. Ramfjord has a background as a conductor from a number of student choirs and is educated in music and drama. For Kvitre it is important to communicate what they perform to the audience, and they always perform without sheet music. Kvitre regularly holds two concerts a year and otherwise participates in events and take on assignments.
La Musica, Poland
La Musica youth choir was established in 1992. From its beginning it has been affiliated with F. Chopin Primary School no 16 in Lublin. The choir was founded and is conducted by Zdzisław Ohar. For 12 years now, the second conductor of the choir is Karolina Filipczak-Sulima. The choir is 31 years old and has taken part in over 100 European festivals and choir competitions. It has received many main prizes, such as 20 Grand Prix prizes. The La Musica Choir was awarded the Medal of the President of the City of Lublin and the Medal of the 700th anniversary of the City of Lublin. The choir works in three groups – older, younger and the youngest.
Mixed choir TIRNAVIA, Slovakia
The mixed choir TIRNAVIA was founded in 1988 by Gabriel Kalapoš. Since 2014 it has been conducted by Michal Stahl. Tirnavia confirms the rich tradition of choral singing in Trnava by its origins and existence. The members of the choir are people of various professions, all of them singers with rich choir experience (Cantica nova, vocal group Kruhy, Bratislava Conservatory Chamber Choir, Choir Technik, Chorus Alea, Musica Vocalis, Vox Aurumque among others). The repertoire of the choir includes compositions from the periods of renaissance, baroque, classicism, romanticism, 20th and 21st century music, folk songs, adaptations of various popular songs, negro spirituals, Christmas carols and others. Tirnavia has recorded four CDs and collaborated with several leading Slovak and foreign conductors and orchestras. The choir participates in domestic and foreign choir competitions and festivals (Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Wales, Israel etc.).
Ole Bull Kammerkor, Norway
Ole Bull Chamber Choir is a choir with a passion for classical music. They have a wide ranging repertoire of classical a cappella choral works. They have performed works from the 1500s until present day, also featuring world premieres of choral pieces. The choir consists of singers from the city of Bergen and the surrounding areas in Western Norway. Their conductor and artistic director is Jon Flydal Blichfeldt.
Oslo Vokalensemble, Norway
Oslo Vokalensemble was established in 1990 and consists of 39 dedicated singers. Their conductor is Ida Cecilie Holm. The choir aims to perform choral music at a high musical level and has a varied repertoire within the classical genres from early music to more recent pieces of a newer date, and traditional music from home and abroad. In addition to the choir’s own concerts and productions they regularly collaborate with professional artists and ensembles, such as the early music ensemble Barokkanerne and Aalesund Symphony Orchestra. On two occasions, in 2017 and 2023, Oslo Vokalensemble have had the great joy of being concert choir for world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Parenti Vocalis, Norway
Parenti Vocalis is a mixed choir with approximately 50 members based in Bøler in Oslo. The choir was founded in 1983 by conductor Vigdis Oftung, who has been leading the choir since the start. The repertoire is varied, mainly focusing on sacred music. The choir has for example performed Händel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Fauré’s Requiem and Rutter’s Requiem on various occasions. Jazz and gospel music is also part of the choir’s repertoire, for example A. Molvær’s jazz mass, which the choir has performed together with Ytre Suløens Jazz Ensemble. Parenti Vocalis has also regularly had concerts with established artists such as Hanne Krogh and Sigvart Dagsland.
Permoník Choir Karviná, Czech Republic
Permoník Choir Karviná is a choral studio, founded in 1966 by Eva Šeinerová and Ivan Šeiner, which consists of 9 choirs and more than 230 singers from Karviná, Moravian-Silesian Region, Czech Republic. Its repertoire dramaturgy is influenced by leading Czech and foreign composers, who often entrust their compositions to Permoník for the premiere. Permoník is a frequent guest of chamber and symphonic orchestras, for example Janáček philharmonic Ostrava, FOK Prague Symphony Orchestra, Janacek Chamber Orchestra, Czech Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and more. In collaboration with these orchestras Permoník performs symphonies, masses and oratorios. Brilliant performances and a range of prizes led Permoník to some of the most famous world stages and well-known concert halls of Europe, Asia, America and Australia. The high level of performances is secured by the choirmasters Martina Juríková and Karina Grimová and the pianist Jakub Šotkovský. Permoník has recorded a significant part of its repertoire on 20 CD recordings.
