Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen
In 1949, the renowned children's choir ensemble, known far beyond the borders of Austria, was founded in the Lower Austrian wine-growing village of Gumpoldskirchen by the choral educator Professor Josef Wolfgang Ziegler (1906-2000). His credo, that every child can sing, led many a young talent to international fame.
From 1969, his daughter, Professor Elisabeth Ziegler, took over the direction, always emphasizing professionalism and a deep love of music. Soon, the young artists were singing regularly at the Vienna State Opera and other opera houses, earning them the nickname " Wiener Opernkinderchor". International performances included tours to Japan, China, the USA, Canada, and many European countries, as well as participation in choral competitions, which were consistently rewarded with first prizes. Other highlights included appearances on radio and television, as well as CD recordings.
In opera productions and concerts, the children's choir has the opportunity to collaborate with renowned artists such as Leonard Bernstein, Herbert Stein, Sir George Solti, Carl Abbado, Uwe Schirmer, George C. Menotti, John Paul Ponnelle, and Ferdinand Cefirelli. The Christmas show “Christmas in Vienna” was an annual highlight for the Gumpoldskirchen Spatzen. Placido Domingo, José Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Ross, Charles Aznavour, Michael Bolton, Udo Jürgens, Rainhard Fendrich, Patricia Kaas, and the Scorpions, to name just a few, praised the young singers for their quality, professionalism, and naturalness. In 1994, the choir and its director were awarded the Ferdinand Grossman Prize in recognition of their contributions to musical education for young people. The prize was presented by Placido Domingo.
Highlights of recent years include a production at the Vienna Festival, participation in the ORF program "Österreich sing wieder", a concert tour to the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago, a major anniversary concert celebrating the Spatzen's 75th anniversary, performances in La Bohème
and Tosca at the Baden Theatre, and the family opera The Heartless Giant at the Theater an der Wien. The Gumpoldskirchen Spatzen are currently directed by Katja Kalmar, whose aim is to cultivate the Spatzen's repertoire and musical traditions while also expanding their horizons with innovative projects. She considers the development of sound, individual vocal technique essential for the choir's success, ensuring long-term vocal health. However, the joy of music and the enthusiasm for singing together always remain at the forefront of their collaborative work.