Anders Widmark. Arkivbild.
Anders Widmark's "We Are All Poets" tour kicks off this fall. Accompanied by singer Zoie Finer, he will primarily perform in churches across the country.
In each city, a choir will be assembled, rehearsing for six weeks before joining the performance as part of "Choir Project 24."
Eighteen new choirs will be launched nationwide. Marcus Berglund will lead the Skellefteå choir.
– Choir Project 24 is a bit of a dull name, he laughs.
– I'll come up with something more fun for the Skellefteå choir, maybe 'the Best Choir'.
With a deep-rooted passion for choral music, Marcus brings extensive experience to the role. Growing up in the EFS Church, he was immersed in gospel choirs from a young age.
– When my boss asked me to start a gospel choir at the Church of Sweden in Stockholm, I thought, 'I've never done this before, so I can handle it,' just like Pippi Longstocking, he recalls. This choir even traveled to London for a workshop with the London International Gospel Choir.
Marcus recently moved to Jörn from the south with his partner. Although the move was primarily due to a lack of teaching opportunities elsewhere, Skellefteå holds a special place in his heart.
– My grandfather dedicated his life to the EFS Church in Skellefteå, he says.
– Since his passing a few years ago, returning to Skellefteå feels like following in his footsteps.
Marcus Berglund is the choir leader for the Skellefteå section of Anders Widmark's "Körprojektet 24".
The newly formed choir will perform pop music, and Anders Widmark hopes to attract around 150 members.
– I prefer larger choirs, but 50 would be great too, says Marcus.
– Still, 150 doesn't seem unrealistic.
What sets this tour apart is the inclusive nature of the choir. No prior singing experience is necessary.
– Everyone can sing, Marcus emphasizes.
– It doesn't matter how it sounds; enjoyment is key. Singing should make you feel good.
– I believe it will be a lot of fun. I love to let loose, and people say I'm Sweden's happiest choir leader. After winning the national hockey championship, Skellefteå could also be home to the country's happiest choir leader!