General
That Was Our Anniversary Season 2024/25!
100 years of Rundfunkchor Berlin – and what a season it was! Under the motto »Say it with flowers«, we embarked on an exciting, moving and rewarding anniversary year. Together with you – our loyal audience – we celebrated a choir with a remarkable history, the captivating world of choral music, and the people who make the Rundfunkchor Berlin so unique. Here, we look back on some of the season’s most memorable highlights.
4× Anniversary
We marked our centenary with four extraordinary concerts under the direction of our chief conductor Gijs Leenaars:
– »Chor der Zukunft« explored the question of what the choir of the future might sound like.
– »Chor im Wandel der Zeit« reflected on our rich history and evolving repertoire.
– »Flying Mozart« reimagined Mozart’s Requiem in collaboration with the urban dance group Flying Steps.
– »The Art of Choral Music« celebrated the power of choral singing in a magnificent finale with the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin.
Surrounding the concerts were talks, exhibitions on the choir’s history, interactive photo and video booths, a panel discussion on the future of choral music, a screening of our internationally acclaimed »human requiem« – and much more. Take a look at some impressions from the celebrations!
Gallery
© Marlene Pfau
© Marlene Pfau
100 Jahre Rundfunkchor: Rundfunkchor Berlin x Flying Steps. Probenfotos.
© Lovis Dengler Ostenrik
Alisha Kobyliak verkörpert
Projektmanagement “Flying Mozart” © Fotobox
Curious about what it took behind the scenes? Project manager Vivian Keischgens shares her insights in this interview.
»Choir of the Future« Ideas Competition
To celebrate our centenary, we launched a public call for visionary concert formats that promote social inclusion, offer fresh perspectives on classical music, and rethink concert culture for the future.
At our final concert »The Art of Choral Music«, the winning idea was presented: »We’re Not Going Anywhere – Queer Resilience« by Tillmann Triest, a concept for a participatory concert that will be realised in the 2026/27 season. Two additional prizes were also awarded – learn more here!
Good News for Our SING! Initiative
After being threatened by budget cuts earlier in the season, our beloved SING! programme has been saved thanks to a joint effort: since 1 May 2025, it is supported by the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion as well as the Ernsting Kunst- & Kulturstiftung. Their generous funding ensures that numerous children and teachers can continue to experience the joy of singing.
At this year’s Song Exchange, we were thrilled to see many SING! choirs performing alongside school choirs from across Berlin!
Gallery
©Peter Adamik
A Sing-Along for the Ages
Naturally, our legendary Sing-Along Concert was a centrepiece of the anniversary season! Together with 1,300 enthusiastic singers, the Rundfunkchor Berlin and Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin performed Brahms’ »Ein deutsches Requiem« under the baton of Simon Halsey – a truly electrifying experience in the Berlin Philharmonie.
This year also featured a special premiere: the Rundfunkchor invited three Berlin-based guest choirs to join the stage – the Berliner Ensemble für klassische türkische Musik, the Begegnungschor, and the jazz-pop choir zimmmt. Each brought their own musical tradition and perspective into the shared experience.
Gallery
Thank You – and See You Next Season!
We are deeply grateful to our loyal audience, fellow singers, partners, friends and sponsors for making this anniversary season so unforgettable. After a well-earned summer break, we look forward to welcoming you back for a fresh and exciting 2025/26 season – full of musical highlights and new encounters at venues across Berlin.
