Deutscher Chor London


The Deutscher Chor London, also known as the German Choir of London, is a London-based amateur mixed-voice choir with a core repertoire of German classical choral pieces and a special interest in contemporary works. The choir was founded in 2009 by its current musical director Barbara Höfling.
DCL gives around twelve performances each year and has released two CD recordings.

About

DCL was founded in 2009 by singer and conductor Barbara Höfling. The initial membership was drawn largely from amateur singers associated with the Deutsche Evangelische Christuskirche in Knightsbridge, London. It has since grown to the be largest German choir in the UK.
Currently, the choir comprises around fifty active members of various nationalities. It continues to rehearse each week at the Christuskirche in Knightsbridge.

Repertoire

Classical

DCL’s core repertoire is drawn from the German choral tradition of the seventeenth to late nineteenth centuries, in particular the works of Heinrich Schütz, Bach, Haydn, Brahms, Mendelssohn, Max Reger, Rheinberger and Bruckner.
The choir’s repertoire extends to other works from the classical choral canon, including pieces by Vivaldi, Händel and Britten.

Contemporary

In addition to its core classical repertoire, DCL regularly performs new choral works. Its contemporary repertoire includes the following works commissioned for the choir itself:
The choir gives around twelve performances each year, encompassing: concert appearances in a range of venues; participation in church and cathedral services as a visiting choir; and charity engagements in London during the Christmas season.

Current projects

The current Coronavirus pandemic has meant that we too have not been able to meet in person and rehearse for upcoming concerts.
To make a difference and to support the livelihood of composers all around the world during these unsettling times, we set up our #CoronaCommissions scheme.
In addition to our choir director Barbara Höfling´s donated income, thousands of pounds was donated by choir members and well-wishers through online donations to support our cause. This way, we were able to commission eight new choir pieces from composers all around the world. We are currently holding virtual rehearsals and are planning to sing a concert in October 2020, performing all those commissions as well as new repertoire.

Past performances

DCL’s performance history features collaborations with such ensembles as: the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge; the choir of St-Martin-in-the-Fields; the German Choir Paris; the UK Parliament choir; the West London Bach Consort; Petersham Voices; the Keld Ensemble; and the respective choirs of several Lutheran congregations in London.
Special events and projects with which the choir has been involved include:
Chronological list of the choir’s major performances since its founding in 2009:
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009