News

Large collection of psalmodikon letters documented

Four hundred letters from psalmodikon players are preserved at the Institute for Folk and Language Memories' archive in Uppsala. The letters belong to the collection left behind by the researcher Karl Gösta Gilstring (1915–1986). In order to make these letters accessible, the Nordic Psalmodikon Association has now initiated a digitization of the letters.

Psalmodik Sunday was celebrated throughout the country.

For the first time, the day of the psalmodikon was celebrated on February 8. This was done both with participation in worship services and a playing course.

CHRONICLE: Proud psalmodikonist

For the first time, we are celebrating Psalmody Day today, February 8th. Why is that, you might wonder? We have so many other days, so why a Psalmody Day as well? Is it really necessary? Michael Andersson from the Nordic Psalmody Association shares his thoughts on the past, present, and future of the psalmody in a column.

Psalmodikondagen firas 8 februari

Det anrika svenska 1800-talsinstrumentet psalmodikon får en egen dag! Dagen är instiftad av Nordiska psalmodikonförbundet för att synliggöra dess historia och markera dess plats som svenskt immateriellt kulturarv.

Psalmodikonstämma i Hallaryd

Spelgruppen Psalmodikonisterna i Hallaryd bjuder in till psalmodikonstämma i Hallaryd 9–10 maj 2026.

Seeking psalmodikon: "People need to go up to attics and barn lofts and start searching"

In an interview with Ölandsbladet, Michael Andersson from the Nordic Psalmodikon Association states that they now want to inventory how many psalmodikons remain in Sweden.

In Finnish Pargas, Lena plays the psalmodikon

In the small archipelago municipality of Pargas, south of Turku in Finland, there is a local heritage museum run by the Pargas Local Heritage Association. They have six psalmodikons ("virsikannel" in Finnish) in their collections, all of which have been found on farms around Pargas and have since been donated to the museum. In connection with a project around the year 2018, the psalmodikon was particularly highlighted.

Visit to Skellefteå Museum

At Skellefteå Museum, they have nine psalmodikons in their collection, all of which look different. In 2026, they will have a music theme and therefore wanted to know more. Michael Andersson from the Nordic Psalmodikon Association went there.

Lyckat årsmöte i Bokenäs 2025

En trevlig helg med gemenskap, förhandlingar och musik. Under mötet diskuterade vi bland annat hur vi ska uppmärksamma förbundets 40-årsjubileum 2026. Vår värd Rikard Sigvardsson bjöd på god förplägnad och tog dessutom med oss på en uppskattad rundtur kring Gullmarsfjorden. På kvällen spelade vi vid kvällsandakten i Bokenäs gamla kyrka, vilket blev en fin avslutning på dagen.

Kungsholmen Church Sunday, September 14.

A String participated in a music service at Kungsholms Church. Almost full with over 200 visitors. After the service, we played in the parish hall during the church coffee for...

Workshop in Södertälje

The Nordic Psalmodikon Association organized a psalmodikon workshop on August 30 in Södertälje, in connection with the folk music gathering at Torekällberget. Under the guidance of Benn Roos, participants had the opportunity to explore this historical string instrument.

Annual Meeting in Bokenäs September 5-7, 2025

The annual meeting in Bokenäs from September 5-7, 2025, gathers participants for accommodation, meeting negotiations, and musical performances at Bokenäs parish hall and the Old Bokenäs Church. The association's repertoire for the evening devotion includes hymns such as "The Whole World Rejoices in the Lord" and "Day by Day." Participation is possible both physically and digitally.

The Swedish Performing Arts Agency and the Music and Theatre Library

The Swedish Performing Arts Agency and the Centre for Swedish Folk Music and Jazz Research have expressed interest in expanding their archive with material related to church music history and the psalmodikon. They encourage the public to contribute posters, setlists, and other relevant documentation of performances and activities.

