Universitätskirche. Photograph: April 1968, Universitätsarchiv
During the 600 year history of Leipzig University, students have often played an influential role in the musical life of the city. As well as numbering amongst the members of the Collegia musica directed by Telemann and J.S. Bach, students performed regularly in coffee houses, in the city's churches and even in the opera. Many choirs have been formed down the ages, including the Universitätssängerschaft St. Pauli, founded in 1822 and directed 1907-08 by Max Reger.
The Universitätskirche was host to musical events of all manner until its destruction in 1968. The Church witnessed, for instance, the first performance of some of Bach's ceremonial music and the funeral of Mendelssohn; the University Organist, Robert Köbler, thrilled congregations and audiences with his improvisations and the Universitätschor (University Choir) held its regular concerts here.
Without the eclectic variety of musical activity, modern-day academic life would be similarly unimaginable: a huge range is on offer for audiences and participants alike, from the regular performances given by the Universitätschor, Universitätsorchester (orchestra) and Universitätsbigband (big band) to chamber music, ad hoc projects and, of course, the more spontaneous music-making at student balls and parties.
Internet:
www.uni-leipzig.de/unimusik
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Station 21, Standort Erstes Gewandhaus / Site of first Gewandhaus |
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Paulinum - Aula und Universitätskirche St.Pauli / Paulinum - Auditorium and University Church St. Pauli (Music Trail station 22) |
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Station 23, MDR-Kubus - Rundfunkklangkörper / MDR Cube - broadcasting ensembles |
