WITH NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GERMANY FOR BEETHOVEN ANNIVERSARY YEAR TOUR
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WORLD YOUTH CHOIR PARTNERS
IFCM NEWS
WITH NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
OF GERMANY FOR BEETHOVEN
ANNIVERSARY YEAR TOUR
KI ADAMS
World Youth Choir Foundation President
IN THE SUMMER OF 2020, THE WORLD YOUTH CHOIR WILL PRESENT A UNIQUE SESSION AS PART OF THE
BEETHOVEN ANNIVERSARY YEAR (BTHVN2020) FESTIVITIES CELEBRATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE COMPOSER’S BIRTH. PARTNERING WITH THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GERMANY
(BUNDESJUGENDORCHESTER), THE WORLD YOUTH CHOIR WILL PERFORM CONCERTS IN GERMANY,
THE NETHERLANDS, ITALY, AUSTRIA AND RUSSIA.
The programme will include two major works: Beethoven’s Symphony No. to create outstanding choral
9 and Chinese contemporary composer Tan Dun’s Nine, a choral/orchestral singing, while at the same time
work commissioned for the National Youth Orchestra of Germany to transcending borders and building
complement Beethoven’s ‘choral’ symphony. cultural understandings. Working
Founded in 1989, the World Youth Choir exists to provide opportunities with renowned conductors from
for highly skilled young singers from around the world to unite their voices countries with diverse, distinctive
The World Youth Choir singers in traditional clothing, showcasing the cultural richness of their 29 different
countries of origin in front of the beautiful Abbaye de Sylvanès (Sylvanès, July 28, 2019)
46
choral traditions, each year 60-90 Based in Bonn, the National Youth Orchestra of Germany (BJO) is
singers (ages 17-26) prepare and Germany’s youngest major orchestra. Founded by the German Music
perform a wide range of challenging Council (Deutscher Musikrat) in 1969, the BJO is composed of the country’s
choral repertoire representing finest young musicians between the ages of 14 and 19. In addition to Sir
a colourful spectrum of global Simon Rattle, BJO Conductor of Honour since 2018, the orchestra has been
styles, genres and traditions. directed by renowned conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Kurt Masur,
This distinctive global ensemble Gustavo Dudamel and Kirill Petrenko. In 2013 the Berlin Philharmonic
is made possible through its Orchestra assumed the role of patron orchestra to the BJO and mentors it
founders and patrons: European through joint rehearsals, masterclasses and concerts.
Choral Association – Europa Cantat
(ECA-EC), International Federation A DEFINING EXPERIENCE
for Choral Music (IFCM), and Both the World Youth Choir and the National Youth Orchestra of Germany
Jeunesses Musicales International prepare challenging works from all historical periods during intensive
(JMI). rehearsal sessions. Contemporary music and premieres of new works are
Since its inaugural session in 1989, essential components of both ensembles’ repertoires. Preparing these
the World Youth Choir has engaged programmes, interacting musically with outstanding international conductors
over 1100 singers from more and working as a team with other talented and like-minded young singers/
than 75 countries in 35 sessions instrumentalists are defining experiences for these developing musicians at
with 47 world-class conductors. both a musical and a human level.
Throughout this 31-year history,
rarely has the World Youth Choir COMMON GOALS
had the opportunity to perform Both ensembles recognise and value the fact that participation in each
with an orchestra, making this ensemble is an important step on the path to a professional career. The
special BTHVN2020 collaboration stated goals for both organisations include the development of outstanding
with the National Youth Orchestra musicians who will become cultural and social leaders of future generations.
of Germany especially innovative
and exciting.
