Full Concert | Bach, Reger, Panufnik, Marsh | German Choral Conducting Award 2022

Programm:
Joanna Marsh: A Woman (aus: 4 Arabesques)
Joanna Marsh: You want (aus: 4 Arabesques)

Roxanna Panufnik: Child of Heaven
Roxanna Panufnik: Alma redemptoris mater

Max Reger: Acht geistliche Gesänge op. 138

Johann Michael Bach: Ehre sei Gott
Johann Michael Bach: Fürchtet euch nicht
Johann Michael Bach: Nun hab ich überwunden
Johann Bach: Sei nun wieder zufrieden

Aleke Alpermann, Violoncello
Christine Kessler, Organ

RIAS Kammerchor Berlin
Hyunju Kwon
Benjamin Hartmann
Nikolaus Henseler,
Benedikt Kantert

The 5th German Choral Conducting Prize took place on October 15, 2022, at the St. Elisabeth Church in Berlin. The finalists for this prestigious award were Hyunju Kwon, Benedikt Kantert, Benjamin Hartmann, and Nikolaus Henseler, each showcasing their remarkable talents in front of a distinguished international jury. The jury, chaired by Justin Doyle, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the RIAS Kammerchor, also included Jörk Hinnerk Andresen, Martina Batic, Ruth Jarre, Kai-Uwe Jirka, Anna Schaumlöffel, and Markus Utz. Instrumental accompaniment was provided by Aleke Alpermann on cello and Christine Kessler on organ.

Each of the finalists conducted the renowned RIAS Kammerchor through a diverse program of choral repertoire spanning several epochs. Hyunju Kwon’s performance stood out for its expressive clarity and precision, while Benedikt Kantert’s dynamic presence on the podium energized the choir and captured the essence of each piece. Benjamin Hartmann’s interpretation was marked by a deep sensitivity to the musical text, drawing a rich and nuanced performance from the ensemble. Nikolaus Henseler, with his masterful direction, skillfully balanced both the power and subtleties of the choir’s sound.

The event was not only a display of impressive conducting but also a testament to the continued importance of supporting young talent in the choral field. In addition to the jury’s award, the audience had the opportunity to cast their votes, with the Audience Prize also being awarded during the event.

The Choral Conducting Award, a program initiated by the Deutsche Musikrat and supported by the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, provides invaluable recognition to conductors making a significant impact in the choral music world. The competition has helped launch the careers of previous winners, some of whom now hold prestigious positions such as choral director at the Staatsoper Stuttgart or principal conductor of the SWR Vocal Ensemble.

TIMECODES

0:00:00 Speech Prof. Martin Maria Krüger
0:08:59 Hyunju Kwon
0:25:50 Benedikt Kantert
0:41:16 Benjamin Hartmann
0:55:26 Nikolaus Henseler

1:13:30 Award Ceremony & Announcement of the Winners
1:26:18 Encore: Rheinberger "Abendlied"