Shanty Choir Concert at the Kulturskolen

Shantykoret Capstan is Denmark’s largest shanty choir, performing traditional shanties and sailors' songs. We are excited to present them to you during Esbjerg Festival.

The choir was founded on September 7, 1998, with 23 members under the auspices of the Fisheries and Maritime Museum – Esbjerg. Its purpose was to spread awareness of and preserve the working songs of the age of sailing ships for future generations.

It was at the initiative of the museum’s then-director, Morten Hahn Petersen, that the choir was launched, so to speak...

Today, the choir boasts 50 enthusiastic members who sing and play music. The choir's name, Capstan, comes from the shipboard winch used in the past for raising anchors and sails, as well as for loading and unloading cargo.

A "shantyman" would sing solo, while the crew joined in on the chorus to synchronize their efforts and maximize their collective muscle power for hauling and heaving.

Over the past nearly 25 years, Capstan has toured Danish and international harbor stages, entertaining audiences with shanties and sailors' songs.

With Capstan on stage, you are guaranteed top-class maritime entertainment.

See you at the concert at the Kulturskolen during Esbjerg Festival.