Singing in the chapel of Palacete dos Condes de Monte Real during the World Youth Choir 30th
Anniversary reception (Lisbon, July 31, 2019)
47
IFCM NEWS
As an orchestra for young people, the • 08 August - Concert in Bonn, Germany (BTHVN2020),
Bundesjugendorchester is a model for continually conducted by Tan Dun
changing expectations, standards, mentalities, • 09 August - Concert in Berlin, Germany (Young Euro
identities, values and goals. These changes are part of a Classic Festival), conducted by Tan Dun
larger context of social transformation that has led to a • 10 August - Concert in Einbeck, Germany (Fredener
re-evaluation of many cultural values and institutions. We Musiktage), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk Andresen
therefore see the National Youth Orchestra of Germany • 11 August - Concert in Lübeck, Germany (Schleswig-
as an example of a primarily collective encounter with Holstein Musik Festival), conducted by Tan Dun
music, one that enables and encourages not only • 13 August - Concert in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
individual growth and confidence, but an expansion of (BankGiro Loterij SummerConcerts), conducted by
artistic and societal horizons as well. Tan Dun
• 14 August - Concert in Wiesbaden, Germany
Participation in the World Youth Choir has the potential (Rheingau Musik Festival), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk
to transform lives and, in turn, the global community Andresen
as singers build relationships with peers from different • 15 August - Concert in Weikersheim, Germany
countries and continents, develop the choir’s own (TauberPhilharmonie), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk
unique choral sound and become a vibrant community Andresen
of change agents. Through social activities and • 16 August - Concert in Kassel, Germany (Musiksommer
interaction, sectional rehearsals, cultural excursions Nordhessen), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk Andresen
and mentorship programmes, the time spent together • 18 August - Concert in Sterzing/Vipiteno, Italy (Brixner
becomes one of deep personal and professional/artistic Initiative Musik & Kirche), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk
development. Andresen
• 19 August - Concert in Vienna, Austria (Deutscher
COLLABORATION AND COMMUNITY Musikrat), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk Andresen
There is no better way to celebrate the anniversary • 20 August - Concert in Moscow, Russia (Moscow
year of Beethoven’s birth than to bring together these Philharmonic Society), conducted by Jörn Hinnerk
two outstanding ensembles. Creating a microcosm of Andresen
modern society, the BTHVN2020 session will provide
a space in which young people can experience for CONDUCTORS
themselves the particular value in embracing diversity, Tan Dun, world-renowned artist and UNESCO Global
building community and working collaboratively to Goodwill Ambassador, was born in the Hunan province
realise a collective goal. The rehearsal session and of China and studied at the Central Conservatory
concert tour will provide a learning environment and of Music in Beijing. He later moved to New York as a
a shared life-changing experience in which deeper doctoral student at Columbia University. He has made
cultural understandings can be explored, musical skills an indelible mark on the world’s music scene with a
can be refined and personal lives can be transformed. creative repertoire that spans the boundaries of classical
music, multimedia performance and Eastern and
REHEARSAL SESSION AND CONCERT TOUR Western traditions. A winner of today’s most prestigious
The rehearsal session will take place in Bonn from 30 honours, including the Grammy Award, Oscar/Academy
July to 7 August, when the choir and orchestra will have Award, Grawemeyer Award, Bach Prize, Shostakovich
time to work on the concert repertoire both separately Award, and most recently Italy’s Golden Lion Award
and as a combined ensemble. During this week the for Lifetime Achievement, His music has been played
young people will have the opportunity not only to around the world by leading orchestras, opera houses,
make music together but also to get to know their international festivals, and on radio and television.
fellow musicians from other countries and explore the As a conductor of innovative programmes around the
impact of international collaborative projects on their world, he has led some of the world’s most esteemed
professional development. orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw
Following the rehearsal session, the World Youth Choir Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia
and the National Youth Orchestra of Germany will Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Royal
embark on an exciting international tour of concerts Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Los Angeles
from 8-20 August 2020. Performing eleven concerts in Philharmonic, Orchestre National de France, BBC
five different countries, the ensemble will be conducted Symphony Orchestra, Filarmonica della Scala, Münchner
by Tan Dun and Jörn Hinnerk Andresen. Tan Dun’s work Philharmoniker, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di
Nine is a joint commission by BTHVN2020, the Royal Santa Cecilia and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Most
Philharmonic Society in London and the Melbourne recently, he was appointed Dean of the Bard College
Symphony Orchestra. Conservatory of Music in New York.
