Bundesjugendchor in South Africa

Artistic direction lies in the hands of Anne Kohler, who is responsible for stylistically assured musical interpretations and for the ongoing vocal training that shapes the choir's homogeneous, distinctive sound. The National Youth Choir of Germany receives further musical impulses from guest conductors and collaborations with other professional ensembles.

An important element of the support offered to the young singers of the National Youth Choir of Germany is intercultural exchange with youth choirs from around the world. Beyond the mutual musical and cultural learning experiences that such an exchange provides, a connection is formed through the medium of music that has a lasting impact. The journey to South Africa is the choir's first intercontinental project.

 South African partners on the ground include the Tuks Camerata (Pretoria) and the Stellenbosch University Choir. As part of the collaboration with the German Goethe-Institut, further South African youth choirs are to be actively involved through workshops and joint rehearsals and concerts.

Music and artistic expression connect people across borders, languages, and lived realities. The exchange between the National Youth Choir of Germany and South African choirs in 2026 stems from the desire to harness the unifying power of music purposefully for education, intercultural understanding, and social cohesion.

The National Youth Choir of Germany is a flagship ensemble of the Deutscher Musikrat dedicated to nurturing top young choral talent. It is open to young singers aged 18 to 26 who are based in Germany or who live abroad as German citizens. Participation requires passing an audition. The choir receives its core funding from the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).The Deutscher Musikrat's projects are each supported by an advisory board that helps shape the projects and provides guidance on fundamental questions. Board members are appointed by the Presidium of the member assembly for a term of four years.