It was a very emotional beginning of rehearsals for the huge Sing Along Concert International on May 8 on the occasion of the 30th International Franz Schubert Choir Competition in Vienna. Even one hour before the official start the Minoriten Church was full up with singers. Many of them already knew each other from the last Sing Along Concert International in Budapest 2014, so first it was one big reunion.

The participants had travelled to Vienna from 14 different nations, and each of them was excellently prepared, of course. Since months, many have been rehearsing every week for the big event on Sunday. Franz Schubert’s Mass no. 6 in E flat major is on tap and will be practiced intensely for the concert with conductor Simon Halsey. However, the church has only space for 580 singers, so the participants were separated into two groups today and rehearsed one after the other with piano accompaniment. Nice side effect: A detailed rehearsal work was possible, especially for the piece’s wonderful and important fugues.

Tomorrow the Berlin Radio Choir and the orchestra, the Wiener Akademische Philharmonie will join the singers for rehearsal. We’re curious about how the work will progress, but there’s one thing for sure already tonight: There won’t be any space left in the church…

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