"A factor that raises the city's profile"

Autore: Ralf Eisenbeiß

Signing the contract (Prof. Ralf Eissenbeiß, INTERKULTUR and mayor Peter Gaffert)

Mayor Peter Gaffert and Prof.Ralf Eisenbeiß after the signing of the contract with representatives of the City and INTERKULTUR

Wernigerode to experience the 6th International Johannes Brahms Choir Competition & Festival in July 2009

"Viva musica Mundi" – the town hall of Wernigerode got its first impressions of the Jo-hannes Brahms Choir Festival 2009 with the official launch of preparations for the 6th In-ternational Johannes Brahms Choir Competition & Festival in Wernigerode on 4 November.

From 08 - 12 July 2009, this "colourful city in the Harz region"   will once again be trans-formed into a Mecca of song. In addition to the competition events, there will be numer-ous open air stages for the 1,500 singers who are expected to take part –   the market square and the Bürgerpark (citizens' park) will be among the venues. Apart from the competition programme itself, the participating singers will perform in encounter concerts in Wernigerode and the surrounding region, in towns such as Bad Harzburg, Goslar, Hal-berstadt and Quedlinburg.

The extensive programme will include attractions such as the choirs' parade through the town, the opening concert, the choral party on market square and other top-class con-certs by competitors and invited choirs. Yet again, another highlight will be the grand closing concert. "I am pleased that, by hosting the 6th International Johannes Brahms Choir Competition & Festival, we can once again confirm our reputation as a stronghold of choral music ", said Peter Gaffert, mayor of Wernigerode. "For us, musical culture and choral song are not just an accessory, but an important factor in raising the profile of the trade mark that is Wernigerode and not least an important stimulus for tourism."

During the ceremonial signing of the contract between INTERKULTUR and the city of Wernigerode, Prof. Ralf Eisenbeiß, artistic director of INTERKULTUR, said the new com-petition would feature some changes. Category A has been shortened to a single round and a new category, "Sacred Choral Music", introduced for all interested choirs. Eisen-beiß revealed that there would also be a new highlight at the award ceremony. For the first time in the history of the festival, the exceptionally enthusiastic interest shown by the people of Wernigerode in the competition events will be reflected by the presentation of an 'audience prize' to the most popular choir.