The concert choir

The concert choir has approximately 50 sopranos and altos and 25 tenors and basses. Sopranos and altos are recruited from the aspirant choir, while the tenor and bass to a large extent are former boy singers. Some of these have been in the choir for 20 years. Much effort is put into the work of maintaining instruction for the boys into and through their change of voice during puberty, thus developing an extensive knowledge about singing under these conditions.

The singers are organised in eight groups, who stand in a unique arrangement, as two independent choirs beside each other. On either wing are the soprano groups, while the alto groups stand side by side in the middle. Behind the sopranos are basses on both wings, and the tenors are behind the altos. This creates a unique sound. In addition, this staging is suitable when the choir sings pieces for double choir.

Speech therapist Alfhild Haugen and the voice trainer Mona Skjeldal are responsible for individual tutoring for each singer.

All singers have 5 hours of group rehearsal a week, Mondays or Tuesdays, and Thursdays. In addition the choir has Saturday rehearsals every third week, when a common meal is served.