Embla is a women’s choir comprising 24 singers, originally formed around the vocal community at the Department of Music in Trondheim. Today, the choir operates independently of NTNU and boasts a broader diversity in both age and musical background. Many of its members, however, hold advanced degrees in music, arts, or culture, and work professionally as singers, musicians, conductors, educators, or in cultural administration.

The choir was founded in 1994 by Norunn Illevold Giske, a leading figure in Norwegian choral music. Giske is renowned for her methodical approach to creating a unified choral sound and has been a pivotal presence in the field for many years. In 2005, she was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit in Gold for her tireless contributions to music and has since received numerous accolades, including awards, honors, and honorary memberships. From 2025, Marit Tøndel Bodsberg is the conductor and artistic director, working alongside the choir’s resident conductor and vocal coach.

Embla has distinguished itself both nationally and internationally as a women’s choir of exceptional artistic caliber. The signature homogeneous sound Giske developed has become the choir’s hallmark, contributing to its success in numerous international choral competitions. To date, the choir has secured 18 international first prizes and several special awards.

Over the past 30 years, Embla has established a prominent position within Norway’s musical landscape. The choir has collaborated with a wide range of esteemed musicians, artists, and composers, and regularly commissions works from composers and arrangers who are intimately familiar with Embla’s artistic strengths and distinctive sound.

WEBSITE: https://embla.org/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/embladamene

INSTAGRAM: @embladamene

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@embladamene