In Paradisum

For nearly 25 years, Bengt Ollén has fashioned his chamber choir Sofia Vocal Ensemble into one of the finest and most distinctive ensembles of its kind in Sweden and the world. Here, the choir presents a selection of its favourite works of the last half century – music that has inspired and shaped its sound.

We hear works by Swedish, Estonian, Russian, Scottish and Welsh composers, separated by contrasting traditions but united by striking beauty. These masterpieces include Alfred Schnittke’s hopeful Three Sacred Hymns, James MacMillan’s keening Miserere, Arvo Pärt’s meditative Nunc Dimittis, Karin Rehnqvist’s shimmering Jag lyfter mina händer, Paul Mealor’s consoling Beatitudes and Sven David Sandström’s radiant In Paradisum.

The works are more than personal favourites. They are each, indifferent ways, highly suited to Sofia Vocal Ensemble’s warm, lyrical sound (and in some instances tailored to it) – a meeting of Swedish choral discipline with Ollén’s longstanding work to widen the group’s dynamic and expressive range. The sound is embracing and alluring, rooted in finesse of blend and perfection of diction.