Tours
Members participate in singing tours of Sweden and Scandinavia. The most recent trip was in 2017, when we traveled from southern Sweden to Stockholm, to Oslo, the Sogne Fjord, and Bergen.
In 2005, we traveled from Gothenburg to Stockholm, with detours to Dalarna (the most traditional of the provinces), beautiful Värmland, Hälsingland, and a flight to Piteå to renew acquaintances with local choruses. In 1999, we went to Katrinaholm, when the Swedish choral organization, Svenska Sångerförbundet, celebrated its 90th anniversary. We traveled most of the east coast, from Kalmar to Luleå, including Gotland.
The tours are a great way to see Sweden, share our love of Swedish music, and meet Swedes with the same interests. Plan to join us on our next trip!
Conventions
Every three years, a national convention is held. This is a chance for singers with a common interest to get together and share ideas, songs and fellowship. Recent conventions have been held in Atlanta, GA, Vancouver, WA, Lombard, IL, and New Haven, CT. The main events at all the conventions are the Grand Concert (all singers together), Individual Chorus Night (each chorus performs) and the Grand Banquet or Brunch.
The conventions are a great opportunity to travel and sightsee as well as a chance to meet other singers who share a common interest. Many friendships are formed at each convention.
The AUSS hosts groups and individuals from Sweden or of Swedish descent. Recent guests have included Håkan Sund and his Akademiska Kören, the Old Town Gospel Choir directed by Lennart Johansson, Sandviken's Mens Chorus, and Sveriges Manskör. In 1996, we welcomed the Växjö Male Choir and Kjell Lönnå, the well-known conductor, composer, and TV producer from Sweden. In earlier years, Marie Sundelius of the Metropolitan Opera was a favorite soloist. Other prominent soloists over the years have been Karin Branzell and Mimi Benzell of the Metropolitan Opera, and tenor Rolf Björling of Sweden. Having guests from Sweden adds a wonderful dimension to our conventions.