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The Real Group is an a cappella group from Sweden. Members are Clara Fornander, Joanné Pastor Nugas, Johannes Rückert Becker, Axel Berntzon and Daniele Dees. The group's members compose and arrange most of their songs. They sing in English and Swedish and cite American vocalist Bobby McFerrin as an inspiration.[1][2]

Key Information

Background

[edit]
The Real Group original members: Anders Edenroth, Margareta Bengtson, Peder Karlsson, Katarina Henryson, Anders Jalkéus

The Real Group has performed more than 2000 concerts worldwide.[3] In 2002, the Real Group performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Seoul, South Korea, to an audience of 60,000. On 22 December 1993, to celebrate the fiftieth birthday of Queen Silvia of Sweden, the Real Group backed up former ABBA member Anni-Frid Lyngstad in a performance of the ABBA hit "Dancing Queen", using an a cappella arrangement that was released on the album Varför får man inte bara vara som man är.

The Real Group was formed in 1984 when its members were students at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. All of them attended Adolf Fredrik's Music School.[4] Margareta Bengtson was the soprano in the group at its inception, but she left to work on solo albums in 2006. Johanna Nyström filled her spot for some time until Emma Nilsdotter replaced her in 2008 and had her first appearance with the group in Kremlin Palace.[5] Johanna Nyström also filled in for both Margareta Bengtson and Katarina Henryson when they were on maternity leave or otherwise away. Morten Vinther Sørensen joined the group in 2010 to replace Peder Karlsson, who shifted his focus to develop The Real Academy. In 2015 Jānis Strazdiņš joined the group as the bass after Anders Jalkéus retired for health reasons.

On 19 January 2016, the Real Group announced that Lisa Östergren would replace Katarina Henryson.[6]

(From left) Anders Edenroth, Emma Nilsdotter, Lisa Östergren, Morten Vinther Sørensen, Jānis Strazdiņš
The Real Group with Unduzo at the Zelt-Musik-Festival 2016 in Freiburg, Germany

Discography

[edit]
Date of release Title Notes
1987 Debut Thirteen tracks, three in Swedish and the rest in English. Recorded around two microphones onto 2-track tape, where the singers adjusted balance by controlling their distance from the microphone.[7][8] (Caprice)
1989 Nothing But the Real Group Twelve tracks, all in English (Caprice)
1991 Röster Twelve tracks, all in Swedish (Caprice)
1994 Varför får man inte bara vara som man är? Fourteen tracks, most in Swedish, including a cover of Abba's Dancing Queen with Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Gazell)
1994 Unreal! (Town Crier)
1996 Ori:ginal Twelve tracks, all in Swedish
1996 Get:real
March 19, 1996 Live in Stockholm Released in Sweden under the title jazz:live. Ten tracks in English, one in Swedish, one with no lyrics. All tracks are live performances in concert. (Town Crier)
1997 En riktig jul Title translates: A Real Christmas. Thirteen tracks, all in Swedish
1998 One for All Sixteen tracks, one in Swedish, accompanied by Toots Thielemans on harmonica.
2000 Commonly Unique Thirteen tracks, all English
2001 Allt Det Bästa Title translates: All The Best. Twenty tracks, in a mix of Swedish and English.
2002 Stämning Twenty-two tracks, all in Swedish. Swedish folk songs, all choral in their musical style. The performances were recorded without overdubbing and were directed Eric Ericson. (EMI)
2003 Julen er her Norwegian title translates: Christmas is here. Fifteen tracks: three in English, nine in Swedish, two in Norwegian, one with no lyrics. Four tracks are live performances in concert. Includes a video clip of a live performance of "Clown of the Jungle", an a cappella arrangement of the soundtrack to a Disney short film by the same name.[9]
June 12, 2003 The Real Thing Thirteen tracks: 5 in Swedish, rest in English. Two tracks were previously unreleased, a re-recorded version of "Dancing Queen" and "Song from the Snow" created for a Korean movie. (Dreambeat)
2005 In the Middle of Life Thirteen tracks: twelve in English and one with no lyrics. The Korean-market version contains two additional tracks in English. (FMC)
June 25, 2008 Håll musiken i gång Nine tracks, all in Swedish, three previously released. This album is a tribute to Swedish entertainer Povel Ramel, a fan of the Real Group and vice versa. The Real Group received Ramel's Karamelodiktstipendiet, a scholarship funded by Ramel, in 2002. The last track, "Konditori Forgätmigej", was written by Anders Edenroth in Povel's style. Margareta Bengtson joined the group in studio to record this album. (EMI)
September 16, 2009 The Real Album Twelve tracks: ten in English and two with no lyrics. (Lionheart)
2012 The World for Christmas Thirteen tracks: seven in English, four in Swedish, and two with no lyrics. It contains "The World for Christmas" composed and arranged by Anders Edenroth. (Universal)
2013 Live in Japan Fifteen tracks: ten in English, five with no lyrics. Recorded live in April 2013 at the Billboard Jazz Club in Osaka and Tokyo. Two songs, "Catching the Big Fish" and "Lucky Luke", were composed by Morten Vinther Sørensen.
December 1, 2017 Elements 16 tracks: thirteen in English, two in Swedish, and one in Latvian.
September 4th, 2018 Friendship 11 tracks; joint production with Kicks & Sticks, the Hessen State Youth Orchestra.