48
Singers exchange traditional clothing in the backstage of Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
(Lisbon, July 31, 2019)
49
IFCM NEWS
Jörn Hinnerk Andresen was born been a lecturer at the Universities with professional musicians
in the Schleswig-Holstein region of Music in Cologne and Dresden and all the associated benefits
of northern Germany and studied and a mentor of the German Music and challenges (musical,
conducting, piano and harpsichord Council in the Choral Conductors personal and psychological).
in Dresden and Amsterdam. In Forum, he now holds the Chair The opportunity to go on a
addition to conducting over sixty of Choral Conducting at the trip with almost 200 young,
operas, operettas and musicals, he Mozarteum Salzburg for the winter talented, motivated players
has performed a wide repertoire semester 2019/20. and singers and to explore
of Baroque music with the the prodigious works of two
Cappella Confluentes Baroque This is Jörn Hinnerk Andresen’s geniuses separated only by
orchestra, where he is the founding first experience with the World two centuries is something I
conductor. Working regularly with Youth Choir. Here are some of his am really looking forward to.
the choir of the Vienna State Opera thoughts about the project: What a great way to spend the
at the Salzburg Festival, he has When I was asked by the summer!
frequently been invited to conduct board of the World Youth
the radio choirs of several German Choir Foundation to conduct, REFLECTIONS FROM THE JURY
broadcasting stations, Danish radio together with famous MEMBERS
and Radio France. Since February Chinese composer Tan Dun, Chosen anew each year through
2015 he has been the choral director a spectacular tour with a process of national and online
of the Saxon State Opera Choir in Beethoven’s Ninth plus a world auditions, singers are selected by an
Dresden. He is closely associated premiere of a work by Tan international jury whose mandate
with ensembles such as Lautten Dun, I was thrilled to be part is to include singers from as many
Compagney Berlin, Staatskapelle of such a significant project. countries from the six continents
Halle, Vokal Nord Tromsø, the choir It also promised a lot of fun! as possible, balancing diversity and
of the Munich State Opera and So far, most of my career has global representation with artistic
the Batzdorfer Hofkapelle. Having involved working and dealing quality. The 2020 jury consisted of
Spontaneous performances during the World Youth Choir 30th Anniversary reception at
Palacete dos Condes de Monte Real (Lisbon, July 31, 2019)
50
Jörn Hinnerk Andresen (chair) and of her/his part from Beethoven heard next to a German bass
a jury representative from each Ninth, some examples of her/ or a Ghanaian countertenor?
of the three World Youth Choir his voice range and a tricky bit Despite all the differences and
Foundation patron organisations: of sight-reading. And this was all the apocalyptic predictions
Daniel Mestre, representing of probably the most touching pouring from the media and
the European Choral Association thing for me in a long time. You news every day, we were
– Europa Cantat; Cristian Grases, would listen to Beethoven’s overwhelmed by the deep
representing the International first choral line sung a cappella torrent connecting so many
Federation for Choral Music; and or with a synthesizer, with really young people all over the
Géraldine Toutain, representing beginner-style piano playing to world, music being the one
Jeunesses Musicales International. veritable piano concerti in the single messenger of love, hope
Each jury member brought their accompaniment, some very and a bright future.
personal perspective to the slow and some at breakneck
process. Here is a glimpse into the speed, some with crystal clear The rest really was just
experience for each jury member. HiFi sound and some barely weighing up various social,
audible as played from an old musical and organisational
My first encounter – Jörn transistor radio. The range was questions. Would the applicants
Hinnerk Andresen (conductor and stunning, and yet they were all get their visa in time? Given
jury chair) united in the desire to make a tour of eleven concerts in
From the many, many music as friends, without thirteen days, would the voices
applications for the WYC, consideration of borders, races, be stable and trained enough
recruiters literally all over the genders or social differences. to cope with such a strenuous
world selected 213 singers who Who would imagine that schedule? Which voices would
were then presented to our Malaysia was so far away and blend or stick out? Do we have
little jury of four. Every singer yet so close, that singers from a diverse enough mixture?
