Elektrikörer

Elektrikörer is a term used in some Scandinavian contexts to describe choirs that incorporate electronic amplification and processing into their performances. The word is a compound of elektri- (electric/electronic) and kör (choir in Swedish), with the plural suffix -er, yielding elektrikörer as “electric choirs.” It is not a standardized label in musicology and usage can vary.

In practice, elektrikörer performances typically combine traditional vocal ensembles with technology such as microphones, loudspeakers, and live electronics. Common tools include looping, delays, reverberation, pitch-shifting, granular synthesis, and other real-time processing. Some performances also integrate pre-recorded material, electronic accompaniment, or spatialization to create expanded textures and altered timbres while preserving the human voice as a central element.

History and context: The concept aligns with broader trends in contemporary music that fuse acoustic performance with live electronics. In choral contexts, elektrikörer-style approaches have emerged alongside electroacoustic and digital-arts practices from the late 20th century onward, particularly in experimental, contemporary classical, and theatre-oriented settings. The exact usage of the term varies by region and project.

Variations and related terms: In English-language discourse, related concepts are often described as “electric choirs,” “electroacoustic choirs,” or “live-electronics choral performances.” Core ideas across these terms include integrating electronic processing with voice, exploring sonic extension of the human voice, and challenging traditional notions of choral ensemble texture and group sound.