Pro Musica – Magnólia, Slovakia
Pro Musica – Magnólia children´s choir was established at the Basic Art School Michalovce (Pro Musica) in 1998 and at Basic Art School Sobrance (Magnolia) in 1985. The choirs work together as union since 2010. In concert the choir consists of 40 children, ages 9-17. The choir’s establisher, artistic manager and conductor is Mrs. Viera Dzoganova. The choir has won many prestigious prizes around the world and has taken part in many international choir festivals, mostly in Europe, but in 2015 the choir won the Serenade Choral Festival in Washington DC, and they made two concert tours in Mexico. The choir won category Sacred Music in Claudio Monteverdi Choral Festival and Competition in Venice in 2016 and gold medal in 36th International Choral Festival of Preveza Greece, 2018. In 2020 choir participated on Jeju International Choir Festival & Symposium on Jeju Island in South Korea.
Sextet plus Nový Jičín, Czech Republic
This choir is a men’s vocal sextet plus that has been active since 2006. The repertoire of the ensemble consists of folk, spiritual and secular compositions, and there are also popular adaptations of world music.
Over the years of their existence, they have achieved important positions at international competitions, such as Young Bohemia, Mezzochori in Pardubice and in France La Seine-Sur-Mer. They have also performed on Czech Television, Czech Radio and in the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2020 in Dubai. They focus on love for vocal culture and continue learning new compositions to gain valuable experience. The current number of members of Sextet plus is 7. The artistic director of Sextet plus is Mgr. Karel Dostál, Ph.D. graduate of Palacký University in Olomouc and Masaryk University in Brno.
Stordkoret, Norway
Stordkoret was founded in 1978 by Roald Sangolt. The choir has over the later years performed large works by Bach, Brahms, Händel, Fauré and Mozart, in cooperation with professional musicians. In the spring of 2023 Duke Ellingston’s Sacred Concert was part of a concert, and music by John Rutter was a choice for the Christmas concert. The choir has around 50 members and is conducted by Liv Kari Bru.
Studentersangforeningen, Norway
Studentersangforeningen (Student Choral Society) is based in Bergen and was founded in 1934 at the initiative of the University Student Society 11 years before the University of Bergen was actually established. The choir is still strongly associated with the university and its environment, representing the university at various university events. It cooperates with other student choirs in Bergen and is part of the Nordic academic choral tradition, convening annually with other university choirs in Norway and other Nordic countries. A particular highlight is a traditional concert on constitution day 17 May at the Bergen courthouse, unbroken for 59 years with the exception of the pandemic. The choir also represents the city of Bergen, primarily at the International Hanseatic Day.
Sušický dětský sbor, Czech Republic
The Sušice Children´s Choir is based in the picturesque town of Sušice in southwest Bohemia on the Otava River. The choir was founded by its previous conductor, Mr Josef Baierl, in 1969. About two hundred children aged 4 to 18 are involved in singing in three preparatory groups and a concert ensemble. The management of the choir is the responsibility of the School of Arts and the Parents´ Board. The repertoire of the choir is extensive and attracts its audience by the variety of music ranging from medieval choral music to works by contemporary composers and folk songs. The choir has worked with outstanding Czech composers and writers. Svatava Čizková´s choreography enhances some of the performances. The girls choir and boys choir have some solo performances. Tours abroad include many European countries and USA.
