Choirs and Vocal Groups

The choir “Budyšin” was founded in 1964 by Jan Bulank and is primarily dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Sorbian and regional art songs, complemented by international repertoire.

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The choir “Meja”, based in Radibor (Radwor), has a choral tradition spanning more than 125 years. It is organised as a registered association (Chór Meja e.V.) and is committed to sustaining Sorbian choral singing.

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Founded in 1949 at what is now the Sorbian Grammar School in Bautzen, this youth ensemble comprises around 60–70 young singers aged approximately 15 to 18. Its repertoire ranges from classical Sorbian oratorios and sacred works to contemporary song forms.

Chronicle

This school choir forms part of the educational programme at the Bautzen Primary and Secondary School and enables pupils to experience the Sorbian language and music in an active way. The choir supports early musical education and contributes to identification with Sorbian culture.

The choir “Lipa” was founded in 1907 and is based in Panschwitz-Kuckau. With more than 30 active singers, it is dedicated to Sorbian choral music, ranging from folk songs and sacred works to modern arrangements. The choir organises regular concerts, including spring and Christmas performances.

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This Sorbian men’s choir traces its origins to its foundation in 1876 (“Spěwarske towarstwo za Ralbičansku wosadu”) and has, over the decades, maintained its profile as a men’s choir with a regional focus. Its extensive repertoire includes recordings of more than 30 song titles in the Upper Sorbian language.

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The men’s vocal group “Přezpólni” performs regularly at folkloristic and cultural events and presents Sorbian chorales and vocal arrangements. It represents a continuing tradition of Sorbian men’s singing within the community.

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As the school choir of the Räckelwitz Primary and Secondary School, this group offers young singers in a rural setting the opportunity to engage in choral work. In this way, musical education is combined with the Sorbian language and community life, contributing to the preservation of regional culture.

The Choir of Seidewinkel was founded in 1986 and is actively dedicated to the preservation of Sorbian song and the Sorbian language. In addition to German and international repertoire, the ensemble contributes to regional cultural events such as the traditional “Abendsingen unter der Friedenseiche”.

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The Schleife “Kantorki” are dedicated to preserving the historic repertoire of the Schleife Sorbs. They are particularly known for their participation in the Easter singing tradition: until 2015, they went from house to house during the night of Easter, singing chorales marking the Resurrection.

The Women’s Choir Heinersbrück has its roots in the municipality of Heinersbrück in Lower Lusatia. Shortly after the Second World War, girls and later women began to engage in choral singing; in 1954, a formal women’s choir was established.
Under the direction of Marianne Kuhle (1946–1996) and subsequently other conductors, a broad repertoire of Sorbian (Wendish) and German songs has been maintained. The choir takes part in traditional events such as Easter singing and forms an active part of Sorbian-Wendish choral culture in the region.

The Women’s Singing Group Jänschwalde (Žeńskeca spiwna kupka Janšojcy) in Lower Lusatia brings together committed singers dedicated to the Sorbian-language song tradition and communal singing. As part of the local choral landscape, the group contributes to the strengthening of Sorbian culture and enriches cultural life in the region through its performances.

The German-Sorbian Choir Sielow, based in the district of Žylow/Sielow in the city of Cottbus, is committed to preserving and presenting Sorbian (Wendish) and German song traditions in Lower Lusatia. Under the direction of Vera Schmidt, the choir performed a programme of spring songs in both languages in May 2024 and recorded an increase in new female singers joining the ensemble.

The mixed choir “Łužyca” has existed since 1992 and has been directed by Lubina Žurec-Pukačowa since 1996. Its focus lies on Lower and Upper Sorbian folk songs as well as four-part arrangements with instrumental accompaniment, characterised by artistic standards and linguistic diversity.

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The Spreewald Women’s Choir Lübben was founded in 1975 and has represented German-Sorbian song tradition and regional costume culture for over four decades. With a repertoire of folk and regional songs, the choir reflects the cultural landscape of the Spreewald beyond the region.

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The school choir at the Lower Sorbian Grammar School in Cottbus was established in the early 1950s and forms an integral part of the school’s cultural life. Under the artistic direction of Gerald Schön (see projects from 2023), the choir regularly presents autumn and spring concerts featuring Sorbian repertoire as well as mixed programmes for pupils. The choir promotes not only musical ability but also identification with Sorbian culture and language.

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