Awards and honors

[edit]
  • Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs):
    • 1995: Best Contemporary Cover: "Dancing Queen" from Varför får man inte bara vara som man är
    • 1995: Best Jazz Song: "Flight of the Foo-Birds" from Varför får man inte bara vara som man är
    • 1996: Best Female Vocalist: Margareta Bengtson
    • 1997: Live Album of the Year: Live in Stockholm
    • 1997: Best Original Pop Song: "Jag Vill Va Med Dig"
    • 1997: Best Jazz Song: "Waltz for Debby"
    • 1997: Best Female Vocalist: Margareta Bengtson
    • 1998: Best Holiday Album: En riktig jul
    • 2003: Best Classical Album: Stämning
    • 2003: Runner Up for Best Classical Song: "En vänlig grönskas rika dräkt" from Stämning
    • 2004: Best Holiday Album: Julen er her
    • 2004: Best Holiday Song: "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" from Julen er her
  • Other awards:

Timeline

[edit]

Vertical lines are records, red line is the new generation TRG.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Real Group

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The Real Group is a Swedish a vocal ensemble founded in 1984, renowned for their innovative, harmonious performances blending , pop, folk, and Nordic musical traditions without . Formed by five students at the Royal College of Music in —original members Katarina Henryson, Margareta Bengtson, Anders Jalkéus, Anders Edenroth, and Peder Karlsson—the group quickly gained international acclaim for their precise vocal techniques and creative arrangements, many composed by members themselves. Over four decades, The Real Group has evolved while maintaining a core of five singers, with the current lineup consisting of Clara Fornander, Joanné Nugas, Johannes Rückert Becker, baritone Axel Berntzon, and bass Daniele Dees, supported by sound designer Sanna Nordlander. They have released 24 albums, performed more than 2,800 concerts worldwide, and collaborated with luminaries such as jazz legend , Barbara Hendricks, and producer Sir , including high-profile appearances at events like the Swedish royal family's celebrations and the opening ceremony. In addition to their touring and recording career, The Real Group has made significant contributions to education through The Real Group Academy, offering workshops, coaching, and festivals to amateurs and professionals, and they have served as ambassadors for initiatives like Star For Life, an AIDS prevention program in . Their enduring influence on the genre was recognized with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Contemporary Society (CASA), honoring their role as pioneers in modern vocal ensemble performance.

History

Formation and early career

The Real Group was formed in 1984 by five students at the Royal College of Music in , all of whom had previously attended , a renowned institution for young musicians in . The ensemble began as an exploration of , drawing on the members' shared background in choral singing and to create innovative arrangements of popular and standards. This formation marked the start of a professional collaboration that emphasized close-harmony singing without instrumental accompaniment, setting the group apart in the Swedish music scene. The original lineup consisted of Anders Edenroth on , Margareta Bengtson on , Peder Karlsson on , Katarina Henryson on , and Anders Jalkéus on bass. These founding members, who met during their studies, bonded over a mutual interest in and contemporary techniques, performing their first local gigs in while still enrolled at the college. Their early repertoire featured self-arranged covers of classics and Swedish folk tunes, honed through rigorous rehearsals that highlighted intricate harmonies and rhythmic precision. In 1987, the group released their debut album, Debut, a collection of 13 tracks including English and Swedish songs recorded using simple two-microphone techniques to capture their live energy. These releases coincided with initial performances across , where the group built a local following through club appearances and educational events. By the late , they gained initial international exposure via choral competitions and festivals, culminating in breakthrough appearances at prominent events that elevated their profile beyond .

