About us
The male student choir Brahe Djäknar was founded at Åbo Akademi University in 1937 and was led by John Rosas until 1955, when Gottfrid Gräsbeck took over the role of condutor. Sine 1991 the choir has been conducted by Ulf Långbacka, who is also the lector of musicology at Åbo Akademi University.
Throughout the years Brahe Djäknar has genereously spread the joy of music through concerts, tours, recordings and quartet performances at various parties. Recurring audience favorites include the televised welcoming of the spring and the annual Advent concerts in Turku Cathedral. During its projects the choir has collabeorated with many choirs and orchestras, but our mos important collaborator is our sister choir Florakören. We regularly have rehearsals, concerts, tours and parties together with them.
During the last years the choir has taken part in the recording of Ulf Långbacka's compositions on the album Visions (2017), celebrated the 100th annuversary of Åbo Akademi University in concert, been part of the first performance of Långbacka's Mässa i mångfaldens tid on the 500th aniversary of the reformations, along with numerous other interesting projects. On our tours we during the last few years we have visited Estonia (2019), Iceland (2018), Spain and Portugal (2017), Italy (2015), Ireland (2014), Sweden and Denmark (2013) and Japan (2012).
The working language of the choir is Swedish, but you don't need to speak Swedish to join. We will gladly translate for you, and maybe you can introduce a song from your language! Auditions are held at the start of every semester. Find more information here
Finally, Brahe Djäknar works as a forum for its members to meet and share unforgettable experiences with their siblings in song. The group spirit of the choir is very strong and life-long are routinely formed among us. New singers are warmly welcomed in the beginning of every semester and many professional singers have started their career with us.