CHAMBERCHOIR HYMNIA (Denmark, Slovenia)

Choirmaster: Flemming Windekilde

Programme:

Ambrož Čopi (1973), Cantate Domino

Andrej Makor (1987), O lux beata Trinitas

Knut Nystedt (1915–2014), Three Motets, Op. 43
1. Thus Saith the Lord
2. Peace I Leave With You

Edvard Grieg (1843–1907), Four Hymns, Op. 74
I. Hvad est du dog skjøn

Sven-David Sandström (1942–2019), Sicut cervus

Waldemar Åhlén (1894–1982), Sommarpsalm

Arvo Pärt (1935), The Deer’s Cry

Niels W. Gade (1817–1890), Benedictus

Carl Nielsen (1865–1931), Three Motets, Op. 55
II. Dominus regit me, CNW 346

Bjørn Hjelmborg (1911–1994), Hvor elskelige er dine boliger

Knud Jeppesen (1892–1974), Jeg sletted som taage

Knud Jeppesen (1892–1974), Herre, hvor er mine fjender mange

Vagn Holmboe (1909–1996), Sange mod Vårdybet, Op. 85
II. Øens kirkegård
III. Sol og sne

The Chamber Choir Hymnia was founded in Copenhagen in 1983 and consists of 25 experienced and dedicated singers under the musical leadership of Flemming Windekilde. The choir specializes in performing newer and often demanding compositions and has for many years represented the core of the Danish choral tradition. Hymnia emphasises working with active Danish composers, and through the years the choir has presented much new Danish music, including many world premieres. It is their signature to mostly perform a cappella concerts, occasionally joined by instrumentalists.

The choir has established itself both in Denmark and abroad, winning numerous awards, including first prizes at competitions in the Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Wales, Germany, and the Czech Republic. They have performed in the Leipzig Gewandthaus and have represented Denmark in the European Broadcasting Union’s choral competition. In 1998 Hymnia was chosen as Artist of the Year in Copenhagen County, with the justification stating: “The Chamber Choir Hymnia was chosen, because the choir belongs to the very elite of Danish choirs and performs at a very high artistic level. The choir has a repertoire which is artistically developing but does not necessarily attract a large audience. Hymnia constantly seeks and embraces new challenges and has an unusually technically difficult repertoire.” As a result of the prize, the choir was able to record a number of CDs. These are Kammerkoret Hymnia (1999), Figure Humaine containing works by Francis Poulenc (Figure Humaine and Mass in G) and Frank Martin (Mass for Double Choir), Tid og Rum (2000) with new Danish choir music, plus the double CD Requiem (2000) containing Alfred Schnittke’s Requiem, choir concerto and two brief pieces for organ. In 2006 the choir released the CD Waterworks containing music from the composer’s competition by the same name which Hymnia organised in 2003. Most recently published are Friede auf Erden (2008), Nowhere Now Here (2012) and Sing Noël (2013).

Hymnia’s conductor Flemming Windekilde is also the founder of the choir. He received his education from the Musiciology Department at the University of Copenhagen as well as the The Royal Danish Academy of Music by Professors Dan-Olof Stenlund, Arne Hammelboe and Jorma Panula, among others. Windekilde is an experienced and accomplished conductor, who has recently worked with the Danish National Radio Choir on several projects and tours.

The concert program represents a journey through Nordic sacred music through time. It brings together works by historical and contemporary composers, each expressing in their own way the spiritual depth, serene beauty and rich choral tradition of the North. The program will also feature works by two contemporary Slovenian composers.

Complimentary tickets, courtesy of Večer, GenLan and Primorske novice can be collected an hour before the concert at the venue. Reservations are not possible, spaces are limited.