An idea that endures: Hans-Hermann Rehberg on 15 years of SING!

What began as a pilot project is now a firmly established part of cultural education in Berlin: SING! is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Co‑founder Hans‑Hermann Rehberg, former director of the Rundfunkchor Berlin, looks back in conversation at the early days – and at an idea whose impact is still felt today.

How it all began

Visit of patron singer Wilfried Staufenbiel to a SING! choir class, 2011

During a six‑week production stay in France, the Rundfunkchor team lived together in one house and used the time to think intensively about the ensemble’s future. »We actually developed plans for the next 100 years. We knew that we wouldn’t be able to realise everything we discussed, but after rehearsals and performances we simply let our imagination run free.«

From these discussions a strong desire emerged: »We need to find a new way of bringing singing more deeply into the community.« This is how the idea of SING! came about – the Rundfunkchor Berlin’s education programme, which aims to bring singing back into everyday school life and to close the gap between early years music education and the often neglected singing in primary schools. Together with Simon Halsey, former principal conductor and now honorary conductor of the Rundfunkchor Berlin, Rehberg developed the concept, inspired by the British programme »Sing Up«.

The approach was as simple as it was effective: to bring singing to where children are – into the classrooms. And at the same time to lead children to where music can be experienced directly – onto the big stage.

Formats that move people

Liederbörse at the Philharmonie, 2023

SING! has a firm place in the so‑called Liederbörse, which takes place once a year for primary schools and once for secondary schools. By separating primary and secondary schools, each age group receives the form of communication and the programme that suits them best – because no one should be bored at the concerts, neither the younger nor the older pupils.

At the Liederbörse for primary schools, primary school choirs perform together with the Rundfunkchor Berlin on the stage of the Großer Saal of the Philharmonie. In addition to two SING! schools, around a dozen other Berlin primary school choirs take part every year. »It is also about creating a connection to stage culture, about inspiring and sparking curiosity. And about getting the kids to get their parents on board and bring them along.«

A strong network – then and now

Training course for teachers and educational staff, 2025

From the very beginning, SING! has relied on a strong network. Teachers, music schools and the Landesmusikakademie Berlin were deliberately involved. The goal was not only to carry out individual projects, but to create sustainable structures. »It was never meant to be a solo effort – we wanted a network.«

Especially at a time when music lessons are under pressure in many places, the project gains additional significance. »SING! plays an essential role in cultural education,« says Rehberg.

The figures demonstrate the lasting success of SING!: 38 schools have taken part so far, and every year between 600 and 800 children sing in SING! choirs. Around 70 educators receive regular training so that they can integrate singing into lessons in a qualified way.

The anniversary is also an opportunity to look ahead. After 15 years of SING! and 100 years of Rundfunkchor Berlin, the aim is to carry forward and expand what has been achieved. Rehberg’s wish: »That the project stays alive, continues to develop – and that the spark catches.« A model that radiates outwards and inspires other cultural institutions to follow the path.