Mission
The Scandinavian Women’s Chorus of Rhode Island (SWCRI) was formed to promote Scandinavian language, culture, and music.
History
In 1984 several Rhode Island members of the Eastern Division Women’s Chorus of the American Union of Swedish Singers (AUSS) decided to form their own chorus in Rhode Island. Under the sponsorship of the Verdandi Male Chorus, which had been in existence in 1892, they met and invited interested singers to join them and search for a director.
In 1986 we were voted into membership in the American Union of Swedish Singers. We were formed mainly to promote Scandinavian language, culture, and music.
Since its formation the SWCRI has performed several times a year in concerts and as part of the American Union of Swedish Singers’ sponsored conventions and singing festivals every two years, on an alternating basis. The SWCRI often sang in concert together with the Verdandi Male Chorus. Unfortunately, the Verdandi Male Chorus disbanded in 2010.
We sing Scandinavian and English music for women’s (SSA) chorus. We are a self-supporting organization, with funds coming primarily through performances and fundraisers. Every year the chorus sponsors the Kristina Greiner Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a young lady interested in Swedish music and culture. The candidates must be high school juniors or seniors, or pursuing their undergraduate degree, and an official Singer with the Chorus for at least one academic year.