Winter Sports Break with Psalmodikon at Torekällberget

Playing the psalmodikon and hearing the history behind the instrument was a popular feature at Torekällberget during the winter break. Young children with their parents and grandparents sang along to...

Folk Music Festival in Stjärnsund - August 2024

On August 3, 2024, the Stora Skedvi psalmodikon group participated in the folk music festival in Stjärnsund. The group, formed in 2012, consists of four members who play four-part harmonies with the psalmodikon, a traditional Swedish string instrument from the 19th century.

Welcome to the annual meeting!

Welcome to the annual meeting! Date: August 31–September 1, 2024 Location: Sensus premises in Medborgarhuset, Medborgarplatsen, Stockholm August 31 11:30 Gathering with light refreshments. 12:30 Anders Dillmar, church musician, talks...

Summer Café in Ölmstad Church

On July 4th at 3:00 PM, the Väderstad Group played in Ölmstad Church. The performance was organized by the Ölmstad Local Heritage Association. The Väderstad Group had the opportunity to...

Älmeboda Church - Korrö Festival 2024

The Nordic Psalmodikon Association participated in the folk music service at Älmeboda Church last Sunday. Together with Folke Dahlgren & Bruno Andersen, Tania Wayra & Cesar Salazar, and Slaka Ballad...

Kvarnen - Korröfestivalen 2024

The Nordic Psalmodikon Association participated in the Korrö Festival, a music festival held in Korrö, southern Småland. The festival celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. 😊🎶 The performance took place...

Korrö Festival 2024

On Saturday, July 27, the Nordic Psalmodikon Association will participate in the Korrö Festival! Feel free to come and listen to us! We will be playing at 4:30 PM in...

Summer Music on the Psalmodikon in Sya Church

In Sya Church, an enchanting summer concert awaits where the sweet tones of the psalmodikon fill the air. Together with the Väderstad group, psalmodikon players from Väderstad, you are invited...

Successful concert in Sya Church

The Väderstad Group performed a summer concert in Sya Church outside Mantorp. The approximately 40 listeners were very pleased with the concert, and almost everyone came forward to try the...

National Day Performance June 6, 2024!

At Torekällberget in Södertälje, the national day was celebrated with over 3,700 visitors. Tommy Karlsson and I were stationed at Råbygården, where we played and talked about the psalmodikon. Over...

Psalmodika, June 2024

The new issue of Psalmodika has arrived! Lots of exciting reading, such as the psalmodikon cello and weaving hymns. Don't forget to register for the annual meeting!

100th anniversary celebrated in Unnaryd! First play in a hundred years - psalmodikon in BoMu

Sunday, May 26 at 14:00, the Nordic Psamodikon Association presents a historical concert from the heyday of bonad painting. Among ancient paintings on the archive's concrete walls, the sounds of...

Concert at Lädja Mission House, May 25, 2024

The Nordic Psalmodikon Association held a historic concert at Lädja Mission House on May 25th at 4:00 PM. The concert was sold out and offered music with the sounds of...

Early Summer Concert - songs and hymns with older instruments

On May 25 at 4 PM, an early summer concert will be held at Lädja mission house where hymns and songs will be performed on older instruments such as the psalmodikon, nyckelharpa, and pump organ. Musicians from the Nordic Psalmodikon Association will participate alongside local folk musicians and singer Alva Carlsson Skarp. The event is organized by the Berg Local Heritage Association and Music in Berg, with an entrance fee of 50 SEK per person including refreshments, while children up to 18 years old enter for free.

Music in Lädja Mission House May 25 at 4:00 PM

On May 25 at 4:00 PM, a pre-summer concert will be held at Lädja mission house where hymns, chorales, and songs will be performed on older instruments such as the psalmodikon, nyckelharpa, and pump organ. The event, organized in collaboration with Berg's local heritage association and Music in Berg, includes musicians from various psalmodikon groups in southern Sweden as well as local artists. The entrance fee is 50 kronor and includes refreshments as well as the opportunity to try out the instruments.

