Recognized worldwide for a cappella jazz music, The Real Group members are bringing their voices to the Fort Worth stage for the first time. 

Currently on a short tour of the United States, the jazz, pop and Nordic European a cappella quintet will be singing at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 in the Ed Landreth Auditorium for their final stop in the tour.

The Real Group is made up of Emma Nilsdotter, Katarina Henryson, Anders Edenroth, Morten Vinther and Anders Jalkéus.

“Our goal is to bring a cappella to the world and inspire our audience by communicating good through the best tool there is: music,” said Katarina Henryson, a founding member of the musical group. 

The Real Group began performing around the world in 1989 and has since produced 17 albums. The group, which performs more than 60 concerts a year, was featured in the opening ceremonies at the International Federation of Association Football World Cup in 2002. 

“The Real Group is one of the best vocal jazz groups in the world and was one of the first groups to start a vocal jazz ensemble,” said Libby Taussig, a junior music education major.

The vocal jazz group at TCU, Purple, White and Blues, has the opportunity to work with The Real Group before the concert next weekend. 

It is incredible that the students get to have the experience of hearing a group of such high caliber live, said Amy Pummill Stewart, instructor in choral music and music theory and director of TCU’s jazz ensemble. 

“The Real Group worked really hard to get where they are and I hope it will encourage my students to continue in the world and grow as musicians,” Stewart said. 

Sterling Horning, a sophomore vocal performance major, said he hopes to perform professionally and is looking forward to working with successful musicians.

Rachel Jones, a junior church-music major, echoes Horning and is looking forward to having their knowledge passed down to her through music.

“Learning about jazz and having role models like The Real Group makes me want to pursue a masters in jazz,” Jones said. 

Henryson said positive reinforcement is one of the things The Real Group members talk about when they meet young singers.

“We want to create an environment for these students where they feel safe and appreciated when they sing,” she said. “It does wonders for your voice and for the music.” 

Dennis Shrock, the director of choral activities, said he wants to see students of all areas of study at the concert. 

“I would say that for those who are coming, they are in for an extremely enriching experience,” he said. “This is it at its best. It will be educational experience and those that come are going to go away feeling better.”

Daniel Naumann, a sophomore mathematics major, said he hopes to gain a deeper appreciation for music and open his mind to the world of jazz.

Tickets are free with a TCU ID and can be reserved through email to [email protected]. All other tickets are $15 and can be purchased at The Real Group. 

“When will anyone get the chance to see one of the best a cappella groups in the world again?” Naumann said.