In 1973 a group of singers in Oulu became interested in playing with various styles of music. This group decided to form a choir where anything would go as long as it was of high musical quality. Thus Kirjo choir was born. At its birth the choir contained singers who also enjoyed playing instruments, and so the name was soon changed to Laulu- ja Soitinryhmä Kirjoset. For the first twenty years of the choir’s life it was conducted by one of its founding members, Panu Vuori. Ahti Sepp succeeded him, and since 1996 Kari Veisterä has held the reigns.
The Folk music and works by Bellmann that were originally the repertoire of the group have been joined by pieces from films and musical, bits of light classical music, Negro spirituals and then jazz. As the choice of works leaned more and more heavily to jazz the choir was given the name KirjoSwing.
The choir has produced three of their own recordings as well as performing pieces by composers from Oulu for several collections. The choir has also participated in plays, musicals and operas put on by the theatre of Oulu since 1979.
In addition to annual concerts and other performances, the choir has successfully participated in national choral reviews and competitions. The choir has also gained performing experience and inspiring success on trips to Estonia, Germany, France, Turkey and Italy. Under the direction of Kari Veisterä, KirjoSwing continues to thrive as they work their way through the joys of good jazz.