A String Played on Långbroberg

On Wednesday, April 24, the Stockholm psalmodikon group, En Sträng, visited Långbroberg's Lifestyle Residence where they performed music and informed about the historical significance of the psalmodikon for about twenty listeners. The event generated great interest and led to an interactive session where participants had the opportunity to try the instrument themselves.

Psalmodikon receives attention in newspapers, 2023

How delightful that the instrument psalmodikon is being highlighted in two newspapers. Spelfoten 2023, no. 4 and Sverige Kuriren 2023, no. 3.

Psalmodika, Dec 2023

The new issue of Psalmodika is now on its way to our members.

A String played for members of the Stockholm Schools Veterans Association, November 9, 2023

When En Sträng took the stage at Tanto Seniorlokus on November 9 to perform for the Stockholm Schools Veterans Association, they were met by a curious audience of former teachers. With the nostalgic tones of the psalmodikon, they offered a musical journey through time that sparked both questions and sing-alongs.

Folk Music Service in Bergs Church, September 2023

On September 24th, Berg Parish, in collaboration with Berg Local Heritage Association, hosted a Folk Music Service at Berg Church outside Lammhult. Members of the Nordic Psalmodikon Association, Vidar Lundbeck...

A String at the Granby Heritage Farm in Rånäs with the Fasterna Local Heritage Association

In the heart of Roslagen, at the Granby heritage farm in Rånäs, the air vibrated with tones from the historic psalmodikon as En Sträng invited guests to an unforgettable evening. The ceiling height was challenged by song and play while curious visitors had the chance to discover this unique instrument. What happened when music history met the present? Read on to dive into this musical journey through time!

Playlist for the annual meeting in Rättvik 2023

Join us in Rättvik 2023 where the rich history of church music is brought to life through a playlist that unites classic hymns and folk melodies. With tones from the psalmodikon and beloved pieces like "Din klara sol går åter opp" and "Visa från Utanmyra," we are offered a musical experience that spans time and tradition.

Annual Meeting in Rättvik, September 8-10, 2023

The association has reserved a number of rooms at Hotel Rättvik, which is centrally located by the railway station. Phone 0248-132 40. Mention the Nordic Psalmodikon Association when booking. Notify...

Spelmansbyk June 17, 2023!

On Saturday, June 17, En Sträng was invited to play at a "spelmansbyk" at the Hagalund Laundry Museum by Lake Alby in Vårby outside Stockholm. Here, a family ran a...

19th Century in Södertälje June 16-18, 2023

Join a journey through time to 19th-century Södertälje where the sound of the psalmodikon is revived at the open-air museum Torekällberget. With opera singing, dance, and period costumes, history comes to life while visitors get the chance to try this unique instrument themselves.

Kilenstugan, June 11, 2023

At the venerable Kilenstugan in Vreta Kloster, the Väderstad group experienced a windy but magical musical performance on June 11, where the unique tones of the psalmodikon echoed through history. Join us as we explore how this 19th-century instrument revives musical traditions and allows contemporary audiences to experience its fascinating sound!

Psalmodika June 2023

A morning in May in Hallaryd, May 24, 2023

When P4 Kronoberg broadcasted live from Hallaryd, Vidar Lundbeck's psalmodikon and violin filled the airwaves with tunes from the 1800s. Join us on a journey back in time where an almost forgotten instrument regains its glory.

About Torekällberget, May 10, 2023

On May 10, 2023, when the open-air museum Torekällberget in Södertälje was transformed into a musical time machine, preschool children got to discover the fascinating psalmodikon. Despite a shy start, their faces soon lit up with joy as they themselves created music with this historical instrument.

About the concert in Tunaberg Church, May 7, 2023

Under the radiant May sun in Tunaberg Church, a unique psalmodikon from 1849 was brought to life by Kalle Ohlsson, leading to an unforgettable day filled with music and history. Let yourself be swept away by the story of how a forgotten instrument united music groups and the congregation to celebrate a rich cultural heritage.