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The membership of Alsfelder Vokalensemble (Alsfeld Vocal Ensemble) (= AVE), founded by Wolfgang Helbich in 1971, is formed by female and male vocalists with choir experience. The purpose behind its founding thirty years ago was to try out a new form of musical preparation consisting of intensive work sessions over a number of days instead of regular rehearsals. This schedule allowed the recruitment of singers representing the best of their discipline from throughout Germany. Success soon followed, and the ensemble established a name for itself in the German choir world.
The preparation of demanding music from various epochs and the thorough study of the contents of the works rehearsed soon guaranteed performances of the highest artistic quality. Regular invitations for broadcasts and recordings have been received from radio corporations and recording companies since 1974. The ensemble has developed an extensive repertoire ranging over several centuries and a fine reputation with the public and the critics for its outstanding musical achievements. Unknown or forgotten works, many of them obtained from old manuscripts of European musical treasures by Wolfgang Helbich, have formed a special focus. Standard works of the repertoire, like oratorio and a cappella literature, are also performed.
Its LP and CD productions have been distinguished with the German Recording Prize and the German Record Critics Prize. The ensemble has also received prizes at international choir competitions, including the first prize at the 1987 International Radio Corporation Choir Competition, and they attest to the extraordinary quality of the choir. |
