50-strong Allmanna Sangen (the Uppsala, Sweden, University Choir), founded in 1830, is the oldest university choir in Scandinavia. Originally all male, it has been mixed-voice since 1963. Cecilia Rydinger Alin has been the conductor since 1988. Apart from domestic tours, international appearances have led to such awards as "Choir of the World" at a 1992 competition in Wales, and first prize in the 1997 Grand Prix Competition in Tolosa, Spain. Here are 32 tunes, all in Swedish except Nils Lindberg's "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day." Some favorites: Otto Lindblad's "Langtan till landet," Hans-Ola Ericsson's "Under linden," Viljo Tormis' "Kihnu Island Wedding Songs" and "Autumn Landscape" and Knut Hakanson's "Stjarngossar." A choral treat from Sweden! |