2024 FALL TERM Starts September 16
MONDAY, September 16, 2024: Join us at Finley’s (6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, Oregon) downstairs for Soup Supper ($5) at 6pm
Rehearsal at 7pm upstairs. All are welcome!
PAST EVENTS
Summer 2024
PNC Leads Singing of Happy Birthday to Ole Bolle
Sunday, August 18 2:00- 2:30pm @Nordic Northwest
2 pm Portland Nordic Chorus sings happy birthday in the Nordic languages. Lyrics distributed for an ‘All Sing”
- Norwegian: Hurra for deg (see media below)
- Finnish: Paljon onnea vaan (to generic Happy Birthday tune)
- Icelandic: Hann á afmæli i dag ( “” )
- Danish: Det er din fødselsdag ( “” )
- Swedish: Ja må du leva (see media below)
Tune / Pronunciation for Norwegian fødselsdag song ‘Hurra for deg’
Tune/ Pronunciation for Swedish födelsedag song ‘Ja må du leva’
Oregon Midsummer Festival (Nordic Northwest)
Friday June 28 | 5pm-9pm
Saturday, June 29 | 10am-5 pm
Nordia House & Fogelbo Lawn
8800 SW Oleson Road Portland
PNC will be selling their delicious baked goods at a booth directly across from the stage on the Fogelbo Lawn.
Chorus and alumni will sing the five Nordic national anthems, The Star Spangled Banner, and Majsång on Saturday, June 29 around noon immediately before the procession of the national flags and raising of the majstång.
Portland Midsommar (New Sweden and League of Swedish Societies)
Saturday, June 15, 2024 | 11am-4pm | Picnic Area #9 | Admission Free; Parking $5 | Oaks Park 7805 SE Oaks Park Way Portland OR, 97202
Bring your own picnic or purchase tunnbrödsrulle, (hot dog and mashed potatoes in an edible wrap, a popular Swedish street food), salmon burgers, sodas, coffee, and shortcake. Make flower crowns and help decorate the majstång, then dance around it. PNC will sing the Swedish national anthem Du gamla du fria and Majsång around 1pm before the majstång is raised.
2024 SPRING
Syttende Mai Norwegian Constitution Day
Friday, May 17, 2024 | 5:30 pm | Norse Hall | 111 N.E. 11th, Portland, OR 97232
When Norwegians emigrated, they brought with them their love for the Constitution and the traditions of May 17. Celebrated around the world, the day marks a commemoration of independence from Denmark, freedom, and the second oldest written constitution in the world. More information about this event may be found here. PNC will be singing the Norwegian national anthem Ja vi elsker dette landet on stage at 5:30pm and in the parade. Stage performance will include the US and Canadian anthems and Naar fjordene blaaner from our Spring Concert.
Portland Nordic Chorus Spring Concert
Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 6-7p Fika/Social Hour and 7-8:30p Concert | Nordia House Great Hall | NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
Celebrate the glorious spring season with treats and a cheerful performance!
Vappu/Valborg
Sunday, May 5, 2024 | Afternoon Time TBD | Nordia House Great Hall | NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
Labor day is celebrated as an important festivity in most countries around the world. In Finland, it is known as Vappu (Valborg in Swedish, second official language in Finland) and considered as one of the biggest celebrations of the year next to Christmas and Easter holidays. Here we often celebrate it with treats and songs around a bonfire!
Viking Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser — 20% of proceeds on Sunday March 10 support Portland Nordic Chorus!
Sunday, March 10, 2024 | 8:30 am – 12 pm | Norse Hall | 111 N.E. 11th, Portland, OR 97232 Enter through the Couch Street side door.
All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage links, fruit, scrambled eggs, orange juice, and coffee or tea. Cafeteria-style seating allows for large groups to sit together without reservations — invite friends!
$10 adults; $6 children age 3-10; under 3 eat free. Pay cash at the door.
The Viking Pancake Breakfast is hosted by Grieg Lodge of the Sons of Norway on second Sundays in 2024 except July, August, November & December.
