Deutscher Kammerchor & Rainer Held
Biography Deutscher Kammerchor & Rainer Held
German Chamber Choir
The conviction that together we can make a difference characterises our core ensemble of 16 singers. In the 15 years since our founding, we have earned and consolidated a reputation as one of the best freelance choirs in Germany - a reputation that also makes us welcome guests internationally. Openness to the diversity of the musical world characterises us just as much as an eye for the challenges of our time. That is why we not only want to inspire, but also to move: To more acceptance and dialogue, to thinking about pressing issues and to acting accordingly.
As a freelance ensemble without a permanent director, we rely on a concept that is clearly different from that of many other ensembles: It gives us the freedom to realise musical ideas on our own initiative or to open ourselves to the musical visions of inspired conductors and composers. At the same time, we have temporal, spatial and artistic flexibility. We are bound neither to schedules nor to venues. This allows us to devote ourselves entirely to the requirements of each project. Above all, each one of us feels responsible for the whole. This power of initiative is expressed in the agile charisma of our choir as well as in the precision of its sound. It does not matter whether it is a capella work in a small circle or a larger ensemble with instrumental accompaniment.
Enthusiastic reviews, renowned partners and select engagements testify to our high standards. They apply to the selection of our singers, the partners we work with and the works we perform. But praise is also an obligation, an incentive and a challenge. That is why we undergo regular internal quality controls as well as external coaching and further training. Each member sees himself as a supporting pillar of the overall concept. Our common appearance is characterised by unity and a focussed approach to our goals.
Freelance, unattached and for that very reason: responsible. That is the special quality that distinguishes us. Because every member stands behind the entire ensemble with his or her conviction: our musical ideas, our high artistic standards and our commitment to tolerance and sustainability. This energy and motivation carries the whole team - and is also shared on stage.
Rainer Held
(1964) from Landquart, lives in Lucerne, studied in Zurich and Lucerne and later continued his education in various master classes and stays abroad. Master's degrees in conducting, solo singing and school music.
He has conducted amateur choirs since his youth, as well as professional choirs in Belarus, Russia, Poland, Venezuela, Japan and South Korea. Worldwide engagements as an orchestra conductor. For many years Principal Guest Conductor of the Minsk Radio Symphony Orchestra. Various CD recordings (Royal Philharmonic Orchestra London, Royal Scottish National Orchestra Glasgow, Chamber Orchestra of the Novosibirsk Philharmonic).
For many years president of the music commission of the Swiss Choral Association SCV and member of the music commission of 'ECA -Europa Cantat'. Member of the artistic committee of the Europa Cantat Festivals 2012 Turin and 2015 Pécs.
Professor and head of the music department at the Lucerne University of Teacher Education. Coach for choirs and choir directors. Numerous engagements as course leader and jury member.
