English Version
Saltwater Joys – The Munich Youth Choirs to tour Newfoundland and Labrador
For choristers little is met with more enthusiasm than going on tour, especially if it leads abroad. In this sense the forthcoming four week tour through Canada’s most easterly province Newfoundland and Labrador is a true highlight. Beginning July 28, 2011 a selection of 30 choristers will present their vast repertoire to their Canadian audience under the guidance of Artistic Director Bernhard Reimann.
Commencing at Newfoundland’s west coast, the tour will lead the choir through most provincial regions and end in the provincial capital, St. John’s.
Artistic Director Bernhard Reimann expresses his anticipation: “We are very much looking forward to share our joy of music with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador”. Wayne Chaulk, member of the group Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers adds: “And we are honored that one of our songs accompanies the Munich Youth Choirs as tour motto”. For one of the choristers the contact to the band and the people of the province is not unusual as close family ties exist. 
It is these transatlantic family connections that facilitated the organization on the ground. Bernhard Reimann is convinced that without these contacts “Saltwater Joys” would not have been possible. Singing is not the only thing on the agenda and time is reserved to explore the beauty of the province and meet with its people. This includes a visit to Gros Morne, a UNESCO world heritage site, as well as opportunities to make new friends and discoveries outside the well-known paths.
Excitement mounts as the day of departure comes closer. The Munich Youth Choirs will be accompanied with best wishes for a successful tour to Newfoundland and Labrador from both sides of the Atlantic. 
The details of the Tourschedule will follow in a few days. Please check here:
Tourschedule
For more information about Germany, Bavaria and Munich:
http://www.facts-about-germany.de
http://www.bayern.de
http://www.muenchen.de
Radio Interview with Blair Gaulton (klick here)
Blog about the Saltwater Joys Tour
Greetings:
With this year‘s concert tour to the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador the Munich Youth Choirs are filling a gap which we at the General Consulate of Germany in Montreal, whose consular jurisdiction is in principle covering all the Atlantic provinces of Canada, are very sadly aware of.
Due not only to the great distance between Canada and Germany but also to the huge extension of the country itself it is only quite rarely possible to present prestigious examples of German culture outside the bigger cities.
I am therefore very pleased about the initiative taken by the Munich Youth Choirs to set out for Newfoundland and Labrador, and this for an expanded four weeks tour, in order to delight with their music a big number of people all over the place.
I am sure that this journey will be a very positive experience for the young artists and will generate long-lasting bonds of friendship between them and their Canadian hosts.
Klaus Geyer
Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Montreal
On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I am delighted to welcome the Munich Youth Choirs to our beautiful province. As singing ambassadors of your country, we are happy to welcome you to Newfoundland and Labrador and to share the joy of music, the universal language.
The Munich Youth Choirs have an impressive 60-year history of touring the world. Such opportunities for travel and performance provide choristers with memorable experiences, broadened horizons and better understanding of different cultures. As you perform here in Newfoundland and Labrador, I am certain you will sense the warmth and hospitality, along with the appreciation for music and song our people are renowned for.
I encourage you to take time to see the beautiful scenery, take in the historic sites and sample local food and culture.
As you bring enjoyment to the audiences who hear you, I hope you will draw on the energy, enthusiasm and optimism of this place. I wish you safe travels, happy performing and a successful tour.
Sincerely,
Kathy Dunderdale
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
On behalf of my council colleagues, it is my pleasure to welcome our guests from the Munich Youth Choirs.
The Munich Youth Choirs can look back on a long and vital tradition. They have made a name for themselves all over Europe and I am pleased their tour to Newfoundland and Labrador includes the City of Mount Pearl.
To everyone visiting our City, be sure to take some time to share in the warm hospitality and community spirit that our residents so generously display.
Yours truly,
Randy Simms
Mayor of Mount Pearl
The only thing better than singing is more singing. (Ella Fitzgerald)
I am honoured to announce that the City of St. John’s will host the Munich Youth Choir during their tour to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Music has a long-lasting tradition in the society of our province and has always been an integral part of our culture and heritage. Music is one of the strongest tools of boundless communication, touching the soul and spirit of performers and listeners alike.
