Salzburg Choir Association Celebrates 25 Years, Faces Future with New Strategies
Salzburg, Austria – August 21, 2025 – The Salzburg Choir association is marking a quarter-century of fostering choral music in the region, a milestone celebrated amidst evolving challenges and a renewed commitment to ensuring singing remains accessible to all. Founded in 2000, the association has become a cornerstone of Salzburg’s cultural landscape, but is now actively addressing issues like dwindling membership, notably among male voices, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The association’s silver anniversary comes as choral groups across the globe grapple with rebuilding after pandemic-related disruptions. “How much we missed singing in the community was so nice to experience when we were allowed to rehearse,” stated association representative Zeilner, highlighting the deep social need fulfilled by choral singing. The pandemic underscored the importance of these communal musical experiences, but also exposed vulnerabilities within the existing choir structure.
For 25 years, the Salzburg Choir Association has championed choral music through initiatives like the “Long Night of Choirs,” large-scale concerts held at the Festspielhaus (Salzburg’s renowned festival hall), and dedicated youth programs. These efforts have been largely guided by outgoing President Dieter Schaffer, who will step down in October 2025 after 15 years of leadership. Under Schaffer’s direction, the association has substantially expanded its reach and influence within the Salzburg music scene. He plans to remain involved in the choral community as a member of the Salzburg men’s quintet.
However,the association recognizes the need for adaptation. A key challenge is attracting and retaining younger singers, especially men. To address this, the association is exploring innovative approaches, including the formation of senior choirs and flexible ensemble configurations. “A choir should also have the right to grow old together and then dissolve,” Zeilner explained, acknowledging the natural lifecycle of choral groups.
The association’s leaders emphasize the unique power of singing to connect people. State youth officer Moritz Guttmann articulated this sentiment, stating, “Our task as a choir association is that singing is a matter of course. There are so many things that you cannot express with language – you can only sing that from the soul.” Guttmann and others believe singing, alongside sport, represents one of the most effective ways to build community.
The 25th-anniversary party underscores the association’s role as more than just an institution; it’s a vibrant element of Salzburg’s cultural identity.The association, led currently by President Dieter Schaffer, Vice President Ferry Steibl (Choir Association Salzburg), and Angelika Berrini (President Choir Association Austria), continues to exemplify the values of community, dedication, and collaboration that Meinverkirk Salzburg has highlighted throughout its 25-year history.
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