Concert programs
Karin Lagergren and the ensemble Gemma offer the following programs:
From the recording of the Office of St Sigfrid in October 2019. From left, Johannes Geworkian Hellman, Kristin Jonzon, Emelie Roos, Dorothea Knust, and Karin Lagergren. Photo: Torbjörn Ivarsson.
Botvid and the miracles
This program is a collaboration between Karin Lagergren, Gemma and author, journalist and film maker Maja Hagerman around Saint Botvid of Botkyrka, the apostle of Sörmland. It is a program about memory and oblivion where chants from the Office of Saint Botvid are sung for the first time since the Middle Ages. Here an example from a concert in Botkyrka church 20 August 2022 of the sequence Almi patris merita. Johannes Geworkian Hellman plays hurdy-gurdy.
THE OFFICE OF ST SIGFRID – SWEDEN´S OLDEST CHURCH MUSIC
In the 13th century, chants were composed in Växjö, Sweden, honouring St Sigfrid, the apostle of Småland. These chants are some of the oldest preserved music created in Sweden. In this concert version of the office, delectable Gregorian chants from the office meet captivating instrumental versions on hurdy-gurdy, and readings from the Sigfrid legend.
In this concert program, the ensemble Gemma collaborates with Sweden’s most talented hurdy-gurdy player, Johannes Geworkian Hellman, and the reciter, Thomas Ekelöf, who reads from Sigfrid’s legend. A recording of the Office of St Sigfrid is available on Sterling Records.
The concert program was created for the occasion of the Växjö Diocese’s 850-year jubilee. It has received financial support by a number of prestigious institutions: is supported by Linnaeus University, Småland Musikarkiv/Musik i Syd, the Växjö Diocese, and City of Växjö.
MARIA! MARIA!
The program Maria! Maria! presents chants from the Birgittine sisters unique office the Cantus Sororum (The Song of the Sisters): the only liturgical repertoire ever to have been compiled in order to be sung by only women. The program combines chants with readings from St Birgitta’s revelations where the listener is invited to take part of the Birgittine spirituality focused on the Virgin Mary. The chants come from Birgittine manuscripts dating from the 15th century to the 19th century reflecting the Order’s long history. This is a sounding result of Karin Lagergren’s long research in the Birgittine chant and liturgy. A recording is released on Sterling Records.
Booking and information
To book or for more information about these programs, please use the contact form. In addition to the above program, customized concert programs, courses, workshops, and lectures can be arranged I am looking forward discussing your idea!