Based in Århus, SORA has swiftly established itself among Europe’s most exciting choirs. With imaginative performances, an expressive stage language, and a series of international successes – including European championship titles in folklore and adult choir at the European Choir Games – the ensemble stands out for its ambitious, forward-thinking conductor and singers who approach amateur music with professional dedication.

Defined by movement, emotion and surprise, SORA’s concerts aim to break with preconceptions of choir music with unconventional staging and choreography. “We want to give audiences a complete experience – one that combines voice, expression and body,” says conductor Birgitte Næslund Madsen. “Once we did a performance where everyone lay down while singing, and another time they moved in circles around me. It’s about experimenting, creating moments that people haven’t seen before.”

Conductor Birgitte Næslund Madsen. Photo: Per Rasmussen | Voices that move – SORA reshapes the sound of choral music

Conductor Birgitte Næslund Madsen. Photo: Per Rasmussen

The 50-member ensemble was formed in 2023 through the merger of two of Århus’ finest choirs, Aarhus Pigekor and EVE. Both had evolved from girls’ choirs into women’s ensembles as their singers matured, and with SORA, they joined forces to create a new musical home – and to pursue a shared ambition of becoming Denmark’s leading women’s choir.

SORA at the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations in Aarhus 2025. Photo: ©INTERKULTUR / Jonas Persson | Voices that move – SORA reshapes the sound of choral music

SORA at the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations in Aarhus 2025. Photo: ©INTERKULTUR / Jonas Persson

That same curiosity guides the repertoire, which ranges from new international works to reimagined Danish folk songs. “We want to rediscover our musical roots and present them in fresh ways,” says Næslund Madsen. “It’s amazing to see how our arrangements travel – hearing choirs in the US sing Danish folk songs is both surreal and incredibly fun.”

Voices that move – SORA reshapes the sound of choral music

SORA performing at the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations in Aarhus 2025. Photo: ©INTERKULTUR / Jonas Persson

In particular, the choir has gained attention for its award-winning video production, Elements, in which music, movement, and visuals merge to form a complete artistic expression, reaching new audiences and listeners around the world.

Voices that move – SORA reshapes the sound of choral music

The choir SORA is based in Århus. Photo: Albin Media

The choir’s growing recognition has opened doors to collaborations with composers worldwide, invitations to major stages, and a growing number of bookings for corporate events. Still, ambitions are expanding. Having been ranked in the top ten of all male and female choirs on Interkultur’s international list, it is now preparing to participate in the World Choir Games in August next year.

Voices that move – SORA reshapes the sound of choral music

The choir SORA is based in Århus. Photo: Albin Media

Web: www.koretsora.com
Facebook: sora.koret
Instagram: @koretsora

Upcoming performances:

Musikhuset, Århus
Christmas concert: SORA, Maestra og Aarhus Pigekor.
13 December 2025, 7.30pm

Skt. Michaelis, Hamburg
Nordic Christmas concert
15 December 2025, with performances at 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm

Ikast Kirke
Christmas concert
Saturday 20 December 2025, at 3.30pm

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