University of Cologne Jazz Choir
Overview
Overview
Overview
The University of Cologne Jazz Choir was founded in 2008 by Dietrich Thomas. In October 2019, Julia Reckendrees took over as the ensemble’s director. Most of the choir’s members are students at the University of Cologne. The choir performs both a cappella and with piano or band accompaniment. In addition to jazz standards, the choir focuses on choral arrangements of challenging pop songs as well as pieces that bridge the gap between contemporary classical music and jazz. As a student ensemble, the choir rehearses weekly during the academic semester and frequently performs at university concerts and official events. Among the choir’s greatest achievements are a gold medal at the World Choir Games in Sochi, Russia, in 2016; second place at the German Choir Competition in Weimar in 2014; and first place at the North Rhine-Westphalia State Choir Competition in Dortmund in 2017. In 2018, the choir achieved the top ranking in the “Jazz and Pop Choirs with Trio” category at the German Choir Competition in Freiburg.
Conductor of the Jazz Choir
Julia Reckendrees
Julia Reckendrees has been directing the jazz choir since October 2019. After a challenging start during the pandemic, she guided the choir through that period—when in-person rehearsals were impossible—by offering online voice training, sight-singing exercises, and several video productions. Since then, she has hit the ground running with both choirs, and her two ensembles easily fill the auditorium during concerts.
- During the semester: Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m., Music Room (Main Building)
- Rehearsal weekend: 22. - 24.1.27
- Semester break: no rehearsals
New members can only join the choir at the beginning of each semester. The process begins with a trial rehearsal, followed by an audition. You must attend both events. Prospective members should have prior musical training. Students are given priority for admission.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept new singers for the 2026/27 winter semester, as all voice parts are already fully cast. In the meantime, however, you are welcome to sing in one of our other ensembles, such as OneVoice (soprano/alto).
- Trial rehearsal: will not take place again until the summer semester of 2027
- Auditions: will not take place again until the summer semester of 2027
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the address below.
18Jul
Konzert
Köln | Rochuskirche | Uhrzeit: tba.
22Jul
Konzert
Köln | Uni-Aula | 20.00 Uhr
Video
The Gift
Jazzchor der Universität zu Köln
Leitung: Julia Reckendrees
Music & Arrangement: Rob Dietz
Sound: Julius Gass von GassnKlang ( https://gassnklang.de/ )
Video: SuRe Production, Tobias Sünder & Christian Reckendrees
Contact
vorstand (at) jazzchor-koeln.de