Mid-career developments

During the , The Real Group expanded its international presence with their first major U.S. tour in 1994, marking a significant step in their global outreach beyond . This period also saw the release of the Varför får man inte bara vara som man är? in 1994, targeted at the European market and featuring a mix of their earlier works to introduce their style to new audiences. Building on this momentum, the group released One for All in 1998, a 16-track album that included collaborations such as a Swedish track with harmonica player , blending elements with pop sensibilities. Entering the 2000s, The Real Group solidified their reputation through extensive touring, culminating in over 2,000 concerts worldwide by the mid-decade, with notable performances including their debut in in 2001, where they quickly became superstars due to television exposure. The album Commonly Unique followed in 2000, comprising 13 English-language tracks that showcased their evolving arrangements and contributed to their growing popularity in and . Further releases like In the Middle of Life in 2005, with 13 tracks mostly in English, highlighted their continued innovation in . Internally, the group navigated lineup adjustments in the , such as the replacement of soprano Margareta Bengtsson with Nyström in 2006, while preserving their core quintet structure and rhythmic vocal techniques. These changes allowed the ensemble to maintain continuity in their pioneering approach to and pop, incorporating groove-based elements like simulated bass and sounds that influenced international acts such as Rajaton and The Idea of North. By the , their mid-career trajectory had established them as innovators, with sustained recognition in , , and Korea through albums and live performances that emphasized complex, unaccompanied harmonies.

Recent activities

In the late 2010s, The Real Group released two notable albums that marked their continued evolution in music. Their 2017 album Elements features 16 tracks, primarily in English with selections in Swedish, Latvian, and Latin, showcasing innovative vocal arrangements and collaborations with artists like Emma Nilsdotter and Janis Strazdins. Following this, in 2018, they collaborated with the Landes Jugend Orchester Hessen on Friendship, a 11-track album blending vocals with elements, recorded at their studio and highlighting arrangements by group member Anders Edenroth. In 2020–2021, the group underwent a major lineup transition, with long-term members including Anders Edenroth, Katarina Henryson, Peder Karlsson, and others departing after decades of collaboration, paving the way for a renewed . This process was documented in the 2024 The Real Group , which explored the challenges and creativity of integrating new singers. Entering the , The Real Group expanded their educational initiatives through the launch of The Real Group Academy, a platform dedicated to non-competitive music events, including online workshops, sessions, webinars, and festivals aimed at singers, vocal groups, choirs, and conductors. The academy offers tailored in 90-minute sessions with group members as instructors, such as former member Katarina Henryson leading webinars like "Wednesday Warmup," and hosts events like the 2022 festival in from August 18-21. Complementing this, they introduced the online course "Unlock Your Potential" in February 2023, focusing on rhythmic techniques for choir and group singers, along with warm-up routines developed by Henryson. A highlight of their recent milestones was the 40th anniversary celebration in 2024, culminating in a major concert on October 6 at , where original members Margareta Bengtson, Katarina Henryson, Anders Edenroth, and Peder Karlsson joined the current lineup to perform shared repertoire and reflect on the group's history. This event was part of a broader anniversary tour spanning , , Hungary, , , , and from February to April, with additional autumn performances incorporating the original members. The full concert was recorded and made available online on December 28, 2024, emphasizing the group's commitment to accessible vocal music experiences. In 2015, bass singer Anders Jalkéus was replaced by Jānis Strazdiņš. Throughout this period, The Real Group has maintained an emphasis on educational outreach and performance accessibility, integrating online resources to reach global audiences while continuing live events and planning further courses for 2025.

