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Sweet Nordic voices in harmony in Harrison

Swedish “Folkappella” quartet Kongero take in Harrison as part of Western Canadian tour
8877467_web1_Kongero_credit_Sara_Bjorkegren
Kongero’s music is characterized by tight harmonies, inciting rhythms, and the clear voices of four young singers. (Sara Björkegren photo)

Harrison Festival Society’s 29th Season of the Performing Arts will continue Saturday, Oct. 14, when Harrison’s Memorial Hall will be graced by the four beautiful voices of Swedish vocal quartet Kongero.

Kongero’s music is characterized by tight harmonies, inciting rhythms, and the clear voices of four young singers: Lotta Andersson, Emma Björling, Anna Larsson and Anna Wikénius.

Andy Hillhouse, artistic director with Harrison Festival Society, remembers meeting the quartet at a world music conference last year in Spain.

“It struck me they were doing something quite unique,” Hillhouse recalls. “The way they take traditional music and work it into lovely vocal arrangements, with just the pure sound of the voice, is really captivating. There’s nothing like the sound of gorgeous harmonies to transport you somewhere else for a few hours.”

Kongero’s repertoire consists of traditional and original songs and tunes arranged by the members. The band tells tales of life with moving love songs, dramatic medieval ballads, witty ditties, and spirited dances.

The quartet was formed in 2005, when the original members all attended a Nordic folk music conference. By chance they started singing together and found that their voices and harmonies blended perfectly. Since then they have performed at many major folk music venues and festivals, and at several a cappella and chamber music festivals, as well as doing tours in Europe, Asia and the Americas. They are now a seasoned group who present their music in a well developed show that will appeal to folk music, world music, and choral music audiences alike.

With confidence, technical skill, irresistible playfulness, and brilliant arrangements, Kongero creates a unique sound – Swedish Folk’apella – that brings traditional music from past to present.

Kongero performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14 inside the Harrison Memorial Hall. Doors at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 and available at harrisonfestival.com, by calling 604-796-3554, or at the Agassiz Shoppers Drug Mart.