What does Stämbandet mean?

Stämbandet is a pun in Swedish. It can mean "the vocal chord" or "a band of voices."

How did the group start?

Barbro Ulander, Eva Ström, and Cecilia Wetterholm started Stämbandet in 1978 in Newton, Massachusetts, as a way to preserve their language and culture in their new U.S. home.

What country are the singers from?

Though based in New England, Stämbandet's members originate from Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, and the United States, with a majority coming from Sweden. A strong desire to maintain a connection with their roots gave birth to the group, and that same desire continues to sustain Stämbandet today. Stämbandet's repertoire is authentically and exclusively Nordic, simply because that is the music the singers grew up with. It is the music of their native land and native language.

Exactly what is meant by the terms "Scandinavian" and "Nordic"?

The region of Northern Europe made up of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark is called Scandinavia. Iceland and the Faroe Islands are often included on the grounds that their inhabitants speak languages related to those of Norway and Sweden. Finland may be included on geologic, historic, and economic grounds. The name Scandinavia comes from a region in southern Sweden called Skåne, or Scania. The term Norden, meaning "North," has also been used to refer collectively to the five "Nordic" countries, as distinct from the rest of continental Europe.

How do you find your music?

Eva Ström's personal library includes several thousand folks songs from throughout the Nordic countries. Many of the members return annually to Scandinavia, and usually return with new material. In 1995 Allen LeVines did research in Dalarna on the relationship between traditional Swedish fiddle music and folks songs, on a grant from SWEA.

Where are your costumes from?

Over the centuries, costumes have evolved in each region in every Scandinavian country. The members of Stämbandet wear costumes from the regions of their birth.

When is your next CD coming out?

We have ideas for at least two new CDs. No release date is currently available.

Can I have a copy of the sheet music?

Some of the music is oral tradition; while some is not available for public distribution.

Do you dance, too? Why not?

Stämbandet's commitment is to singing at the highest level possible. If the group danced, it would give dance the same level of commitment - and not sing!