Two Swedish choirs marked the summer solstice last week, performing traditional songs at the Southbank Centre’s Midsummer Melodies event.
The London Swedes and Norrsång choirs came together to celebrate Sweden’s cherished Midsummer festival, an annual tribute to light, nature and renewal after the long Nordic winter.
For members of London’s Swedish community, choirs like these offer more than a place to sing as they are homes away from home.
London Swedes choir director Michaela Lundin said: “I live in the one of the best and most vibrant cities in the world, but at the same time I feel like I live in a small Swedish village, because I have my little Swedish community and choir.
“So I get the best of both worlds.”
Norrsång’s Elin Clements believes that the music has a transformative quality that form new connections through old traditions.
She said: “When you’re singing together and looking at each, you get this really lovely connection.
“And bonding through the singing is such an important part.”
Picture credit: Joe Mannion
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