A Real Christmas - a present for the future

An extraordinary Christmas concert with The Real Group and Vokalkompaniet Majorstuen Church (Oslo) Friday, December 4 at 8:00 PM For over 40 years, the Swedish group The Real Group has thrilled audiences worldwide and pushed the boundaries of what can be created with the voice as the only instrument. For many in Vokalkompaniet, the group has long been a great musical inspiration. The Real Group was an important source of musical inspiration when the choir was founded in 2021. When Vokalkompaniet and The Real Group met for the first time in 2024, it was somewhat coincidental. But what started as a simple collaboration quickly became something more fulfilling for both parties. It may be a bit strong to call it a love story. At the same time, it’s hard to find a better word for the mutual enthusiasm that arose when the two ensembles met. Vokalkompaniet has long considered The Real Group as a role model, and The Real Group today refers to Vokalkompaniet as one of the choirs they most enjoy collaborating with. The Real Group is back in the Oslo area for their first Christmas concerts here in many years, and on December 4 and 5, The Real Group and Vokalkompaniet will meet again at Majorstuen Church and Lommedalen Church. The result will be a Christmas celebration featuring several of the well-known Christmas classics from The Real Group. The concert will blend Swedish and Norwegian Christmas traditions, with elements of American holiday favorites. And with vocal music performed by singers who share a love for harmonies and musicality, this will be a concert you won’t want to miss. About the organizers: The Real Group was formed in 1984 by five students at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. The original members were eager to explore the artistic world of vocal music and quickly gained an international audience, becoming one of the cornerstones of modern a cappella. Over the years, the group has performed more than 3000 concerts worldwide, with highlights including the opening of the FIFA World Cup in 2002, performing “Dancing Queen” together with Anni-Frid Lyngstad on the Swedish queen's birthday, and appearances with artists such as Barbara Hendricks, Toots Thielemans, and Beatles producer Sir George Martin. Today, the group consists of Clara Fornander, Joanné Nugas, Johannes Rückert Becker, Axel Berntzon, and Daniele Dees. Vokalkompaniet was established in Lommedalen in the autumn of 2021 by music-loving individuals with a shared desire to develop musically and explore the possibilities in modern choral and vocal music. The choir has high artistic ambitions, and under the leadership of vocal educator and conductor Silje W. Østbye Kleiven, Vokalkompaniet has quickly established itself as an active and innovative choir with a broad repertoire and great musical curiosity.