Spira Ensemble is an ambitious chamber choir founded in 2013 and an award-winning ambassador of vocal music. The ensemble aims to be a progressive force in the Finnish choral field and frequently performs abroad. Most of its singers have a background in Helsinki-based student choirs, and many have also studied at music institutes.

The choir’s repertoire focuses primarily on classical choral music and contemporary works. Spira Ensemble achieved success at the Tampere Vocal Music Festival choir review in June 2015, where it received three gold stamps as well as the highest possible recognition, the Grand Prix award. The ensemble was particularly praised for its musically strong interpretation and its refined and balanced choral sound.

At the International Harald Andersén Chamber Choir Competition in 2016, Spira Ensemble received the Yle Prize, awarded to the best-performing Finnish choir in the competition. In spring 2019, the choir won first prize in the contemporary music category and third prize in the mixed choir category at the prestigious International Choir Festival Tallinn competition. The ensemble also performed as part of a large choir at the Helsinki Festival in 2018 and 2019, presenting Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 and Arnold Schoenberg’s monumental work Gurrelieder.

Since September 2023, Spira Ensemble’s Artistic Director has been Esko Kallio.