Celebrating the Edvard Grieg Chorus Centennial!

CHORAL SINGING HISTORY

Men’s singing groups have a long history. Choral singing became widespread throughout Europe in the 1840s as a show of nationalism. Norway’s oldest public choir, Den Norske Studentersangforening, was formed in 1845. Worker’s choruses were formed to address “uncleanliness, drunkenness, malnutrition, poverty, and illiteracy……..The harmony of tones produced a deeper harmony…..between social classes and regions in Norway itself.”

NORWEGIAN CONNECTION

Norway established its own constitution on May 17th, 1814, freeing Norway from Denmark, but then formed a new union with Sweden. Students from Norway, wishing to celebrate their pride for Norway, used songs to display their nationalism. King Karl Johan of Sweden did not approve of these displays of Norwegian nationalism. In 1829, military power was used to disperse the crowds in Christiana. “During the dramatic celebration, it was considered a bold provocation to hold a small, modest booklet of Selected National Songs, to be used for the Celebration of May 17.” A number of students were interrogated “to learn whether the people were singing, and, if so, which songs they sang.” They were freedom fighters. “…song was actually like a free people…No power on earth could stop such singing by such a people. It lifted the roof and lifted burdens and created a great, pure joy which was never forgotten, and which always could be found in times of need. Singing was like freedom, the people’s best friend.” Norway subsequently became an independent nation in 1914.

Norwegian immigrants to America brought with them their songs. “The Chicago newspaper Vinland, reported that ‘The first two things they did….were [to] build a church and start a male chorus. Then they built their homes…” (2)

MADISON ORIGINS

The Grieg Manskorr (now Edvard Grieg Chorus) was organized in Madison on January 26, 1925. The first director was John Mael, and accompanist was Edith Johnson. There have been many Madison luminaries who have served as directors and accompanists since that time. The current director is Linda Svanoe, and accompanist is Linda Johnson. The chorus sings a variety of songs, including Scandinavian selections and a mix of other English language songs. The chorus performs each year at the Stoughton Opera House during the Syttende Mai festivities.

The Edvard Grieg Chorus of 2024-25

NORWEGIAN SINGERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

The Grieg Chorus is a member of the Norwegian Singers Association of America (NSAA), a consortium of singing groups in the Midwest states, which meets every two years for a Sangerfest mass chorus festival. The Edvard Grieg Chorus last hosted Sangerfest at Marriott West Madison in Middleton in 2022. Sangerfest 2024 will be held at Luther College in Decorah IA, on June 7-8.