Founded: 1947 - Vienna, Austria

Wiener Kammerchor means having a solid foundation: ever since the choir was founded in 1947, it has been building a strong musical tradition. But Wiener Kammerchor also means rising to a challenging occasion: with works that others would turn down just upon hearing the name (for example, Anders Hillborg’s ‘muóodeyiyouosum’, which not even the computer is able to write correctly).

Wiener Kammerchor means being prepared to take risks: it takes giving one’s all to achieve musical perfection and precision in both rehearsals and performances. But Wiener Kammerchor also means winning: prizes at prestigious competitions such as the finale of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) contest in 1999.

Wiener Kammerchor means having a fixed place on the Austrian cultural scene: whether at ‘Wien Modern’, the ‘Brucknerfest’ in Linz or ‘Klangbogen’, the ensemble is at home at many festivals. But Wiener Kammerchor also means being away from home: touring from Japan to Greece and from Hong Kong to Spain.

Wiener Kammerchor means being on familiar terms with great artists: such as Paul Hindemith, who once proudly announced, ‘I’ve written a mass for you!’ But Wiener Kammerchor also means taking an interest in small treasures: these vocalists are constantly discovering the kind of gems that make your eyes (and ears) pop out of your head.

Wiener Kammerchor means being the experienced partner of great orchestras: Il Giardino Armonico and the Vienna Symphony demand total commitment. But Wiener Kammerchor also means not taking everything with deadly seriousness: things start swinging when these seasoned veterans and young warriors give free rein to their thirst for experimentation.

Wiener Kammerchor means keeping a cool head in even the most difficult situation: it is a quality that is appreciated by star conductors such as Thomas Hengelbrock and Georges Prêtre. But Wiener Kammerchor also means burning with inward fire: and giving performances that send showers of sparks across the audience. The Wiener Kammerchor sings works from the Renaissance to the present.

* According to ‘The Guide to Long Playing Records - Vocal Music’ by Philip L. Miller (Alfred a. Knopf, New-York, 1955) ‘Wiener Kammerchor’, ‘Wiener Akademie Kammerchor’ & ‘Vienna Chamber Choir’ are actually synonyms of of the same Viennese choir.

Source: Wiener Kammerchor Website (June 2001)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2001)

Ferdinand Grossmann: Short Biography | Wiener Akademie Kammerchor | Recordings

Hermann Scherchen: Short Biography | Wiener Akademie Kammerchor | Vienna State Opera Orchestra
Recordings of Vocal Works: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Recordings of Non-Vocal Works | General Discussions
Individual Recordings: BWV 232 - Scherchen | BWV 244 - Scherchen | Review Scherchen AoF

Jonathan Sternberg: Short Biography | Wiener Kammerchor | Wiener Symphoniker | Recordings

Hans Swarowsky: Short Biography | Wiener Akademie Kammerchor | Wiener Sängerknaben | Recordings

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Michael Gielen

Choir

BWV 63, BWV 122, BWV 133

Felix Prohaska

Choir

BWV 31

Mogens Wöldike

Choir

BWV 12, BWV 29, BWV 244

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