Draft:Swiss Youth Choir

The Swiss Youth Choir (de. Schweizer Jugendchor, fr. Choeur Suisse des Jeunes, it. Coro Giovanile Svizzero, rht. Chor Svizzer dal Giuvanils) is a youth choir consisting of motivated and talented singers from across Switzerland. Working at a semi-professional level, the choir spans language and cultural boundaries.

History
The Swiss Youth Choir was founded in 1994. Since then, it has been under the patronage of the Swiss Choral Association and the Swiss Federation Europa Cantat. The choir primarily performs in Switzerland as a national youth choir, but also regularly takes part in festivals abroad or organizes its own concert tours. In 2013, the Swiss Youth Choir successfully participated in the 13. International Chamber Choir Competition Marktoberdorf, winning second place and the audience award.

Next to the a cappella concert choir, which has existed since its foundation, a symphonic choir dedicated to the performance of orchestral works was established in 2020 under the umbrella organization of the Swiss Youth Choir.

The concert choir
The concert choir of the Swiss Youth Choir consists of a fixed ensemble of 45–50 singers from all regions of Switzerland. They are 16 to 26 years of age and generally not studying music. The choir rehearses in different locations in Switzerland. Next to organizing own concerts, the choir is regularly invited to various festivals and concert series.

The repertoire of the concert choir consists of a cappella works spanning multiple centuries. An important focus are the works of Swiss composers. Next to classical pieces, this also includes folk music in all four national languages. Choir music from neighboring countries and a selection of popular music are also part of the repertoire.

The symphonic choir
The symphonic choir performs symphonic choir works and has worked with multiple orchestras since its inception. It consists of a pool of 100 singers, which is reassembled for each project. The symphonic choir is open to motivated singers aged 16–30 years.

As the Choir-in-Residence at the Bach Weeks Thun, the choir places an emphasis on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Management
Nicolas Fink has been the musical director of the Swiss Youth Choir since 2018. Two assistants, usually singers in the choir who are studying choir direction, support him.

The association Swiss Youth Choir has its headquarters and office in Aarau and a volunteer board.

Discography

 * 2019: S’isch äben e Mönsch uf Ärde. Volkslieder aus verschiedenen Regionen der Schweiz, Zytglogge Verlag.
 * 2021: Da Nadal notg. Weihnachtslieder von der Renaissance bis zur Moderne. Zytglogge Verlag.
 * 2023: CD zum Chorbuch Schweiz. Carus-Verlag.

Weblinks

 * Homepage
 * The Swiss Youth Choir at the Zytglogge-Verlag