The history of the choir dates back to the 1940s, under a different name though. But in 2002 the choir got its present name while and at the same time the musical ambitions increased. The choir primarily has a classical repertoire and has rehearsed and performed choir works of e.g. Vivaldi, Mozart, Fauré, Mendelssohn and Britten. The choir often sings newer works of composers like Per Nørgård, Peter Bruun, Knut Nystedt, Jaakko Mäntyjärvi and many others.

Within the field of rhythmic music, the choir has worked with music of e.g. the jazz pianists Jørgen Emborg and Søren Møller. Most often it sings a cappella but it also enjoys working together with musicians and other choirs, Aarhus Symfoniorkester (Aarhus Symphony Orchestra), Den Jyske Opera (Danish National Opera), Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, Danish and foreign choirs.

Aarhus Pigekor sings several concerts during the year in churches in Aarhus as well as in many other towns in Denmark. Aarhus Pigekor is part of Sangkraft Aarhus (an organisation which both promotes singing within the wide population and supports the growth of the elite). The conductor of the choir is Birgitte Næslund Madsen.

The singers

The choir is for girls between the ages of 16 to 23. To join the choir, the girls must be skilled choristers, have good, healthy voices and be willing to invest quite some time in the choir. Many of the girls also play an instrument and read music. This is not a requirement, though. At the beginning of each new season, it is possible for new singers to join the choir after an audition with the conductor.

Many of the girls choose to have a career within the field of music either as a music teacher or as professional singers or musicians. Singing in the choir prepares the girls for working seriously and focussed with music and it teaches them to work professionally with their artistic expression.

Rehearsals and Practice

Furthermore, we receive singing lessons by a vocal coach either indicicually or in pairs. Finally we receive physical choir training and choreography training by the Dutch dancer and choreographer Panda van Proosdij. This takes place in workshops three to four times a year.

During the season and especially in the weeks before the concerts, we start memorizing the entire repertoire for our concerts.

Attendance to all rehearsals and concerts is mandatory and we are also expected to be committed to all other choir activities such as singing in the practice choir for coming conductors and socializing with other choirs during exchange events etc.

The musical activities of the choir consist of secular as well as sacred concerts in Denmark, cooperation with The Royal Danish Opera, Aarhus Symfoniorkester, Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, visits by Danish and foreign choirs, including accommodation, friendship concerts, participation in the activities of Aarhus Musikskole, cd-recording and workshops.

Aarhus Girls’ Choir has the ambition to regularly go abroad on a tour or to participate in international festivals and competitions. These experiences motivate and develop us as singers because when we participate in competitions or visit elite choirs in other parts of the world we are challenged on our singing skill and level. We also find inspiration when we get acquainted with other choral traditions. A positive side effect of the traveling is that it stimulates and strengthens our inclination to make an effort. The choir has visited Hungary, South Africa, China, Argentine, Canada, The USA, Latvia, The Netherlands, Finland and most recently South Africa.