The Oregon Chorale Presents SONGS of SCANDINAVIA Featuring the Portland Nordic Chorus
- Saturday, March 9, 2024 | 4 pm | St. Andrew’s Presbyterian 3228 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR 97239
- Sunday, March 10, 2024 | 4 pm | Trinity Lutheran Hillsboro 2194 SE Minter Bridge Rd Hillsboro, OR 97123
2024 Rehearsals Start Monday January 22 (postponed from Jan 15 due to the weather)
7-9 PM Monday Evenings — but first rehearsal on Jan 22 will include a soup supper starting at 6PM (details below).
We welcome all with and without Nordic heritage who have a desire to be a part of a choral group that explores Nordic languages and choral music. No auditions necessary and we have native speakers help us with pronunciation.
COME JOIN IN THE FUN — Contact us and come to a rehearsal!
NOTE: Masks are optional
Rehearsal Location: Finley-Sunset Hills, 6801 SW Sunset Hwy, Portland, OR 97225. Finley Sunset Hills has been very kind and generous in opening up their facility to our weekly rehearsals — free of charge.
Soup Suppers: on the first Mondays of each month begins with a delicious home-cooked soup, salad and bread supper at 6PM before rehearsal begins at 7PM, for $5.
For updates, please contact us if you are not already on our member email list and follow our Facebook page.
Christmas Season 2023
BAKE SALE CHORUS FUNDRAISER at the Historic Grieg Lodge LUTEFISK DINNER
Sunday, November 12, 2023 | 11am – 6 pm | Norse Hall | 111 N.E. 11th, Portland, OR 97232
The Portland Nordic Chorus is happily selling our homemade Nordic breads in the main ballroom/waiting area for this lovely annual dinner. We sell Swedish limpa (spiced orange rye loaf), tea rings, cardamom braids, and various cookies. All can be frozen and used for Christmas! Please stop by and tell your friends. We will also sell homemade baked goods at ScanFair Dec 9-10! THANKS for your support!
Read more info about the dinner and buy tickets (they usually sell out).
PORTLAND NORDIC CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 7-9 pm | Nordia House Great Hall | NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
JOIN US for BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SONGS from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden sung in the native languages! Doors open at 6 pm, general admission, no reserved seating. Get tickets and read more info about the Portland Nordic Chorus Annual Christmas Concert.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL of LIGHTS at the Grotto
Sunday, December 3, 2023 | 9 pm | The Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore Street, Portland, OR 97220
What a delight for the ears and eyes! The Grotto invited us this year — such a special venue for celebrating the season! Tickets can be purchased here.
Itsenäisyyspäivä — Finland’s Independence Celebration at Nordic Northwest
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 7-8:30 pm | Nordia House Great Hall | NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
The event starts with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at 7 p.m. followed by Concert Program at 7:30 p.m. featuring Finlandia Foundation National Performer of the Year, Ida Metsberg, Finnish singer and songwriter. Program also includes Portland Nordic Chorus, Honorary Consul Veikko Valli as keynote speaker, and more. Note that doors open at 6 p.m. with a no-host bar to mingle and celebrate the occasion. The annual event is sponsored by the Finnish Messiah Lutheran Church and FFCPC. Admission is free, but we welcome donations.
SCANFAIR 2023
Saturday 10am – 5pm | Sunday 10am – 4pm | December 9-10, 2023 | Oregon Convention Center | 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Portland, OR 97232
JOIN US on Sunday, Dec 10 at 12:30 pm for the traditional SANKTA LUCIA CROWNING, and on both Saturday and Sunday be sure to stop by our table to buy freshly homemade Nordic baked goods! Read more info about SCANFAIR
TRADITIONAL LUCIA FEST with the New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society
Saturday, December 16, 2023 | 3-5 pm | Moreland Presbyterian Church, 1814 Southeast Bybee Boulevard Portland, OR 97202
Scandinavian tradition holds that in Värmland, Sweden, a white clad maiden wearing a crown of burning candles and a red sash brought food to starving villagers on the shores of Lake Vänern. On the morning of December 13, the strains of “Santa Lucia” are heard everywhere in Sweden as the white-robed maiden comes out of the night with her crown of lighted candles to dispel the darkness, bringing light to the Christmas season. While it was originally a Swedish tradition, it has since spread to the other Scandinavian countries.