Members

Current members

As of 2025, The Real Group consists of five vocalists who form the core of its contemporary a cappella sound, emphasizing innovative harmonies and dynamic performances. The ensemble's current configuration emerged in the early 2020s, blending experienced freelancers with emerging talents in jazz and choral traditions. Clara Fornander serves as the , bringing a bright, versatile upper register to the group's arrangements. She grew up in southern immersed in choral and orchestral music, later studying vocals at the Royal College of Music in before freelancing across diverse musical projects. Fornander joined the group in 2021, contributing to its evolution with her improvisational flair and stage presence. Joanné Pastor Nugas handles alto duties, providing rich, emotive depth in the lower female range. Her musical journey began in the Vårby Gård Children’s Choir at age seven, followed by studies at Adolf Fredriks School of Music and Rytmus Musikergymnasiet; she has since freelanced in , pop, , and R&B while teaching vocals and . Nugas joined around 2021, often co-arranging pieces that highlight rhythmic complexity and emotional nuance. Johannes Rückert Becker is the tenor, known for his agile, jazz-inflected lines that add melodic drive. Originating from Småland, he trained at Liljeholmens Folkhögskola and holds a master's in pop and vocals from Malmö Academy of Music, where he also developed skills in choir conducting. Becker joined in 2022, drawing on prior experience with groups like Touché to enhance the ensemble's improvisational elements. Axel Berntzon occupies the position, focusing on structural arrangements and compositions that underpin the group's architecture. A lifelong musician from Värmdö, he studied at the Royal College of Music in and maintains an active career as an arranger, trumpeter, and pianist. Berntzon joined in 2021, frequently leading the creative process for new material, including originals like "." Daniele Dees anchors the bass, delivering foundational grooves and low-end resonance essential for the group's rhythmic integrity, with additional input on for live settings. She began serious musical pursuits in adulthood, studying at Liljeholmens Folkhögskola and at , prior to her vocal focus. Dees joined in 2021, bringing technical savvy from her guitar background to refine the ensemble's acoustic balance.

Former members and lineup changes

The Real Group was founded in 1984 by five students at the Royal College of Music in , comprising Anders Edenroth (), Margareta Bengtson (), Peder Karlsson (), Katarina Henryson (), and Anders Jalkéus (bass). This original quintet lineup defined the group's early sound and remained stable for over a decade, with the ensemble consistently operating as a five-member vocal unit throughout its history. Early adjustments involved temporary substitutions during personal leaves; for instance, Katarina Henryson took maternity leave from 1996 to 2000 and again in 2006, during which Johanna Nyström filled in as alto, while Jeanette Köhn substituted for Bengtson in 1993. The first permanent departure occurred in 2007 when Margareta Bengtson left after 23 years; Johanna Nyström became a regular member that year, but was replaced by Emma Nilsdotter in 2008, who brought a fresh to the soprano role. In 2010, Peder Karlsson transitioned out of performing to focus on teaching and developing The Real Group Academy, a move after 26 years that was succeeded by Danish vocalist Morten Vinther Sørensen, maintaining the group's dynamic balance. Further changes in the mid-2010s saw the departure of bass Anders Jalkéus in 2015 after 31 years; he was replaced by Jānis Strazdiņš, ensuring continuity in the low vocal range. That same year, the group announced Katarina Henryson's exit effective July 2016 following 32 years of service (interrupted only by earlier leaves), with Lisa Östergren stepping in as her successor to preserve the ensemble's foundation. Throughout these transitions up to 2016, Anders Edenroth remained the sole constant member since formation, anchoring the group's core identity. Subsequent changes occurred in the late 2010s and early 2020s. In 2020, Emma Nilsdotter and Morten Vinther Sørensen departed after over a each; joined as , and Katarina Henryson briefly returned as . However, in , Edenroth (after 37 years), Henryson, Strazdiņš (after six years), and Forsberg all left, marking a major lineup renewal. This paved the way for the current members to join in and 2022. These lineup evolutions, driven by members' pursuits of solo endeavors, education, and personal considerations, refreshed the group's dynamics without altering its structure, often leading to updated arrangements that injected new energy into their performances post-2000s. Notable former members include Margareta Bengtson (, 1984–2007), Peder Karlsson (, 1984–2010), Anders Jalkéus (bass, 1984–2015), Emma Nilsdotter (, 2008–2020), Morten Vinther Sørensen (, 2010–2020), Jānis Strazdiņš (bass, 2015–2021), Lisa Östergren (, 2016–2020), (, 2020–2021), Katarina Henryson (, 1984–2016, 2020–2021), and Johanna Nyström (/ substitute and brief regular, 1996–2008).

