The Rilke Ensemble was formed in 1980 with the distinct purpose of establishing a forum for a sort of vocal symphonietta of individual choir song.
   The Rilke Ensemble tries to expand the concert formvocally and spatially, without setting boundaries. The voice of each individual and its personal features are allowed to come alive through the music, as in an instrumental symphonietta. The traditional concert form is broken down, to the benefit of contact with the listeners.
   The Rilke Ensemble collaborates, frequently and with pleasure, with instrumental musicians, actors and painters in their striving to find new ways of working.
   They also have close contact with composers who are asked to write new vocal music and test new forms as well. Many ofthe finest composers from mainly the Nordic nations have dedicated pieces to the Rilke Ensemble.
   The ensemble have taken their name from their work with a Swedish composer, Sven-Eric Johanson's choral symphony "Duino-elegi no 7" with text by Rainer Maria Rilke.

   Professor Gunnar Eriksson was trained at the Royal Music Academy in Stockholm, and is one of the most recognized pupils of the world famous choir leader and Polar Music Prize winner Professor Eric Ericson.
   Professor Gunnar Eriksson teaches choir and ensemble conducting at the State College of Music and the State Opera College at The University of Gothenburg.
   He spends most of his spare time travelling around the world conducting and teaching several generations of choirs and their leaders.
   Gunnar Eriksson is also the leader of The Gothenburg Chamber Choir, which has existed for over 25 years and recorded some 20 albums and made several tours around the world.