Celebrate lesser-known music with Chamber Choir Hymnia

By Heidi Kokborg | Photos: Chamber Choir Hymnia

Founded more than 40 years ago by three music students, Chamber Choir Hymnia has grown into one of Denmark’s most distinctive choirs. Known for its repertoire, international recognition, and close-knit spirit, the choir continues to thrive under the baton of its founding conductor, Flemming Windekilde.

Chamber Choir Hymnia was created in 1983 when three music students from the University of Copenhagen decided to form their own ensemble. One of the founders, Flemming Windekilde, remains the choir’s conductor to this day. Lise Melbye, who joined Chamber Choir Hymnia in the very beginning, is still part of the choir. “Many of us call it our second family. Because we’re only a few singers on each part, there’s a big responsibility on every voice, and that creates a strong sense of community,” Melbye says.

From the outset, Hymnia chose a path slightly less travelled in the choir world. Rather than repeating the standard repertoire, they focused on seldom-heard works, many of which are compositions from the 20th century, and pieces in different languages, from Hungarian to Faroese. Over the years, the choir has collaborated with both Danish and international composers, premiering numerous works and helping to bring new music to life. “We’ve often had composers sitting with us in rehearsals, listening, revising, and shaping their music together with us,” Melbye explains.

Collaborations remain central to Hymnia’s identity. The choir regularly works with professional musicians and orchestras such as Copenhagen Philharmonic, and it is known for being open to creative partnerships with composers, festivals, and other ensembles.

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Recognition at home and abroad

Hymnia has also gained strong international recognition. Since the 1980s, the choir has competed abroad, earning several prizes that confirmed its distinctive voice and ambition.

The choir continues to play a prominent role in Denmark’s choral scene. This autumn, they will perform two concerts celebrating the 90th birthday of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. On 20 December, you can experience their popular Christmas concert at Copenhagen Cathedral, a half-hour break for music in the middle of some last-minute Christmas shopping. In March 2026, they will perform Martin’s Mass for Double Choir in Bagsværd Church.

Hymnia has also recorded a number of CDs, and the group’s music can be found on Spotify. “For us, it’s about curiosity, responsibility, and courage. We enjoy challenging ourselves with demanding, rarely performed works and with new compositions. And we are always open to new collaborations,” Melbye says.

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