Community Singing

On a frosty morning in February, a guided visit to our former boiler hall ended with everyone singing a traditional Danish hymn to the rising sun at the suggestion of a guest who noticed the building’s distinctive acoustic qualities. That guest was Niels W. Jacobsen, a retired upper secondary teacher with many years of experience conducting a chamber choir in Southern Jutland. Music has always filled Niels’ and his wife Valborg’s lives, just as singing was part of everyday life and work culture at the old spirits factory. So we were absolutely thrilled when Niels offered to volunteer as our in-house conductor, and we’re delighted to keep the tradition of communal singing alive here.

Now we just need some people to sing along with us!

On selected days from now on until summer, Niels welcomes you to our still-rough halls for a spell communal singing. The repertoire is chosen by Niels and draws on the Danish song tradition, ranging from well-known staples to more obscure songs. Niels introduces the songs, and then we sing. Some of us will sing in tune, but we’ll all sing loudly! We’ll sing together in Boiler Hall 1 or 2, depending on how many people turn up.

Taking part is free and requires no prior registration. There is no seating; we’ll all sing standing up. Also, we don’t have toilets, but – according to Niels – we do have the acoustics of a cathedral. We hope that many of you will brave the rather basic conditions and help us bring the building’s history to life.

Please note: Bring the new Højskolesangbogen (Folk High School Songbook) if you have it!

Kunsthal Spritten is supported by Aalborg Municipality. Special thanks go out to Niels W. Jacobsen for conducting as a volunteer and to Kaffefair for providing free buns.