Welcome to our music blog, where we will be discussing the latest release from one of Norway’s most esteemed female choirs, Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening (KSS). Led by conductor Marit Tøndel Bodsberg Weyde, KSS has established itself as a leader in the choral world with their flawless harmonies and powerful performances.
Their newest release, “Magnificat,” showcases an exciting new direction for the choir as they team up with two of Norway’s trendsetting jazz musicians, double bassist Ellen Andrea Wang and saxophonist Hanna Paulsberg. This album marks Wang’s debut as a choir composer, with her original work drawing inspiration from the Virgin Mary. The titular track, “Magnificat,” is a sublime choral piece that beautifully captures the emotions and experiences of Mary as she prepares to give birth to a child. Wang masterfully weaves together elements from the Gospel of Luke and Catholic Church liturgy to create a truly mesmerising and evocative composition. Her goal with this piece is to give a voice to female composers, as there have been few throughout music history who have written music to the Song of Mary.
The album premiered at the 2021 Molde Jazz Festival, where Wang was joined by her collaborators, including the KSS choir, Hanna Paulsberg on saxophone, and vocalist and saxophonist. The songs were arranged by Wang and Kjetil Bjerkestrand, with additional contributions from Paulsberg. This release marks KSS’s sixth album on the LAWO Classics label, solidifying their status as a leading female choir not only in Norway but also around the world. Their performances are breathtaking and their dedication to showcasing the works of female composers is truly inspiring. If you’re a lover of music, “Magnificat” is a must-have addition to your collection. With its seamless fusion of jazz and choral harmonies, this album is a testament to the exceptional talents of these musicians. Thank you for joining us on this journey through the latest release from Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening, a truly exceptional and talented choir. We hope you enjoyed reading our blog post and that it has piqued your interest in this incredible album. We highly recommend giving it a listen for a truly transcendent musical experience.