Sponsoring organisation for the university choir

Around two years ago, a group of committed young people gathered in a student hall of residence. Driven by their shared passion for music, they wanted to form a new community at the university, ideally right on campus. At that time, there was no university choir, and the founding members - Derya Uzun, Lea Niehaus, Nic Schilling, Felix Brendel and Jonas Würdinger - were therefore committed to establishing a new university choir as a university group (further details on the history of the university choir can be found here).

Initially, they wanted to hold rehearsals in the theatre room, but this was far from sufficient. Rehearsals now take place in the Audimax, every Tuesday from 8pm, and everyone is welcome.

A lot has changed since then - and yet somehow it hasn't. Derya Uzun, Nic Schilling, Felix Brendel, Lea Niehaus and Jonas Würdinger are still actively involved in the choir, but the board has expanded. Sven Edelmann supports the choir together with Jonas Würdinger as piano accompanist. Lars Kusch and Lena Oertwig are the successors to the board, with the aim of ensuring that the choir continues to exist after the five founding members' term of office ends.

In order to ensure its continued existence, a support association has now been established. The board is made up of six members: the first and second board members Jonas Würdinger and Derya Uzun, conductors Nic Schilling and Felix Brendel, treasurer Louisa Schmälzle and choir member Christian Schüller. "Although we have received financial support through the Klaus-Dieter Wolff Award," explains Uzun, "we need solid funding in the long term. We welcome anyone who would like to become a member of our new support organisation!" (Read more about the prize)

The licence costs for the choral sheet music in particular are driving up expenditure. "With 130 singers, the licence costs per semester are correspondingly high," explains Uzun. There are also costs for planning and organising concerts and for rehearsal weekends. However, the effort is reflected in well-attended concerts. Anyone interested in joining the association can apply for membership by emailing foerderverein@unichor-bayreuth.de. Regular membership costs 40 euros per year, reduced membership 15 euros and 90 euros for legal entities.

"In return, members receive a newsletter and a guaranteed seat at the concerts," emphasises Uzun. The next concert is already coming up: the end-of-semester concert will take place on 30 January at 8 pm in the Audimax. As a member of the Friends' Association, a place is guaranteed - so it's best to write an e-mail quickly.