The Church Conservatory Chamber Choir Bratislava, Slovakia
The Church Conservatory in Bratislava was founded in 1992, and its main goal is to create and maintain optimal conditions for the development of young and talented people in the area of musical and dramatical art. At the same time, the conservatory supports its students in developing positive moral values and christian faith. It is important to note that in Slovakia, “conservatory” equals high school (not university) level of education. The Church Conservatory Chamber Choir consists of students who are not only vocal performance students. The choir performs regularly at various concerts and religious school events. Even though the choir members keep changing constantly, it has showcased several significant vocal and instrumental pieces. Apart from Slovakia, the choir has held concerts in Austria (Eggenburg), Italy (Rome) and Spain (Cordoba), and in 2023 the choir successfully took part in the Canco Mediterrania choir competition.
University of Santo Tomas Singers, Philippines
The University of Santo Tomas Singers is the premiere mixed choral ensemble composed of students and alumni from the different colleges and faculties of Asia’s oldest university, the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas. It was founded in 1992 by its current conductor, Prof. Fidel Gener Calalang Jr., and is more fondly known as the UST Singers. They have since completed international concert tours that brought them to 33 countries in Asia, Europe, Oceania and North America. From their first international sojourn in 1993, the UST Singers has represented the Philippines and has won top prizes in 23 international contests worldwide. The UST Singers holds distinction in being the only choir in the world to have twice won the highly coveted Choir of the World Grand Prize-Luciano Pavarotti Trophy (in 1995 and in 2010) at the world’s oldest choir competition, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales, United Kingdom.
Voci fluenti, Denmark
Voci fluenti was founded in 2009 as a quartet based in Sakskøbing on Lolland in the south of Denmark. Today Voci fluenti is a vocal ensemble consisting of ten singers who have been singing together since 2015. The repertoire includes pieces from 1500 up to today, and we sing all kinds of music as long as it is to our liking. Voci fluenti holds eight to ten concerts a year in Denmark, and the ensemble has participated in concerts and competitions arranged by “Interkultur” in the years 2016, 2018 and 2022. In 2018 Voci fluenti won the vocal ensemble event in Barcelona. Being a vocal ensemble, they sing without a conductor, and all singers participate in finding the repertoire as well as having a say in how we perform artistically.
Vokalensemblet Multa Paucis, Norway
Multa Paucis (lat. “less is more”) was founded in 2008 by artistic director Mikael R. Hedne along with several of the group’s present members. The choir consists of 16 members, all university students or young professionals based in the Bergen area. Ever since the beginning in 2008, Multa Paucis has had a special focus on Norwegian traditional music. It is one of very few choirs that incorporate the traditional singing style “kveding” in their performances. Their two album releases, “Iris” and “Ved myrke midnattstid”, are highly regarded in the traditional music community, and Multa Paucis are widely considered the closest we come to a “folk music choir” in Norway.
Vokalensemblet Skrik, Norway
Vokalensemblet Skrik is an award-winning mixed choir from Bergen, which consists of 20 singers. They are turning 20 this year and are holding a big anniversary concert in the University Hall on Saturday 19 October. Skrik is known for its rhythmic music, daring choral arrangements and varied repertoire. In 2023 they won two classes in the Norwegian championship for choirs, and were in the final together with six other choirs. Musician, composer and arranger, Christian Holter, is the ensemble’s singing conductor.
Vokalensemblet Vox Animae, Norway
Vokalensemblet Vox Animae was established in 2015 with Eirin Beate Åserud-Løvlid as their conductor and artistic director. It is an independent project-based choir that meet for rehearsals towards concerts and other events at an average of minimum three weekends per semester, including concerts. Members and number of singers vary from one semester to the next, at an average of 8-9, and at the beginning of each semester they arrange open rehearsals to recruit new members. They have cooperated with a project men’s choir, folk music ensembles and pianists. In 2019 they participated in the European Choir Games in Gothenburg and achieved commendable results. They got through the pandemic years with many digital rehearsals, a few concerts, and started the process of a commissioned work by composer and singer Hilde Annine Hasselberg that was performed in 2023.