Musical style

Vocal techniques and arrangements

The Real Group's vocal techniques center on the use of unaccompanied voices to replicate instrumental textures, creating a band-like sound through layered harmonies and rhythmic elements. Members employ walking bass lines sung by the bass singer and , such as imitations, to mimic instrumentation, as demonstrated in early arrangements of standards like "All of Me" and "Blues for Alice." This approach evolved to include for more complex rhythms starting with their 2000 album Commonly Unique, enhancing the group's groove without external instruments. vocals, particularly from Anders Edenroth, often serve as lead or lines, adding versatility to their voicing. The arrangement process is collaboratively led by core members including Edenroth, who composes most scores, blending multiple harmony layers to support jazz improvisation while maintaining structural precision. Edenroth draws from emotional inspirations and documented ideas to craft originals and adaptations, optimizing for vocal ranges and ensemble dynamics, as seen in pieces like "Chili con Carne." Influenced by Bobby McFerrin's innovative vocal methods, the group emphasizes close harmonies with complex jazz chord progressions, such as those in "Very Early," rooted in their shared background at , known for rigorous choral training. This Scandinavian choral foundation instills precision in tuning and phrasing, enabling seamless blends through listening exercises and rhythmic alignment. Technical execution relies on breath control and vocal health practices, honed through intensive rehearsals—up to five hours daily in their formative years—to achieve in unamplified settings. The group's style has evolved from straightforward pop and covers in the 1980s to intricate original compositions by the 1990s, incorporating and timbral variations for greater expressiveness. Workshops highlight vowel unification and collective breath management for unified , ensuring the ensemble functions as a cohesive "instrument" across styles.

Influences and repertoire

The Real Group's musical influences draw heavily from jazz standards and vocal ensembles, including pioneers such as , the Swingle Singers, , Hi-Lo’s, , and , which shaped their approach to improvisation and harmony. Swedish folk music, exemplified by artists like Jan Johansson and , along with pop elements from and broader influences like , , , and Count Basie, further inform their sound, blending Nordic choral traditions with global styles. Individual members cite additional inspirations, such as for Axel Berntzon and jazz songwriting for Clara Fornander, emphasizing a passion for vocal music across genres like soul, R&B, and calypso. Their repertoire primarily consists of original compositions and arrangements created by group members, accounting for the majority of their performed material, with a significant portion also featuring adaptations of global hits and traditional songs. This mix incorporates jazz standards like "Misty" and "All of Me," Swedish folk tunes, and pop reworkings such as ABBA's "," alongside originals exploring themes of joy, nature—evident in pieces depicting Nordic landscapes like "Gøta"—and social issues through tragic narratives, as in "Balladen om briggen Blue Bird." The group sings in both English and Swedish, fostering a versatile catalog that spans , pop, folk, and classical elements without adhering to formal choral structures. The Real Group fuses these influences into jazz-pop hybrids, characterized by intricate vocal layering and rhythmic grooves that mimic bands, including bass lines and hi-hat simulations, while steering clear of conventional rigidity. Key internal composers such as Anders Edenroth, Anders Jalkéus, Peder Karlsson, and Margareta Bengtsson drive much of the original output, with external collaborations enhancing folk integrations, as seen in arrangements of Count Basie medleys like "Lil’ Darlin’" and "Flight of the Foo Birds." Over the decades, their style has evolved from the upbeat pop-infused of their early albums in the and to more introspective and complex explorations in the 2000s, facilitated by techniques that allowed greater harmonic depth in releases like Commonly Unique. In the and , this progression continued with albums such as Elements (2017), incorporating songs in additional languages like Latvian and Sami, and recent singles including "" (2024), reflecting ongoing experimentation in vocal forms while preserving their core identity.

