Image by Per-Magnus Ström BLT
Image by Gunnel Persson, Sydöstran 2007.
Carlshamn Chamber Choir was established in 1999 by the chorus director and organist Björn Stoltz. It is a non-affiliated ensemble with around 30 members of different ages drawn from the town and its neighborhood. The SATB choir is committed to thorough preparation and inspired performance of a wide variety of traditional and contemporary choral music. The focus is on the classical a-capella choir repertoire from the 17th century till now, with special cultivation of the Nordic choir tradition. The ensemble anually gives about ten concerts in different venues such as churches and assembly halls, and also stages musical dramas. Tours have been undertaken to Gdansk in Poland and Verona, Italy. In October 2009 the Choir celebrated its tenth year by giving the 100th jubilee concert. In the international choir festival Mundus Cantat held May 2010 in Sopot, Poland the Carlshamn Chamber Choir was awarded two silver diplomas for performances in secular and sacral music.
The Director Björn Stoltz was born in Motala, Sweden in 1951, and was educated at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, with the famous Eric Ericsson as tutor in choir conducting. Björn Stoltz also has a soloist diploma in organ playing. Since 1999 he resides in Karlshamn where he serves as church organist and choir leader and does some composition. He was formerly tutor in organ playing at the Musical College of Malmö and as conductor of the Vocal Ensemble of Scania.
More information on the Swedish town of Karlshamn is found at the municipal website. Björn Stoltz was in 2009 awarded the Alice Tegnér scholarship for his outstanding contribution to the musical community of Karlshamn.
Page updated 1 June 2010