Biography

Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening (KSS) – The Women’s Choral Society of the University of Oslo – was founded in 1895 and is the official female choir of the University of Oslo, Norway. Despite the advanced age, KSS is a young choir consisting of approximately 50 singers. As the world’s oldest academic female choir, KSS has played an important part in relation to the University and the women’s cause. KSS has been central in the lives of hundreds of choir-sisters who have been a part of this great musical community throughout the years. Marit Tøndel Bodsberg Weyde was hired as the principal conductor in 2009. During the past decade, the choir published several albums. Discover Norwegian folk songs on Som Den Gylne Sol Frembryter (2018), contemporary Norwegian music for female choirs on Kom Regn (2017), or dream away on Johannes Brahms compositions (2013). Especially popular are KSS' Christmas albums. On Arme Jord Ha Jolefred (2009), beautiful melodies are swaddled into simple arrangements inspired by folk music. Stille som sne was released in November 2020. On this record, several of the songs are arranged by choir members themselves. Find more information on kvindesang.no/english. Artist photos: Anna-Julia Granberg / BLUNDERBUSS