You are invited to enjoy a beautiful traditional pageant and music of the season by:
- The children of the Swedish School of Portland
- Oregon’s 2023 Lucia Court
- Portland Nordic Chorus
- Vocal Soloist
Following the program there will be the customary singing and dancing around the Christmas tree, a visit by Tomten, glögg, coffee and traditional baked goods.
NOTE: LIMITED NUMBER OF SEATS/TICKETS | Because of the church size this year we will have a limited amount of tickets available. Buy tickets online!
LILLEJULAFTEN — Danish Christmas Service
Saturday, December 23, 2023 | 6 pm | Nordia House Great Hall | NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
For many years (at least 40!), Danes in Oregon and Southwest Washington have gathered each year on December 23 to celebrate Christmas in the traditional Danish way. The Lillejuleaften (“Little Christmas Eve”) event in Portland features a Danish church service and a kaffebord (coffee and cake). Come wish everyone a glædelig jul!
Read more about the Northwest Danish Association.
JULOTTA Swedish Sunrise Christmas Service
Monday, December 25, 2023 | 7 am | First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1816 NW Irving St. Portland, OR 97209
A very special sunrise Christmas service! Calling all early birds!
Spring Season 2023
Portland Nordic Chorus Spring Concert
Saturday May 13, 2023 | 7 – 9 PM | Doors open at 6 PM | Nordia House | NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
Celebrate the glorious spring season with a cheerful performance from the Portland Nordic Chorus. We are a mixed community chorus celebrating friendship and common interest in Nordic culture and music by rehearsing and performing music. We sing primarily in Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish, and English. We welcome all with and without Nordic heritage who have a desire to be a part of a choral group that explores Nordic languages and choral music.
Doors will open at 6 PM with a no host bar with beer and wine for purchase. Light refreshments to be served.
General Admission: $20
Nordic Northwest Members: $15
All Youth (12 and under): $5
Arts for All: $5
Buy tickets online for the 2023 Portland Nordic Chorus Spring Concert through Nordic Northwest.
Syttende Mai — Norwegian Constitution Day
Wednesday May 17, 2023 | 5 PM | Doors and Bar open at 4 PM | Norse Hall | 111 N.E. 11th, Portland, OR 97232
When Norwegians emigrated, they brought with them their love for the Constitution and the traditions of May 17. Celebrated around the world, the day marks a commemoration of independence, freedom and the second oldest written constitution in the world. More information about this event may be found here.
Oregon Midsummer Festival on the Nordic Northwest Campus
NORDIC NORTHWEST, 8800 SW Oleson Rd. Portland, OR 97223
Friday, June 23rd: 5pm – 10pm (beat the crowds on this dance filled evening with a bonfire)
Saturday, June 24th: 10am – 5pm (pole raising and more traditional entertainment)
We will sing the Nordic national anthems and a couple of spring songs at Noon on Saturday, June 24 before the majstong pole is raised at the Oregon Midsummer Festival.
BAKE SALE: Be sure to stop by our table and buy our baked goods which helps support our singing!
Buy tickets online for the 2023 Oregon Midsummer Festival through Nordic Northwest.
The 2023 American Union of Swedish Singers Convention in Atlanta, Georgia
Wednesday-Saturday August 2–5, 2023 a subset of our singers will be joining Akademiska koren i Stockholm and Swedish choruses from around the states in Atlanta, Georgia for the 2023 AUSS Convention and a Grand Concert on Aug 5 hosted by Vasa Dränger.
CHRISTMAS SEASON 2020
Dear Friends of Portland Nordic Chorus,
We miss seeing and singing with you at our concerts and long for the time when we can be together again safely in the same space.
This holiday season we would like to share our first virtual choir performance with you as the celebration of Sankta Lucia is celebrated this coming Sunday, December 13. May Lucia remind us that the light will return, and may your homes be filled with light and warmth and love this winter and into the new year.
If you are able, your donations will help us keep our music safely stored, our website updated, and our wonderful new artistic director paid during this time when our usual fundraising via baked goods and tickets is not possible.
Please make your checks payable to Portland Nordic Chorus and mail them to:
Karen Henell
4605 SW 27th Ave
Portland, OR 97239
Tak skal du have, Kiitoksia paljon, Þakka þér fyrir, Takk skal du ha, Tack så mycket, Thank you!