On January 28, Günter Titsch, President of INTERKULTUR and the World Choir Council, celebrates his 80th birthday. It is an occasion to pause and reflect on a life’s work that has profoundly shaped international choral singing – and continues to do so today.

From the idea of a peaceful competition inspired by the Olympic model, a global “choral Olympic movement” has emerged under his leadership. Openness to all, equal opportunities in competition, and the conviction that singing together can connect people across cultural, political, and religious boundaries form the foundation of his work. These principles, rooted in the ideals of the Olympic Games, remain the guiding spirit of all INTERKULTUR events to this day, true to the motto: “Singing together brings nations together.”

What began as a personal vision developed into an international success story. Following the first international choir competition in Hungary in 1988 held across the borders of the then “Iron Curtain”, Günter Titsch laid the foundation for INTERKULTUR in 1990. Today, the organization is recognized as the world’s leading organizer of international choral competitions and festivals. The World Choir Games, initiated by him and often referred to as the Olympic Games of Choral Music, have grown into the largest international choir competition in the world since their first edition in the year 2000. They stand as a powerful expression of his idea: participation as the highest honor, encounter as the central value.

To date, more than 11,000 choirs with nearly half a million active singers from 109 countries have taken part in INTERKULTUR events. All of them have stood on many stages together, singing in Friendship Concerts and sending powerful messages of understanding and peace. That this idea resonates far beyond the choral world was demonstrated, among other things, by former U.S. President Barack Obama, who highlighted the unifying power of art and music in a message on the occasion of the World Choir Games 2012 in Cincinnati, USA.

Today, the message of singing together as a force that transcends boundaries is more relevant than ever for Günter Titsch: 

“Over decades, I have witnessed how prejudices disappear when people stand together on stage and unite their voices. In those moments, it becomes clear that cultural diversity does not divide us, it enriches us. Choral music creates spaces for encounter where mutual respect does not need to be demanded but arises naturally. Especially in times marked by war, crises, and social tension, this experience is more important than ever.”

For his commitment as a cultural bridge-builder, Günter Titsch has received numerous honors. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his work as a cultural ambassador. As early as 2009, the Chinese metropolis of Xiamen, home to millions, named him an Honorary Citizen in recognition of his efforts to promote international cultural exchange. In addition, INTERKULTUR received the European Culture Award in 2006 and again in 2016.

Despite the global scope of his work, Günter Titsch has always remained firmly rooted at the regional level. From Central Hesse in Germany, he developed and guided an international network over decades – one that brings together artistic excellence, youth development, and cultural understanding. Numerous choirs from the region have been part of this journey and have appeared on international stages, most recently at the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations 2025 in Aarhus, Denmark.

Looking back, Günter Titsch does not describe his path as an individual achievement, but as a collective endeavor:

“At INTERKULTUR, it has always been about people: singers, conductors, trusted partners, countless supporters on all continents, and an outstanding team of dedicated colleagues around the world. What has grown from this is an international INTERKULTUR family, united by the deep conviction that singing together opens perspectives and builds bridges between people.”

Even on his 80th birthday, the focus remains on the future. Günter Titsch continues to stand for development, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the social power of music. His vision lives on in the voices of young singers, in new formats, and in a global choral community committed to fairness, respect, and togetherness.

INTERKULTUR warmly congratulates Günter Titsch on his 80th birthday and thanks him for a life’s work that connects people across borders, united in sound.