Notable performances

Major concerts and tours

The Real Group has undertaken extensive world tours, performing over 2,800 concerts across more than 40 countries since their formation in 1984. Their global reach includes regular appearances in , , and , with a particular emphasis on and festivals that showcase their innovative vocal arrangements. In the , the group achieved a breakthrough in the United States through targeted tours that introduced their style to American audiences, including performances documented in major cities during that decade. The 2000s marked an expansion into , highlighted by their performance at the opening ceremony of the in , , which broadened their international profile. Prior to 2020, they maintained a rigorous schedule of over 70 concerts annually on average, adapting their repertoire for diverse formats ranging from intimate clubs to large festival stages and orchestral collaborations. A notable highlight was their 30th anniversary in 2014, celebrated with a world tour and appearances as headliners at events like the World Choir Games in , , where they performed alongside other prominent vocal ensembles. The group has also sustained annual tours in since the early 1990s, culminating in a live album recorded during a 2013 performance there, reflecting their enduring popularity in the region. In 2024, they marked their 40th anniversary with a special tour reuniting original members and a live concert at on October 6.

Collaborations and special events

The Real Group provided backing vocals for , known as Frida from , during a live performance of "" at the celebration of Queen Silvia of Sweden's 50th birthday on December 22, 1993, at the . This collaboration was later recorded and released on their 1994 album Varför får man inte bara vara som man är?, highlighting their ability to blend with established pop icons in an format. Throughout their career, The Real Group has partnered with diverse artists across genres, including soprano , jazz pianist , and Swedish entertainer Povel Ramel, often integrating their vocal arrangements into joint recordings and live sets. They have also collaborated extensively with symphony orchestras and big bands, such as the Malmö Symphony Orchestra under , the Norwegian Radio Orchestra with Hans Ek, and the NDR Symphony Orchestra led by Wayne Marshall, performing custom arrangements of , classical, pop, and folk repertoire like Anders Edenroth's "Lionteeth." These partnerships have expanded their sound beyond pure , incorporating instrumental elements while maintaining vocal precision. Special events have further showcased their versatility, including a performance for Swedish National Day alongside the Royal Band, blending choral traditions with military precision. In December 2022, they appeared on the Swedish television program Go'kväll, delivering holiday songs such as "The Big Juleblues" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in a festive studio setting, contributing to seasonal programming that reached broad audiences. Such engagements have significantly raised the profile of music in and cultural celebrations, demonstrating its adaptability to high-profile contexts.

Discography

Albums

The Real Group has released 21 albums from 1987 to 2018, encompassing studio recordings, live performances, and compilations that showcase their versatility across languages and genres. These works are predominantly self-arranged by the group members, with many recorded in Stockholm-area studios such as OAL Studio in Sollentuna, emphasizing their commitment to vocal purity without instrumental accompaniment. Their debut album, Debut (1987), consists of 13 tracks—three in Swedish and the rest in English—capturing early demos that established the group's harmonious sound through basic 2-track tape recordings. This release laid the foundation for their exploration of pop and jazz influences in a cappella form. A pivotal release, Varför får man inte bara vara som man är? (1994), served as a breakthrough compilation targeted at the European market, featuring covers that demonstrated the group's interpretive prowess and helped expand their international audience. Building on this momentum, Commonly Unique (2000) marked their first fully English-language studio album with 13 tracks of original material, blending intricate arrangements with accessible melodies to appeal to global listeners. Later studio efforts like Elements (2017) pushed experimental boundaries in vocal jazz, including 16 tracks across English, Swedish, Latvian, and partial Latin, incorporating diverse rhythms and improvisational elements to reflect the group's evolving artistry. In 2018, the group released Friendship, a collaborative album with Landes Jugend Jazz Orchester Hessen featuring 11 tracks blending a cappella vocals with big band arrangements. Among their live albums, Live in Japan (2013) documents 15 tracks—10 in English and five instrumental—from concerts in and , capturing the energy of their performances abroad. Similarly, Three Decades of Vocal Music (2015) is a celebratory live set with 21 tracks, mixing career-spanning hits like "Scandinavian Shuffle" with new compositions to commemorate 30 years of innovation. Other notable releases include holiday albums such as En riktig jul (1997) and The World for Christmas (2012), which feature seasonal Swedish and English songs, and folk-oriented works like Stämning (2002), a 22-track collection of Swedish folk tunes recorded without overdubs. These albums, alongside compilations like Allt det bästa (2001) and Unreal (1995), underscore the group's prolific output and adaptability.

