Fugatonale is a vocal ensemble with high musical standards, founded in 2009 by Soprano Franziska Günther who directs the group as well as singing; the singers perform without a conductor. Well-known and unknown works by composers from all eras as well as world premieres are arranged into conceptual programs that place the respective pieces into unusual contexts. Early music is often a focal point of the program. The ensemble performs in Berlin as well as in churches in the surrounding area, or at special events: the covering of the altar in the Paul-Gerhardt-Kirche in February 2015, festive events organised by various Berlin associations or events organised by the Chorverband Berlin, of which the ensemble is a member.
Fugatonale also enjoys working with other choirs, for example with enChore in 2010, with the HXOSChor in 2011 and with the choir of St Annen Church in Zepernick in 2015, with whom they also performed J. S. Bach’s St John Passion in April 2018. The ensemble has been giving benefit concerts in the Czech Republic (Arnoltice near Děčín) for several years to support the restoration of the baroque church there. It has also regularly presented itself to audiences at the Voices benefit concert in Charlottenburg’s Trinitatis Church supporting AIDS Orphans in Namibia.
The ensemble’s work was only suspended for a short time during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Thanks to cultural funding, it was possible to perform and record Dietrich Buxtehude’s “Membra Jesu Nostrí” with professional instrumentalists under the direction of Irene Klein in 2022/23. Since then, pre-Christmas concerts and a programmatic concert have been organised every year.
Downloads:
