Collegium Vocale Leipzig (Vocal Ensemble)

Founded: 1993 - Leipzig, Saxony, Germany

In December of 1993, vocal students and graduates met for a performance of J.S. Bach's Weihnachts-Oratorium (BWV 248) in the Historical Park of Bad Lachstädt, organized by Gewandhaus organist Michael Schönheit. Following this successful performance, the young singers' enthusiasm led to the founding of the Collegium Vocale Leipzig (= CVL).

The ensemble mostly explores historically informed performances and the cultivation of Middle German Baroque music, especially the works of Heinrich Schütz and J.S. Bach as well as the Bach family, using the smallest possible number of singers. The Collegium Vocale often collaborates with the Chamber Choir of the Schlosskapelle Saalfeld and Chursächsische Capelle Leipzig. It has also performed numerous cantatas and oratorios together with the Merseburger Hofmusik. During the annual Merseburg Organ Festival 2010, a historically authentic performance of J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244) was given, followed by L.v. Beethoven's Missa solemnis in 2011.

Numerous radio productions and CD recordings document the ensemble’s success.

Members of Collegium Vocal Leipzig:

Sopranos

Mezzo-sopranos/Altos

Tenors

Basses

Marie-Therese Goetzky
Katharina Scheliga,
Susen Schneider
Katharina Schrade
Katrin Strocka
Clarissa Thiem
Friederike Urban

Constanze Herenz
Maria Küstner
Claudia Maria Laule
Arnhild Plath
Annette Reinhold

Paul Kmetsch
Nikolaus Müller
Christoph Pfaller
Albrecht Sack
Clemens Volkmar

Vincent Berger
Michael Gransee
Christoph Jäger
Rasmus König
Dirk Schmidt

Sources:
Liner notes to the CD ‘Konzert in Weissenfels’ conducted by Michael Schönheit (Ars Musici, 1997)
Liner notes to the 2-CD album "J.S. Bach - Schleiermacher: Nach Markus. Passion" (PASCHENrecords, 2017)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (November 2003)

Michael Schönheit: Short Biography | Ensembles: Collegium Vocale Leipzig | Merseburger Hofmusik
Bach Discography: Recordings of Vocal Works

Links to other Sites