About Orphei Drängar

About the Choir

Orphei Drängar is one of the worlds leading male choirs, with roots dating back to 1853. Discover the choir’s history, meet conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin, explore our members, and learn more about our enduring legacy.

Upcoming events

The Choir

Orphei Drängar is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest male choirs. By continually striving for the highest artistic standards, collaborating with leading soloists, conductors, and orchestras, and regularly commissioning new works, OD aims to lead the development of male choral singing in Sweden and beyond.

One of OD’s defining characteristics is its distinctive sound—the celebrated OD sound. It is created by 80 carefully selected voices, ranging from profound basses to brilliant tenors, spanning generations from fresh young singers to mature, seasoned voices.

At Home on Stage in Uppsala

Alongside tours throughout Sweden and around the world, OD performs regular concerts in its home city of Uppsala. The Spring Concert presents the finest artistic repertoire for male choir, while the legendary Caprice combines playful humour with unexpected musical collaborations.

OD’s History

➔

The Conductor

➔

Press

➔

Said about OD

Orphei Drängar is an explosion of intellect, emotion, intensity, and precision.

Peter Sellars

Director

OD possesses a rare combination of strength, energy, and a spirit of discovery.

Esa-Pekka Salonen

Conductor and Composer

Finally experiencing Caprice with OD – now I feel so much better!

Helen Sjöholm

Singer

I had incredibly high expectations of OD. They exceeded every one of them. Spontaneous and professional. Wild and beautiful. Generous, warm, and simply an absolute joy.

Per Andersson

Comedian

Just seeing them is exhilarating. Then they start to sing, and it's pure bliss.

Petra Mede

Comedian

With OD behind me, I felt invincible.

Ola Salo

Singer

Screen-Shot-2018-03-25-at-15.05.54-230x230

In the presence of OD, beautiful music comes to life. Their singing spreads warmth and light. OD has a permanent place in my heart!

Kristin Amparo

Singer

They really got to the depths of Sibelius music. I cannot think of any other choir to perform Sibelius with.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali

Chief Conductor, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra

malena_600x400_evenemangsbild-e1507640931828-230x230

OD is a national treasure with the most beautiful male choral sound in the world!

Malena Ernman

Mezzo-soprano

A truly unforgettable experience, both musically and spiritually, that I will carry with me for many years to come.

Andreas Nilsson

Actor

Working with this wonderful group of incredibly kind, immensely talented, and exceptionally handsome gentlemen was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my career!

Anne Sofie von Otter

Mezzo-soprano

OD is like a dream (with a great many tailcoats)!

Henrik Dorsin

Comedian and Revue Writer

A dream come true to sing alongside 80 such handsome men!

Rickard Söderberg

The Gay Tenor

Since 1853

This is Orphei Drängar

Tradition

3,322 singers in an unbroken chain since 1853. Each generation has added its own voice to those before it. That is how our legacy lives on.

Renewal

We commission new choral works, bring together seasoned voices and younger singers, and continue to find new paths for the male choral tradition.

The Sound

115 active singers. Mature resonance meets youthful energy, creating a richness and complexity that can only truly be experienced live.

The Stage

From the steps of Carolina Rediviva to the world’s leading concert halls. 253 tours across 28 countries — and every performance is a new premiere.

Vanliga frågor & svar om Orphei Drängar

What is Orphei Drängar?

Orphei Drängar (OD) is one of the world’s most renowned male choirs. Based in Uppsala, we have sung in an unbroken tradition since 1853. Today, the choir consists of 115 active singers.

When was OD founded?

The choir was founded on 30 October 1853 in Uppsala, during the cholera outbreak that had temporarily isolated the city from the outside world.

What does the name "Orphei Drängar" mean?

The name means “The Servants of Orpheus”, referring to the legendary singer and musician Orpheus from Greek mythology. Our logo also features a stylised lyre—Orpheus’ iconic instrument.

What is OD's motto?

Renewal and Tradition. We honour more than 170 years of musical heritage while commissioning new music and continually exploring new artistic directions for the male choir tradition.

Who is OD's conductor?

Cecilia Rydinger Alin has served as OD’s conductor since 2008 and is the ninth conductor in the choir’s history.

How do I become a member of OD?

We hold auditions twice a year. Candidates complete a series of vocal assessments, after which the final admission is decided by a vote of the choir. Learn more on our Sing with Us page.

Our partners

Experience one of the world's most distinguished male choirs.

We would be delighted to meet you on your stage, in your concert hall, or around your table.

Book us

Upcoming events