May 20 – 23, 2027 | Kölner Philharmonie
200 Years of the Gürzenich Choir Cologne – Anniversary Concert in the Kölner Philharmonie
To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the Gürzenich Chor Köln presents a festive anniversary concert at the Kölner Philharmonie — a celebration of two centuries of choral tradition and musical excellence. Throughout its long history, the choir has been shaped by some of the most influential figures in classical music. Composers such as Johannes Brahms, Giuseppe Verdi, Max Bruch and Ferdinand Hiller have been connected with its artistic legacy, as have renowned conductors of more recent generations including Hermann Abendroth, Günter Wand, Karl Richter and James Conlon.
For this special anniversary celebration, the choir has invited CHORALSPACE to realize an extraordinary performance of Haydns’ Oratorio “Die Schöpfung”. Choirs as well as individual singers from around the world are invited to take part in this unique musical event. Together they will form a large festival chorus that fills the Kölner Philharmonie with sound and passion – creating a memorable moment that connects the rich history of choral music with its vibrant future.
CHORALSPACE Premiere at the Kölner Philharmonie
Would you like to sing with us?
The project is open to singers who register individually as well as to choirs and ensembles that can participate as a complete ensemble or as part of an ensemble.
Registrations are now open.
Read more and join us today!
What do we sing?
Joseph Haydn: Die Schöpfung
Hob. XXI:2, 1798
(Carus Verlag, 51.990/03, ISMN 979-0-007-13261-3)
Scores are available in our webshop or in music stores.
Participating choirs and ensembles also have the opportunity to present their own repertoire in various concerts during the project.
Who will lead the project?
The project is led by Christian Jeub, Artistic Director of Gürzenich Chor Köln.
Where will rehearsals and concerts take place?
The final rehearsal and concert will be held in the beautiful Kölner Philharmonie and will be part of the official program of the Philharmonie.
The locations for the other rehearsals will be announced soon.
What costs are involved?
The participation fee for the festival is 110 EUR per participant.
Accompanying persons, friends, and fans who only wish to attend the concert can purchase tickets at the website of the Kölner Philharmonie.
Where can I find accommodation?
For this project, we will selected several hotels near the Kölner Philharmonie that offer special rates for participants. You will soon find the link with the offers here.
Joseph Haydn’s Die Schöpfung
A spectacular choral experience at the Kölner Philharmonie
Perform with us!
Project Schedule
May 20, 2027
Choir & Piano Rehearsal 1
18:00 – 21:00 Venue tba
May 21, 2027
Choir & Piano Rehearsal 2
14:00 – 16:00 Venue tba
Choir & Piano Rehearsal 3
17:00 – 19:00 Venue tba
Concert Opportunities for Choirs
21:00 Minoritenkirche / St. Mariä Himmelfahrt
May 22, 2027
Final Rehearsal
15:00 – 18:00 Kölner Philharmonie
Anniversary Concert “Die Schöpfung”
20:00 – 22:15 Kölner Philharmonie
Get-Together
After the Concert at the Kölner Phiilharmonie
May 23, 2027
Church Service at the Cathedral in Cologne
10:00 – 11:00
Exzerpts from “Die Schöpfung” with organ accompanyiment
Artistic Leadership
Christian Jeub (Principal Conductor)
The conductor and choral director Christian Jeub is regarded as one of the distinguished German choral conductors of his generation. Since 2011 he has served as Artistic Director of the Gürzenich Chor Köln, leading the renowned concert choir in major choral-symphonic performances at the Kölner Philharmonie.
He studied school and church music at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln and choral and orchestral conducting at the Folkwang Universität der Künste. Important artistic inspiration came through masterclasses with leading choral conductors including Frieder Bernius, Eric Ericson and Simon Carrington.
Before taking up his position in Cologne, Christian Jeub served as Deputy Chorus Master at the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz and later as Chorus Director at the Musiktheater im Revier. In addition to his operatic work, he has collaborated with renowned ensembles and radio choirs, including projects with the WDR Rundfunkchor. Since 2016 he has also directed the University Music at the Universität Koblenz.
Gürzenich-Chor Köln von 1827
The Gürzenich Chor Köln is one of Germany’s most distinguished concert choirs. Its origins date back to 1827, when dedicated citizens of Cologne founded the ensemble that has since played a central role in the city’s musical life. Over nearly two centuries, the choir has collaborated with many prominent composers and conductors, including Johannes Brahms, Giuseppe Verdi, Max Bruch and Ferdinand Hiller.
Closely connected with Cologne’s musical institutions, the choir regularly performs major choral-symphonic repertoire, frequently appearing in concerts at the Kölner Philharmonie. Its artistic profile has also been shaped by renowned conductors of the more recent past, including Hermann Abendroth, Günter Wand, Karl Richter and James Conlon.
Since 2011, the choir has been led by its Artistic Director, Christian Jeub. With a broad repertoire ranging from the classical canon to contemporary works, the Gürzenich Choir Cologne remains a vibrant voice within Germany’s choral-symphonic tradition.
Take the stage with us
Register today
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any question or comments.