Swedish super band returns to town

The Real Group, a three-man-two-woman vocal group from Sweden, made their debut at Shenzhen Concert Hall in 2016, leaving a lasting impression on local music fans with their stunning voices and expressive blend of music styles, including jazz, pop, and Nordic choral music. The quintet is set to return to the venue this Saturday evening with a refreshed repertoire. 

The audience will be treated to rearranged versions of “Blackbird,” a delicate song originally by The Beatles, as well as Count Basie’s carefree and melodic “Splanky,” alongside The Real Group’s original creations. For instance, “I Sing You Sing” captures the infectious nature and bonding power of music with good humor, while “Ett liv för mig” (“A Life for Me”) conveys heartfelt love, depicting a person’s desire to share emotions and experiences with a loved one.
Originally founded by five students at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm in the mid-1980s, the ensemble focuses on vocal music blending jazz, pop, and folk elements. They gained international acclaim after performing at the Swedish queen’s birthday with former ABBA member Anni-Frid Lyngstad, swiftly establishing themselves as one of the premier modern a cappella ensembles. Over the years, the group has expanded its influence through global concert tours, recordings, educational programs, and published scores. Collaborating with symphony orchestras, jazz bands, pop music groups, and renowned musicians, they have delivered more than 2,800 concerts and released 24 albums.

The current members include soprano Clara Fornander, alto Joanné Nugas, tenor Johannes Rückert Becker, baritone Axel Berntzon, and bass singer Daniele Dees. 
A cappella singing is a captivating form of musical expression that relies solely on the human voice. The upcoming concert on Saturday promises to transport the audience through a musical journey, from the serene Nordic landscapes of vast forests and clear lakes to the vibrant heartbeat of metropolitan life pulsating with vigor.
Tickets: 80-380 yuan
Time: 8 p.m., June 22
Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District 
Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station, Exit D
Source: EyeShenzhen