It is the talent and passion for music which makes the performances of the Munich Youth Choirs an unforgettable event and I am looking very much forward to sharing fantastic experiences and discover the magic and joy of music.
Dennis O’Keefe
Mayor of St. John’s
The Munich Youth Choirs
Known Throughout the World
Over the years, the choirs can look back at over 3,600 performances, including award-winning participation in competitions and festivals. Having worked under famous conductors like Eugen Jochum, Jan Koetsier, Karl Richter, Giuseppe Patané as well as personalities like Hans Clarin and Enrico de Paruta they have been engaged in debut performances, e.g. for works of Carl Orff and Heinrich Sutermeister.
Also known as “Singing Messengers of Munich” the choirs have made a name for themselves and continue to be featured in national radio and television broadcasts, most recently for Christmas 2010.
The Origins
The roots of the Munich Youth Choirs date back to the foundation of the Munich Boys Choir in 1952, which quickly became renowned in the music scene. 
Taking over the position of founder Fritz Rothschuh, Bernhard Reimann became artistic director in 1983. Under his guidance the Munich Girls Choir was established in 1996 and almost immediately gained recognition for its brilliant performances in the choral community.
To adequately reflect the fact that both choirs often perform as a unit they now operate as Munich Youth Choirs.
From Beginner to Soloist
Practise makes perfect. Primary school-aged boys and girls begin with theoretical and practical training. Once a firm foundation of basic music skills and literacy is formed they join the concert choir. As part of the ensemble the choristers can now gain experience with every performance they join.
In addition to regular rehearsals, specialized voice training brings out the vocal talents of each individual choir member. With patience and dedication the director and his staff develop excellent choristers as well as soloists.
Music Knows No Boundaries
The Munich Youth Choirs are not just pure “choral societies”, they also engage in extracurricular and cultural activities. This is particularly true for concert tours, where sight-seeing and interaction with the local communities play an integral part of the itinerary.
With the many international friendships established
and nourished over the years, the choristers achieve a great deal when it comes to international understanding and cultural exchange.
It is one of the best ways for young people to learn about other countries, people and their customs - as the motto says “music knows no boundaries”.
More Than Just Singing – A Special Community
The Munich Youth Choirs are based in the Youth Centre of the St. Bonifaz Abbey, situated right in the heart of Munich. As a non-denominational organization they are open to all, regardless of background or beliefs. The choirs are proud to offer varied opportunities for all choristers to develop their musical and educational skills.
Being part of this society of many voices also encourages the personal growth of each individual choir member by building self-esteem and character, learning self-dicipline and experiencing true team spirit. It is the perfect place to establish lasting friendships, and the memories of the times spent together in the Munich Youth Choirs will last a lifetime.
None of this happens without a lot of effort of many people, nor does it happen without money.
With the funds of the development association (Förderverein) financial assistance is provided to choristers in need. The association also supports e.g. the purchase of instruments and sheet music, preparation of concerts and the organization of tours.
Being a non-profit corporation, the choir maintains a modestly financed administrative infrastructure and largely depends on enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers and sponsors.
The Choirs also offers:
Early Musical Education: For children of pre-school age (4-6 years), to learn the fundamentals of music in a play environment as a basis for further development. 
Instrumental Instruction: Step-by-step instrumental instruction for choir members.
Afternoon Supervision: Children who come directly from school to choir practice can take lunch, do their homework under supervision and have the opportunity to spend free time with other choir members.
Friends of Munich Youth Choirs - Association for Further Development e.V.
The Association for Further Development of the Choirs is a non-profit organization which has made its objective the vital work of supporting the Munich Youth Choirs in musical as well as educational aspects.
On account of the high artistic level involved, this work results in a high financial cost which is not completely met by membership fees and concert revenues. Since the choir community must manage without financial support from state and municipal sources, it is the objective of the association to supplement the shortfall.
The association gives aid with the purchase of instruments and sheet music, with the preparation and performance of concerts, concert trips and much more. Furthermore, the association provides financial assistance to choir members from needy families so that they also may take part in the choir community.
Every contribution, no matter how small, helps the association with the realization of its goals. The contributions are tax-deductible in Germany, and for all donations above EUR 30,00 a tax receipt is automatically furnished. Contributions can be sent to the following account:
Freunde der Jungen Chöre München e.V.
