Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening (The Womens’ Choral Society of the University of Oslo), although not being a name which automatically rolls off the tongue, is the world’s oldest academic female choir. For this recording, it has sought out choral music for women by five male Norwegian composers, compositions that challenge and expand conceptions of Norway’s cultural heritage. ‘Kom Regn’, the title of this recording, translates as ‘Come Rain’ and is comprised of music by Valen, Nordheim, Hovland, Nystedt and Kruse.

Kvindelige Studenters Sangforening (KSS) as well as being the oldest academic female choir in the world, is currently ranked as the world’s best female choir (Interkultur 2017). Although an old choir, it is one that has always surrounded itself with new music. At the time of its founding in 1895, choral life in Norway was distinguished chiefly by male choirs, and the choir’s earliest repertoire was often music for male choir. Works for female choir, in particular works of Norwegian origin, were in short supply.

Conductor Marit Tøndel Bodsberg Weyde (b. 1981) became permanent conductor of KSS in 2009, after having substituted as conductor from the autumn of 2008. In the autumn of 2012 she was awarded the Conductor’s
Prize for KSS’s performance at Norway’s national choral competition, and in 2015 she led KSS to victory in the European Choir Games and Grand Prix of Nations.