Millions of Danes know DR PigeKoret for the solemn moment when the choir sings in the New Year on TV and radio. And every year, hundreds of thousands experience the choir's special take on the Danish song catalogue through concerts, TV productions and events where the choir, together with chief conductor Phillip Faber, sheds new light on Danish songs.
But DR PigeKoret's work also has an extra dimension that goes beyond concerts and TV productions. At an increasing number of official events at home and abroad, the 50 young girls perform as musical ambassadors for Denmark - often in the presence of both the Royal Family and representatives of the Danish government. Now, DR PigeKornet's connection to the Royal Family has taken on a more official character, as the Crown Princess has taken on the role of patron of the choir.
The new collaboration between the Danish National Girls' Choir and the Royal Danish House is a continuation of a number of events where The Crown Princess herself has experienced the Danish National Girls' Choir. In 2016, the choir was part of the official Danish delegation at the Olympic Games in Brazil, and in January this year, the girls sang at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in connection with the Danish Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. On the same occasion, they also gave a concert in Strasbourg's Cathédrale de Notre-Dame, which was attended by the Crown Princess, ministers and members of the Council of Europe.
“I see many opportunities in our new collaboration for the benefit of both parties, the Danes and Danish culture,” says DR's Head of Choirs and Orchestras, Kim Bohr, on the occasion of the patronage:
“We are honoured and proud that The Crown Princess is taking on the role as patron of DR PigeKoret. DR PigeKoret is an important part of DR's work with talent development, and the choir helps maintain our strong singing tradition at concerts throughout Denmark and on DR's channels, while its extensive touring activities contribute to spreading knowledge of the Danish song catalogue and the Danish community singing tradition abroad. I see many opportunities in our new collaboration for the benefit of both parties, the Danes and Danish culture.”
DR PigeKorets chief conductor Phillip Faber says about the patronage:
”DR PigeKoret has had the pleasure of meeting The Crown Princess on several occasions, and we are delighted that we now have The Crown Princess as patron of the choir. She is an inspiring role model and a modern and strong role model with whom we very much look forward to initiating a mutual collaboration.”
About DR PigeKoret
DR PigeKoret consists of 50 girls aged 16-22 years and is led by chief conductor Phillip Faber. The choir was established in 1938 and over the years has gained great recognition both in Denmark and abroad. The girls in DR PigeKoret combine musical talent with professionalism and a joy of singing that touches both young and old at all latitudes. Based on the Danish song catalogue, the singers move freely between songs, hymns, modern choral works and well-known pop songs, and with deep roots in DR, all Danes have the opportunity to see and hear the choir live or via radio, TV and internet.
DR PigeKoret celebrates its 80th anniversary in autumn 2018 and in connection with the choir's Christmas concerts in DR Koncerthuset in mid-December.