(Friends of Munich Youth Choirs - Association for Further Development e.V.)
Stadtsparkasse München
DE20 7015 0000 0028 2931 57
SWIFT-BIC: SSKMDEMM
Grateful thanks to all Association supporters!
If you would like to join the Association for Further Development of the Choirs, please contact the office of:
Freunde der Jungen Chöre München e.V.
(Friends of Munich Youth Choirs - Association for Further Development e.V.)
Jugendhaus St. Bonifaz
Karlstr. 34
Germany – 80333 Munich
telephone +49 89 55171370
En-route throughout the world
Central Europe
Liechtenstein
1957 / 1970 / 1985 / 1988 / 1999
Luxembourg
1958 / 1971 / 1985 / 1988 / 1999 / 2003 2004 / 2009
Switzerland
1954 / 1956 / 1957 / 1962 / 1963 / 1964 1965 / 1966 / 1968 / 1970 / 1971 / 1972 1974 / 1978 / 1979 / 1980 / 1982 / 1984 1986 / 1988 / 1990 / 1991 / 1993 / 1994 1996 / 1998 / 1999 / 2001 / 2002 / 2005 2007 / 2008
Austria
1957 / 1973 / 1983 / 1986 / 1989 / 1991 1994 / 1997 / 2000 / 2002 / 2006 / 2007
Northern Europe
Denmark
1962 / 1963 / 1969 / 1974 / 1983 / 2006
Finland
1969 / 1975 / 1992 / 2004 / 2010
Norway
1983 / 2006
Sweden
1962 / 1969 / 1975 / 1983 / 1987 / 1992 2006
East Europe
Estonia
2004
Poland
1985 / 1995
Czech Republic
1997 / 2006 / 2008
Hungary
1994
Ukraine
1993
former GDR
1990
former Czechoslavakia
1989
former USSR
1976 / 1990
South East Europe
Greece
1992
Croatia
2000
former Yugoslavia
1965
South Europe
Italy
1953 / 1956 / 1959 / 1962 / 1965 / 1966 1968 / 1971 / 1974 / 1979 / 1980 / 1986 1991 / 2002 / 2005 / 2007
Spain
1955 / 1963 / 2007
Western Europe
Belgium
1961 / 1965 / 1971 / 1973 / 1980 /1989 1991 / 1999 / 2004 /2009
France
1958 / 1961 / 1963 / 1964 / 1966 / 1967 1968 / 1971 / 1973 / 1977 / 1984 / 1988 1991 / 1996 / 1999 / 2001 / 2003 / 2006 2007
Great Britain
1958 / 1961 / 1967 / 1971 / 1977 / 1989 1995 / 1999 / 2007
Ireland
1958 / 1961 / 1989 / 1995 / 1999 / 2007
Netherlands
1956 / 1957 / 1961 / 1968 / 1969 / 1973 1976 / 1981 / 1984 / 1988 / 1993 / 2004
Asia
Japan
1982 / 1997
Turkey
1960
America
United States of America
1975
Canada
1995
Australia
1994
Bernhard Reimann, the Director of the Munich Boys Choir and the Munich Girls Choir received his musical education at the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich; but his greatest teacher and mentor over many years was Choir Director and Founder Fritz Rothschuh. Right from the beginning of his many years of active choir membership, Mr. Reimann became intimately acquainted with the musical and educational structure and work of the Munich Boys Choir. After completing his musical studies, he took full charge of the choir and has managed it as sole Director since 1983. This transition fulfilled the wish of the choir founder Fritz Rothschuh, that his successor should come from within the ranks of the choir. With unflagging commitment and idealism Bernhard Reimann has created a modern musical educational institution. He is also an accomplished composer and many of his compositions have been published. 
Judith Reimann, the wife and deputy of the Choir Director is a very important and valued staff member. One of her many important tasks, in order to secure the future of the choir, is the search for suitable school boys and girls interested in singing. Mrs. Reimann performs the various tasks in the administration with cheerful enthusiasm. She conducts the beginner preparatory classes and teaches the children the fundamentals of theory and practice, and helps in the homework supervision. Last but not least, she organizes the concerts and choir trips and concerns herself with all the worries, small and large, of the choir members old and young.
