"We hope to fill Generalhagen with music-loving people joining in on 'Song to the City' by Ola and Kari Bremnes," says festival director Ragnheiður Skúladóttir and Dag Erik Enoksen in the choir. They both agree that this will be an extraordinary musical experience for everyone involved.

The Finest Gift

-I believe it is the finest gift one can give to a cultural institution that has existed for 60 years in this city," says Enoksen, and continues: "It costs nothing, and people can come and join this moment. It is an easy-to-give gift that everyone can contribute to, and if people show up, it will be fantastic. It's an opportunity to truly make this Saturday a sunny day regardless of the weather, he says.

From the Beginning

Together, the choir will sing "Song to the City" by Ola and Kari Bremnes. Arne Dagsvik has created a completely new choir arrangement so that everyone can join in – regardless of their voice.

"We have experienced choristers and musicians who have practiced in advance, so we know this will be good. Additionally, several choirs have announced their participation, and the entire city is invited. If we can fill Generalhagen, it will be a memory for life," says Skúladóttir, adding that during the first Festival in 1965, five choirs participated in the official opening – and now this will be the finale in Generalhagen of the 8-day anniversary city festival.

First Rehearsal

- We start with a joint rehearsal so that everyone can find their place and voice in this choir community. This is a rare opportunity to participate in a larger musical community where we can celebrate both the Festival and Harstad’s rich culture and history together," he says, reminding us that Harstad was declared the country’s first official choir city – and even has its own songbook.

Life-Extending

Enoksen is clear that people should sing more.

-Singing and choir activities are not only a fantastic experience for the audience – they have numerous health benefits. But perhaps even more importantly: choir singing gives a sense of community and belonging, and therefore we hope as many as possible will join. By gathering to sing, we strengthen our bonds to each other and our city, and we celebrate our shared identity.

-We hope that people will see the value in participating and contributing to this unique celebration. It is a fantastic opportunity to gather and celebrate our cultural institution, and we believe it will be a memorable experience for everyone involved," the two say in harmony.

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There are many benefits to singing. If you ask different professionals, they will highlight various aspects of singing, and Enoksen agrees:

Social Benefits:
- Community: Singing in a choir gives a strong sense of belonging. It is a great way to meet new people and build friendships.
- Teamwork: Choirs require cooperation, and participants learn to listen to each other and work together towards a common goal.

Physical Benefits:
- Breath Control: Singing improves breathing techniques and can have positive effects on lung capacity and overall respiratory health.
- Posture: Good singing technique requires proper body posture, which can lead to better posture in general.

Mental and Emotional Benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Singing releases endorphins and oxytocin, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improved Mood: Singing with others can create a feeling of euphoria and happiness.
- Self-Expression: Through music, choir members can express emotions and thoughts that may be difficult to convey in other ways.

Cognitive Benefits:
- Memory and Concentration: Learning and remembering lyrics and melodies improves memory and concentration skills.
- Language Development: Singing in different languages can improve language skills and pronunciation.

Artistic and Cultural Benefits:
- Musical Development: Choirs provide the opportunity to develop musicality and understanding of music theory and practice.
- Cultural Awareness:Through their repertoire, choir members can learn about different cultures and musical traditions.