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Rundfunkchor Berlin on Herbert Grönemeyer’s Album »Unplugged 2 • Von allem anders«
When Herbert Grönemeyer reinvents his most iconic songs, Rundfunkchor Berlin is part of the journey. On his new album Unplugged 2 • Von allem anders, released on 17 October 2025 by Universal Music, the choir can be heard on eight tracks, including classics such as »Der Weg«, »Flugzeuge im Bauch« and»Zeit, dass sich was dreht«. Together, Grönemeyer, his band and the choir transport these familiar songs into entirely new musical dimensions.
Recording at the Haus des Rundfunks
The choral recordings took place in 2024 at the historic Haus des Rundfunks in Berlin-Westend. Over several sessions in the Großer Sendesaal, and under the direction of Chief Conductor Gijs Leenaars, the choir worked closely with Herbert Grönemeyer. With choral arrangements by Philip Mayers and Alfred Kritzer, the music was opened up into new and multifaceted spaces – ranging from sacred-sounding a cappella passages to dense, powerful rhythmic textures.
Looking back on the collaboration, Grönemeyer says: “It was a great gift and joy to record and collaborate with the Rundfunkchor Berlin. […] A wonderful musical and human journey and experience, for which I am very, very grateful.”
For the choir, the project was equally inspiring: “The combination of a classical choir and an acoustic band was new territory for both sides,” recalls Gijs Leenaars. “We experimented a lot, constantly changing and refining things – it was a highly creative and inspiring partnership.”
From Studio to Stage
The journey didn’t stop in the studio. In September 2025, 20 members of the Rundfunkchor Berlin joined Grönemeyer live on stage for his »Mittendrin Akustisch« tour, performing at seven sold-out concerts in Dortmund and Berlin. The collaboration created a powerful, equal partnership – to the delight of audiences and performers alike.
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Pushing Boundaries, Embracing New Paths
The partnership with Grönemeyer perfectly reflects Rundfunkchor Berlin’s artistic vision. “Since our first staged production in 2005, we have consistently embraced openness, curiosity and a willingness to explore new directions in choral music,” says Rachel-Sophia Dries, Director of Rundfunkchor Berlin. “Grönemeyer’s music is honest, direct and profoundly human – qualities that resonate deeply with what we aim to achieve through our art.”
