Gustaf Sjökvist Chamber Choir was formed in 1994 in Stockholm by the distinguished choral conductor and professor Gustaf Sjökvist. Since its beginnings, the choir has been a dedicated ensemble of about 32 singers, rooted in Stockholm’s rich musical life and built on a tradition of expressive choral singing.
Over the years, the choir has developed a broad and varied repertoire characterised by musical curiosity. Alongside well-loved masterworks such as Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Mozart’s Requiem and Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, the choir has become particularly well known for its performances of contemporary a cappella music. Its repertoire includes works by leading composers such as Anna Cederberg-Orreteg, Lars Edlund, Nana Forte, Thomas Jennefelt, Matthew Peterson, Karin Rehnqvist, Georg Riedel, Jan Sandström, Sven-David Sandström, Andrea Tarrodi and Carl Unander-Scharin. The ensemble also explores jazz and other genres in creative collaborations.
GSKK has collaborated with many renowned artists. Concerts and numerous recordings testify to its wide range. The choir has made tours with ensembles such as Barbara Hendricks and The Real Group, and recorded with soloists including Edita Gruberova, Håkan Hagegård, Jan Lundgren and Nils Lindberg. In 2010, the choir sang at the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel in Stockholm’s Storkyrkan, performing several works commissioned especially for the occasion.
GSKK has given concerts throughout Europe, the USA, Morocco, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Festivals at which the ensemble has been a guest include the Taipei International Choral Festival, Ystad Jazz Festival, Lund Choral Festival and Festival d’Aix-en-Provence.
After Gustaf Sjökvist’s passing in 2015, the choir continued its musical journey. Since 2018, Florian Benfer has served as the choir’s artistic director and conductor, bringing his experience with leading European ensembles to the group’s artistic growth. Today Gustaf Sjökvist Chamber Choir remains a vibrant force in Swedish choral music, blending a strong regard for tradition with a lively engagement in contemporary repertoire — appealing to new listeners everywhere.