Kowalczyk, Andreas 10/22/1963

I was born in the university town of Göttingen in Germany. As a youth I discovered a fertile musical environment there. There were events like the Händel-Festspiele all year round.

I was quickly drawn to the tonal world of choral singing. I’ve carried a passion for such music my entire life—the human voice is the most beautiful of all instruments.

After working for several years as a graphic artist, I decided to study music in Kassel (Hessen). In 1999 I took my degree.

My interest in conducting and orchestral music moved me to take additional private lessons under the conductor Matthias Göbel, director of the Siemens Orchestra in Nuremberg. At that time, the focus was on musical conception and ensembles. I was also able to gain some valuable practical experience with "Trio Preludio" (violin, transverse flue and piano).

I was also active as an independent musician, leading conducting choirs and ensembles in and around Kassel, some of which won awards in concert and choral competitions.

I enjoy composing and arranging and some of my works are ready for publication. Singable, original, entertaining and—where appropriate—humorous: that’s how good choral music should be, especially for lay choirs. Making music should make people happy. There’s nothing worse than boring choir rehearsals.

It is my desire, and one that I strive for, that as many people as possible experience what it’s like to sing in a choir, the joy of harmonizing and of making music together. The wonderful experience of making music with others from the same town or neighborhood is not only fun, it also brings people together, whether it be in a rehearsal or a concert. I hope that my compositions will do their part to make that a reality.