submitted an aria, an excerpt Iran and Myanmar would be After all, we were looking
After the concert, the WYC singers bond over dinner together and listen to piano
improvisation by fellow singer Guilherme de Almeida (Brazil)
51
IFCM NEWS
both for enough power for all in itself, but working with difficult and intense experience
the boisterous, testosterone- Tan Dun on his new creation, with such high-quality and
loaded explosions of the “Ode conducting his masterpiece talented musicians. It was a
an die Freude” and for a nice especially commissioned for challenge to put together a
homogenous blend for the our World Youth Choir, and well-balanced and powerful
delicate harmonies Tan Dun learning from all the young choir, but I’m very happy that
has given us. singers is something life rarely my colleagues all went in the
gives you. I am really grateful same direction as I did; it was
We were sad for every for the opportunity! easier than expected. I’m really
candidate we could not proud to have helped ‘create’
consider and happy for every Giving back – Daniel Mestre such an incredible and unique
singer we could invite! (WYC alumnus and representing instrument and to have given
ECA-EC) back a small part of everything
In the end, after two days of For me it was a very exciting the WYC has given to me – it’s
intensive listening we felt we experience to be a jury invaluable! I’m excited to meet
had found a good mixture, member for this WYC 2020 the singers during the summer
taking as many nationalities as session! As a former member in some of the concerts of this
possible as well as creating a of the WYC (1993-96), to be special tour and to put faces
nice blend of singers. This will on the other side of the panel to all these wonderful voices!
be a great choir! was very interesting. Listening I’m absolutely convinced that
to several hundred audition all 89 of these talented young
It is still five months until we recordings, I could imagine singers will never forget this
start, and I just can’t wait to get myself 27 years ago nervously amazing experience. I would
going. Naturally, performing singing “Rondo Lapponico”, love to be 25 years younger
Beethoven’s Ninth with such the obligatory piece in 1993. and to be able to sing the
talented ensembles is a gift It was fantastic to share this Beethoven Ninth with an
Soloists Giulia Faria (Brazil) and Emanuele Petracco (Italy) during the World Youth Choir performance of the traditional Majorcan
piece ‘La dama de Mallorca’ arr. Baltasar Bibiloni at the Abbaye de Sylvanès concert (Sylvanès, July 28, 2019)
52
incredible orchestra during the them lay ahead of us. Thoughts some exciting and productive
Beethoven Anniversary Year on Schiller’s text helped me discussions I think we did our
in such great venues with this to imagine the colour of the best. The choir is now preparing
unique WYC family! And even choir we needed to build. to come together for the first
though I can’t do that, I will “Ode to joy” is something very time in July. I will be at the
enjoy listening to it sitting in powerful and spontaneous, first performance in Bonn to
the audience! but delicate as well. Looking hear this hitherto ‘virtual’ choir
at the castles above the banks come to life and sing the words
Building the choir – Géraldine of the Rhine, I thought that the of hope and joy in Beethoven’s
Toutain (representing JMI) choir should be a palace built Ninth.
Travelling by train to Bonn, on solid foundations (that we
Germany, from Burgundy, should try to find very ‘round’ Truly global – Cristian Grases
France, for the WYC jury, I was bass voices, for instance) and (representing IFCM)
looking through the window plenty of rooms, each with its Being a part of the team to
and following the marvellous own character (voices from as select the singers for the
Rhine landscape while listening many different countries as World Youth Choir is both a
to Wilhelm Furtwängler’s 1951 possible and representing the tremendous honour and a
recording of Beethoven’s Ninth six continents), all the while daunting responsibility. This
with the Bayreuth Festival able to blend together in order stellar project has been near
Orchestra at the reopening of to create a sound full of joy and dear to my heart since its
the Festival Theatre following and humanity, as Beethoven’s inception, and I have always
the Second World War. I had symphony demands. understood it as a choir made
already listened to the files up of talented young artists
of more than 200 singers, That’s what we tried to do from around the world that
and I knew the hard task of over the three days. It was performs at the highest
choosing only about 90 of a big challenge, and after possible level. This implies that
The World Youth Choir led by tenor section leader Gert Pottas (South Africa) singing a traditional South African chant at an
open-air performance of the IFCM World Choral Expo 2019 (Cascais, July 30, 2019)
53
IFCM NEWS
Josep Vila i Casañas and the World Youth Choir 2019 at the end of the World Youth Choir 30th anniversary celebration concert in
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos (Lisbon, July 30, 2019)
global representation has as of listening to all applications SINGERS
high a priority as the level of (sometimes multiple times) Having received and reviewed over
musical talent and preparation and considering the singers’ 200 applications, the jury selected
from each singer, which makes countries of origin, the jury’s 89 singers from 42 countries to be
it tricky to navigate the balance decision was unanimous. We part of the World Youth Choir 2020
between the geographical were delighted to put together session. The countries represented
origins of the singers and a slightly larger ensemble are Argentina, Armenia, Austria,
their musical abilities. As has that could tackle the technical Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada,
become a tradition for the past difficulties of Beethoven’s Colombia, Estonia, Germany,
few sessions, this year we had Ninth, and at the same time Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong/
a large number of applications include new nations that have China, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran,
of very high calibre. Our job never been represented in Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan,
as the artistic committee was this project (Iran, Myanmar, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar,
to put together an ensemble Ukraine and Uzbekistan). We the Netherlands, Norway, Peru,
that would be able to represent have no doubt that this year’s Philippines, Poland, Russia, Serbia,
the outstanding talent that World Youth Choir is powerful Slovenia, South Africa, Spain,
exists around the globe. After a both in artistic talent and world Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine,
lengthy process that consisted representation. United Kingdom, United States
Rehearsal of the World Youth Choir 2019, under the direction of maestro Josep Vila i Casañas (Saint-Affrique, July 26, 2019)
54
of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan
and Venezuela. Congratulations to
these singers, who represent a
host of choral communities around
the world.
