The Jazzchor der Universität zu Köln (Jazz Choir of Cologne University) and conductor Dietrich Thomas are Germany’s musical representatives during the second part of the 9th World Choir Games 2016 in the Russian city of Sochi. Reason enough for the World Choir Games President Günter Titsch to visit the singers from his home country and to find out how they like the event so far.

In the Green Theater, the Open Air Stage in Riviera Park was a suitable background for a Meet & Greet. Titsch listened to the choirs rehearsal before the big performance and was obviously delighted by the young voices of the choir that was founded in 2008. In 2013 the choir won the first prize in the national competition of the land North-Rhine Westphalia already.

On Wednesday afternoon they performed for the first time on an international stage in the competitive category “Jazz, Gospel and Pop Choirs” of The Champions Competition of the World Choir Games. Dietrich Thomas and his choir were happy about their performance and the choral level they had presented, as they confirmed towards Titsch. Also in general they are enjoying their time in Sochi, the Black Sea city.

Now they are curious whether they will bring a medal home to Cologne and are looking forward to the scores of the jury. Titsch was glad about their positive feedback. “I keep my fingers crossed!” he said and wished them a pleasant stay in Sochi.

(Roger Schmidt)