Allmänna Sången Visby

Allmänna Sången Visby was founded in 1844 and is thus Sweden's second oldest choir. It was formed as a male choir, and it was transformed into a secular mixed choir in the 1970s.

Our current conductor Mats Hallberg has worked with the choir since 1995 and has put a lot of effort into renewing the choir's repertoire, its unique tone and expression.

The choir has become known for its historical musical dramas, composed of chorus lines, solo performances and spoken dialogue. Two of these dramas have been released on CD and is also available on Spotify, "Volund" and "Utlottningen” (The Draft). Links on Spotify:

Andetag - https://open.spotify.com/track/30VBXLQp3GFY85VPUVb1wV?si=f27003f71df14dfc

Livets morgon - https://open.spotify.com/track/4Bb5D7Sv4hx6qgTDZkvL7M?si=3cb1fa1877bb49c3

Himmelspolska - https://open.spotify.com/track/5a0tjKmJ5e8Yi8em4RDaIt?si=1ecc247a75104eac

A third drama, "Samma ull” (Of the Same Wool), was performed in 2019. A revival premiere is planned for autumn 2024.

The scripts are written by one of the choir's singers; journalist and author Eva Sjöstrand. The composer is the Gotlandic music teacher, folk musician and guitarist Jan Ekedahl. The arrangement for choir is done by Allmänna Sången Visbys conductor and artistic leader Mats Hallberg.

During the autumns, the choir rehearses an Advent program, traditionally performed in one of Visby's beautiful church ruins the day before the 1st Sunday of Advent. The audience is counted in hundreds and some of them travel from all over Sweden to experience the music. Performed when the sun has set, in the light of the torches with the snow falling over the medieval town. Two more concerts are given in the following days, usually in churches and community venues.

In the spring, the choir usually performs a program to celebrate the return of light and warmth. This year, a jazz-inspired concert was performed together with two professional musicians from Gotland. Among the pieces performed, some were composed by the famous jazz musician from Gotland Lars Gullin. His music has been performed on many other occasions by the choir, sometimes with lyrics by Eva Sjöstrand and arrangements by Mats Hallberg.

Allmänna Sången Visby is also greatly appreciated and often engaged for weddings, private celebrations and corporate entertainment.