The World Youth Choir Foundation
gratefully acknowledges all
its partners, recruiters, alumni
and audition supervisors who
helped audition singers for this
year’s session. Many of these
individuals are IFCM members. The
recruitment process would not be
possible without their invaluable
help. If you are interested in
becoming part of the World
Youth Choir recruiting process in
your country, please contact the
Josep Vila i Casañas conducting the World Youth Choir 2019 at the Abbaye de Sylvanès
World Youth Choir Foundation at concert (Sylvanès, July 28, 2019)
info@worldyouthchoir.org.
SOLOISTS Vienna. Given the unsettling state of affairs in every corner of our planet
In recognition of the role that the (political, environmental, economic and social), we hope that the young
World Youth Choir can play in the people involved in these performances truly experience what it means to
development of a professional become global citizens through the medium of music.
career, the BTHVN2020 If you are, or know of, a young, experienced singer who is looking for an
performances will feature four World extraordinary choral experience, this international project is an opportunity
Youth Choir alumni as soloists. They which you should explore. For more information about World Youth Choir
are Iris Hendrickx, soprano (WYC sessions, visit our website (www.worldyouthchoir.org), contact us by
2002, 2003, 2005); Jo-Pei Weng, email (info@worldyouthchoir.org), or follow the World Youth Choir on social
mezzo-soprano (WYC 1997-2003); media and watch some of our past performances on our YouTube channel
Xavier Moreno, tenor (WYC 1997, (www.youtube.com/c/worldyouthchoir). In addition, the World Youth Choir
1998); and Johannes Schendel, Foundation is always looking for potential organisers for future WYC
bass (WYC 1995). sessions. Contact us to find out more about how you can help host the WYC
in your country.
BEYOND 2020 The WYC 2021 application process will be announced in due course. In
The World Youth Choir has become the meantime, perhaps we’ll see you at one of the World Youth Choir 2020
a global symbol of peace, unity and session concerts in August!
harmony, recognised as a UNESCO
Artist for Peace (1996-1998) and Edited by Christopher Lutton, UK
performing at the Olympic Games
(1992, 2008) and the Nobel Peace
Prize Ceremony (2011). While the
singers, conductors and locations
change each year, the essence
of the World Youth Choir always KI ADAMS, a native of Birmingham, Alabama (USA),
is an honourary research professor at Memorial
remains intact – a spirit of
University of Newfoundland, Canada, where he taught
intercultural understanding, high-
in the undergraduate/graduate music and music
level musicianship and international
education programmes for 25 years. Currently a board
friendships. In his book, The member of the International Federation of Choral Music
Ninth: Beethoven and the World and President of the World Youth Choir Foundation, Ki is
in 1824, Harvey Sachs describes Founding Co-Director of The Singing Network, a collective for
Beethoven’s only vocal symphony generating and producing a series of vocal and choral experiences ranging from
as a statement of freedom in the workshops, seminars, masterclasses and dialogues to the biennial International
repressive political environment Symposium on Singing and Song. Email: kiadams@mun.ca
of Europe after the Congress of
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