65-jähriges Jubiläum
The concerts and events surrounding the choir's 65th anniversary were supported by the Friends of the MDR Children's Choir. Exhibitions, catering, and the organizational support of the concerts were among the association's tasks.
Some alumni also had their say: Interview with Doris, Carla, Marlis and Veronika.
They all know each other because some of them sang in the choir at the same time (Marlis and Veronika from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s; Carla and Doris from the mid-1960s/early 1970s, each until the end of their schooling or vocational training).
We met them after the alumni sing-along, which took place on June 7, 2015, in the MDR Cube with Mr. Kaiser. They all shared something.
Where and when did the rehearsals take place? The cube next to the university at Augustusplatz didn't exist back then.
We remember the Reichsstraße, in a rear building (which no longer exists). That must have been from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. After that, for many years, we rehearsed in the "Turmstübchen" (Tower Room) in the Congress Hall near the Zoo. We rehearsed twice a week, always on Mondays and Thursdays, in addition to school, of course. It was sometimes tough, having to take the tram home alone in the dark in the evenings. Very few parents had a car back then and could pick us up. Radio recordings took place at the broadcasting center on Springerstraße and sometimes also at the Sportforum.
What are your memories of the rehearsals and your conductor, Dr. Hans Sandig?
Doris: For me, Dr. Sandig was like a father; he demanded a lot, but we had a close relationship with him and adored him. Carla disagrees slightly: He could be very strict! We were all afraid of singing solos! He listened very carefully. The others: And nothing could go wrong during recordings! Once, someone coughed at the end of a song, and he angrily broke his baton, do you remember? He was very meticulous; even the pronunciation had to be perfect!
Which special concerts were you involved in?
We participated in several performances of the Zoo Cantata back in the 1960s, which was also recorded. Some of the concerts took place in the White Hall/Theater of the Young World as student concerts. Concerts were also held in the Congress Hall. We also sang Carmina Burana, which was recorded at that time as well. The performance of the Peasant Cantata was particularly fun. It was performed in 1970 with dances in the Naschmarkt, which we had rehearsed especially for the occasion.
And what about television recordings?
These events often took place in Berlin, and only about 30 children were allowed to go—the best, so to speak. You had to audition, and there were special rehearsals. Those were highlights! We mainly participated in Christmas programs, like the classic "Between Breakfast and Roast Goose." There we met some entertainers who were famous at the time.
We often toured East Germany by bus for concerts, especially during the Advent season for Christmas concerts. The highlight in Leipzig was the Christmas concerts in the ballroom of the Old Town Hall, where our own parents also came. And Carla still remembers the trip abroad to Bulgaria in 1968 very well.
How has the choir influenced you musically?
In short: you just stay musical. We always sang later on, for example during our studies. In the 70s, singing groups with folk songs and political songs were popular, and some of us sang in them. And we still enjoy singing today; we simply know a lot of songs, and many of us still sing in a choir.
What would you say your time in the choir brought you – besides still being friends?
We learned to be punctual and disciplined. That's essential in a choir. We also had vocal training and our speech was honed. Even posture was taught – standing upright and straight, yet not stiff. So you could say we learned and experienced a great deal during our time in the choir, which we all still look back on fondly.
Thank you for the conversation!
The interview was conducted by JS
We met them after the alumni sing-along, which took place on June 7, 2015, in the MDR Cube with Mr. Kaiser. They all shared something.
Where and when did the rehearsals take place? The cube next to the university at Augustusplatz didn't exist back then.
We remember the Reichsstraße, in a rear building (which no longer exists). That must have been from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. After that, for many years, we rehearsed in the "Turmstübchen" (Tower Room) in the Congress Hall near the Zoo. We rehearsed twice a week, always on Mondays and Thursdays, in addition to school, of course. It was sometimes tough, having to take the tram home alone in the dark in the evenings. Very few parents had a car back then and could pick us up. Radio recordings took place at the broadcasting center on Springerstraße and sometimes also at the Sportforum.
What are your memories of the rehearsals and your conductor, Dr. Hans Sandig?
Doris: For me, Dr. Sandig was like a father; he demanded a lot, but we had a close relationship with him and adored him. Carla disagrees slightly: He could be very strict! We were all afraid of singing solos! He listened very carefully. The others: And nothing could go wrong during recordings! Once, someone coughed at the end of a song, and he angrily broke his baton, do you remember? He was very meticulous; even the pronunciation had to be perfect!
Which special concerts were you involved in?
We participated in several performances of the Zoo Cantata back in the 1960s, which was also recorded. Some of the concerts took place in the White Hall/Theater of the Young World as student concerts. Concerts were also held in the Congress Hall. We also sang Carmina Burana, which was recorded at that time as well. The performance of the Peasant Cantata was particularly fun. It was performed in 1970 with dances in the Naschmarkt, which we had rehearsed especially for the occasion.
And what about television recordings?
These events often took place in Berlin, and only about 30 children were allowed to go—the best, so to speak. You had to audition, and there were special rehearsals. Those were highlights! We mainly participated in Christmas programs, like the classic "Between Breakfast and Roast Goose." There we met some entertainers who were famous at the time.
We often toured East Germany by bus for concerts, especially during the Advent season for Christmas concerts. The highlight in Leipzig was the Christmas concerts in the ballroom of the Old Town Hall, where our own parents also came. And Carla still remembers the trip abroad to Bulgaria in 1968 very well.
How has the choir influenced you musically?
In short: you just stay musical. We always sang later on, for example during our studies. In the 70s, singing groups with folk songs and political songs were popular, and some of us sang in them. And we still enjoy singing today; we simply know a lot of songs, and many of us still sing in a choir.
What would you say your time in the choir brought you – besides still being friends?
We learned to be punctual and disciplined. That's essential in a choir. We also had vocal training and our speech was honed. Even posture was taught – standing upright and straight, yet not stiff. So you could say we learned and experienced a great deal during our time in the choir, which we all still look back on fondly.
Thank you for the conversation!
The interview was conducted by JS
