Vocal Group Concert Clemens is an ambitious classical vocal group resident in the city of Aarhus, Denmark. The ensemble was formed in 1997 by its present conductor, Carsten Seyer-Hansen.
The ensemble consists of 16 trained singers and has established itself as part of the Danish choir elite, winning the first prize at the International Choir Competition in Randers in 2009 and second prize at Harald Andersén International Chamber Choir Competition in Helsinki, Finland, in 2012.
The ensemble aims to present classical vocal music with precision, warmth and fervor, not only in Denmark but also at international music festivals, competitions and concerts abroad.
Furthermore, the ensemble strives to work educationally, in collaborative projects with both established modern composers as music students.
Over the last years, the ensemble has been a part of several interesting projects. Among the highlights are to be mentioned:
In March 2015 Concert Clemens participated in the Oslo International Church Music Festival with the concert project ”PSALM SUITE”. The music operates in the area between jazz and classical music, and demonstrates the meeting between Danish hymn tradition and modern, nordic jazz tone. The concert was repeated in St. Luke Church in connection with the Aarhus Festival.
In November 2014 Concert Clemens published its first CD-recording, mainly consisting of Scandinavian and french vocal music from various centuries. The CD was reviewed in one of the worlds leading magazines for classical music, the english Gramophone Magazine.
In 2013 Concert Clemens was the main ensemble at the Aarhus Cathedral Choir Festival, performing with some of Denmark's most acknowledged professional vocal ensembles.
In September 2012 the ensemble won a 2. price in the Harald Andersén International Chamber Choir Competition in the new Concert Hall in Helsinki, Finland.
In may 2012 the ”Complete organ works, Motets and Requiem” of Maurice Duruflé was published, winning the prestigious ”Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik”.
Concert Clemens has worked with several internationally accomplished conductors, among them Frieder Bernius (2010 and 2011) and Kaspars Putniņš (2014). In the autumn of 2011 the ensemble also participated in a masterclass held by Paul Hillier.
