Who are we?
Kipinät (Sparks) is a mixed rhythmic a cappella choir from Jyväskylä, Finland. The choir is composed of 45 singers and led by Kaisa Halmemies, who has a degree in innovative rhythmic choir leading (Master of Music) from the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus/Aalborg, Denmark.
Our specialty is an improvisation technique called Vocal Painting (created by Jim Daus Hjernøe), with which the conductor can play the choir like an instrument.
In June 2019, we attended the Tampere Vocal Music Festival and received three gold stamps, which is the highest possible recognition. Our conductor Kaisa Halmemies was also awarded a Conductor's Prize.
In May 2024, we attended the Aarhus Vocal Festival in Denmark. We were awarded the first prize in the choir competition and the award for the most innovative performance.
Recordings and music videos
We have published both original and cover songs and music videos.
Original songs:
- Poikkeustilassa by Kaisa Halmemies
- Hei, Joulumieli by Kaisa Halmemies
- Valoo ja voimaa by Kaisa Halmemies
Cover songs:
- Shallow by Lady Gaga, Andrew Wyatt, Anthony Rossomando and Mark Ronson
- You’re the Voice by Andy Qunta, Keith Reid, Maggie Ryder and Chris Thompson. This was a virtual co-operation with a German choir Sounding People.
Radio and other media performances
We have gained recognition in Finland with live radio performances on Radio Suomipop, in which we’ve surprised pop stars and other celebrities with a cappella versions of their own or favourite songs. Most recently, we surprised the Hanoi Rocks legend Michael Monroe with Kaisa Halmemies’ choir arrangement of the hit song Tragedy.
In 2021, we made our first television appearance on the talent show competition Finland's Got Talent and made it all the way to the semifinals.
Contact information
kipinatkuoro@gmail.com
Kaisa Halmemies, conductor
Hanna Männikkölahti, chairwoman of the Kipinät-kuoro registered association