Singles and other releases

Since 2018, with no full-length albums produced, The Real Group has shifted toward digital singles and streaming-focused releases to maintain activity. Notable recent singles include "Santamagic" (2023), a playful festive track released in November that reimagines traditional caroling in a modern style, available via platforms like and . In 2024, they issued "Dichotomy," a dynamic single composed by Axel Berntzon, exploring themes of and Swedish folk , released in June through The Real Group Records. Other digital singles from this period, such as "It Becomes Her" (2023) and "Blidöpolska" (2022), reflect their continued emphasis on concise, genre-blending vocal works distributed primarily online. In addition to recordings, The Real Group has published sheet music editions of their arrangements through GIA Publications, facilitating performances by other vocal ensembles. Examples include "Chili Con Carne" (SSATB), a jazzy upbeat piece by Anders Edenroth; "Words," a witty exploration of language's social role; and "Pass Me the Jazz," an up-tempo scat-singing feature without dynamic markings to encourage interpretive freedom. These publications, often scores, preserve their sophisticated vocal techniques for broader choral use.

Awards and recognition

Major awards

The Real Group has garnered significant recognition through the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), presented annually by the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) to honor excellence in recorded a cappella music. In 1995, the group won Best Contemporary Cover for their rendition of "Dancing Queen," featuring ABBA's Frida Lyngstad on lead vocals from the album Varför får man inte bara vara som man är?, and Best Jazz Song for "Flight of the Foo-Birds," a scat-filled remake of the Count Basie classic from the same album. These early victories underscored their innovative approach to blending pop covers with jazz improvisation. The group achieved further CARA success in subsequent years, demonstrating versatility across genres. In 1999, they received Best Jazz Album for One for All and Best Jazz Song for "Splanky." Between 1995 and 2004, additional wins included Best Original Pop Song ("Jag Vill Va Med Dig"), Best Jazz Song (), and Best Female Vocalist (Margareta Jalkéus) in 1997; Best Holiday Album and Best Holiday Song in 1998; and Best Holiday Album (Julen Er Her) along with Best Christmas Song () in 2004. These awards, totaling more than 10 international honors, highlight their pioneering role in elevating as a sophisticated vocal art form. In 2019, CASA presented The Real Group with its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their four-decade influence on the global movement through innovative arrangements and performances. Domestically, the group earned a Swedish Grammis in the Open Category in 2001 for the album Commonly Unique, affirming their impact in vocal ensemble categories. Such accolades have positioned The Real Group as trailblazers, inspiring vocal groups worldwide to explore complex harmonies and genre fusion.

