Singing connects people
10 years of the Vienna Gemeindebau choir
Ten years ago, wohnpartner, a public housing association, founded the 1st Vienna Gemeindebau choir, made up of council housing residents. The motto was “singing connects people”. A success story.
The idea of the Vienna Gemeindebauchor was to bring together the residents of Vienna’s council housing through their shared joy of singing. And it was a success: over the years, the number of members has increased to a total of 80 singers, taking part in weekly rehearsals at three different locations across Vienna.
1st Vienna Gemeindebauchor celebrates its 10th anniversary
The big birthday was duly celebrated with two concerts in Donaustadt and Floridsdorf, where the about 80 singers and their choirmaster Martin Strommer gave their all to their extensive repertoire. The presentation of the Christmas album CD “Alle Jahre wieder” at the Vienna City Hall was one of the highlights of the anniversary year.
“The 1st Vienna Gemeindebauchor is not about singing every note perfectly in tune. The focus of our efforts is actually much more on our love of music and joy of singing together. That is immediately noticeable and very contagious – performances are an unforgettable experience,” says City Councillor for Women’s Issues and Housing Kathrin Gaál, congratulating the choir on their anniversary.
International appearances
Conducted by Martin Strommer, the choir has made several appearances with their varied repertoire, e.g. at the Vienna Burgtheater, at the International Advent Singing at Vienna City Hall, at council housing celebrations and exhibition openings. “The 1st Vienna Gemeindebauchor is an impressive example of what can grow from a simple idea if people with a shared passion and the will to make a difference work together,” said the head of wohnpartner Josef Cser, delighted about the success of the initiative.
About wohnpartner
Together with the residents, the about 150 wohnpartner employees at 26 different sites develop various initiatives aimed at encouraging and improving peaceful cohabitation and neighbourly relations in Vienna’s council housing facilities. These include the “Welcome neighbour!” initiative, the 1st Vienna Gemeindebauchor and the residents’ centres. wohnpartner also provide conflict resolution and free mediation. www.wohnpartner-wien.at