Timeline of honors

In 1995, The Real Group received two Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs) for tracks from their album Varför får man inte bara vara som man är?: Best Contemporary Cover for "" and Best Jazz Song for "Flight of the Foo-birds". From 1999 to 2004, the group earned consecutive CARAs for several albums, reflecting their consistent excellence in and classical recording. In 1999, they won Best Jazz Album for One for All and Best Jazz Song for "Splanky". In 2001, they secured Best Jazz Song for "Thousand Things". The following year, in 2002, "Lil Darlin'" from Allt Det Bästa won Best Jazz Song. In 2003, Stämning took Best Classical Album, with "En Vänlig Grönskas Rike Dräkt" as runner-up for Best Classical Song. The streak continued in 2004 with Best Christmas Album for Julen Er Her and Best Christmas Song for "". Subsequent honors included Best Jazz Album for In the Middle of Life in 2006. In 2010, The Real Album won Best Jazz Album, with "Pass Me the Jazz" tying for Best Jazz Song. In 2019, the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) presented The Real Group with its Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring their 35 years of contributions to a cappella music. The group's recognitions peaked in the and with multiple CARA wins across genres, demonstrating their innovative arrangements and vocal prowess, while sustaining acclaim into the through enduring legacy and educational initiatives like The Real Group Academy, though no major new awards have been noted in recent years as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.therealgroup.se/
  2. https://www.therealgroup.se/the-story
  3. https://www.therealgroup.se/the-group
  4. https://www.kent.edu/tuscpac/real-group
  5. https://casa.org/
  6. https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_587.html
  7. https://www.discogs.com/artist/372786-The-Real-Group
  8. https://osterlen.se/en/event/the-real-group/
  9. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/meet-sweden-and-39s-the-real-group/
  10. https://singers.com/group/vocal-jazz/
  11. https://www.choirplace.com/choirs/2007/the-real-group
  12. https://jmeshel.com/the-origins-of-the-real-group-and-modern-a-cappella-interview-with-peder-karlsson/
  13. https://www.allmusic.com/album/debut-mw0000058283
  14. https://www.kkm-online.com/artists/the-real-group
  15. https://www.therealgroup.se/discography
  16. https://open.spotify.com/album/2BKdItafT5J8tMQZPbltty
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/24337703-The-Real-Group-Landes-Jugend-Jazz-Orchester-Hessen-Friendship
  18. https://music.apple.com/us/album/friendship/1417134229
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znabMrqRaXE
  20. https://www.therealgroupacademy.com/
  21. https://www.therealgroupacademy.com/workshop/coaching-for-vocal-groups/
  22. https://www.therealgroupacademy.com/unlock-your-potential/
  23. https://www.therealgroup.se/courses
  24. https://www.therealgroup.se/news/2024-the-year-we-turn-40
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3jfY9iqS4s
  26. https://www.clarafornander.com/
  27. https://www.instagram.com/joannenugas/
  28. https://johannesruckertbecker.com/eng-1
  29. https://www.mhm.lu.se/en/about-us/meet-our-alumni/johannes-ruckert-becker-singer-educator-arranger
  30. https://axelberntzon.com/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghu8emf1O-o
  32. https://therangeplanet.proboards.com/thread/3529/daniele-dees
  33. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/the-real-group/
  34. https://choralnet.org/archives/256994
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYIBFdtTciM
  36. http://www.musicaneo.com/blog/121_anders_edenroth_and_the_real_group.html
  37. https://aavf.dk/speaker/anders-edenroth/
  38. https://www.therealgroup.se/workshop-catalogue
  39. https://giamusic.com/artists/the-real-group
  40. https://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/artist/the-real-group
  41. https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCbI8NiUif-Ein7UHeKdec2A
  42. https://casa.org/about/our-people/
  43. https://www.jazzwise.com/features/article/uk-european-jazz-festival-guide-2025
  44. https://jazzinfo.org/artist/the-real-group
  45. https://www.interkultur.com/events/world-choir-games/riga-2014
  46. https://www.therealgroup.se/news
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PuGULbUCFY
  48. https://music.apple.com/gb/song/dancing-queen-feat-frida/1442430844
  49. https://www.singers.com/grouphistory/3784
  50. https://www.therealgroup.se/orchestra-collaboration
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra3iWw8gAQg
  52. https://www.discogs.com/release/9542079-The-Real-Group-The-Real-Group
  53. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/news/meet-sweden-and-39s-the-real-group
  54. https://music.apple.com/us/album/santamagic-single/1715028986
  55. https://music.apple.com/us/album/dichotomy-single/1748767762
  56. https://open.spotify.com/artist/4EIXOUTnf8Gtbk2kq4LYNK
  57. https://giamusic.com/resource/chili-con-carne-ssatb-print-wrg1013
  58. https://giamusic.com/resource/words-print-wrg1012
  59. https://giamusic.com/resource/pass-me-the-jazz-vocal-score-print-wrg1019
  60. https://casa.org/1995-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  61. https://casa.org/1999-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  62. https://casa.org/2004-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  63. https://grammis.se/nominerade/oppen-kategori-2001/
  64. https://casa.org/2001-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  65. https://casa.org/2002-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  66. https://casa.org/2003-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  67. https://casa.org/2006-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
  68. https://casa.org/2010-contemporary-a-cappella-recording-awards-results/
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