A Milestone Anniversary Marked with Music

For thirty years, Ulrich Seeger has been a cornerstone of church music in Friedberg, Germany. As a conductor, composer, and organist, his influence resonates throughout the community. This year marks not only Seeger’s 30th anniversary in Friedberg but also the 125th anniversary of the dean’s cantore. To commemorate these milestones,the cantore will perform the evocative “Misa Tango,” a testament to Seeger’s enduring passion and commitment.

From Black Forest Roots to Friedberg’s Musical heart

Seeger’s musical journey began in Zwerenberg, a village in the northern Black Forest, where music was a way of life. The Seegers sang or played in the trombone choir. I was lucky that there was a Chorgymnasium in the nearby Altensteig that I could go, Seeger recalls. This early exposure fueled his ambition to become a church musician.After completing his studies, he sought a position where he could nurture his love for choir work. friedberg proved to be the perfect fit.

Arriving in 1995, Seeger merged the city church cantore and the Upper Hessian cantore of Werner Year into the dean’s cantore, streamlining rehearsals to accommodate singers’ schedules. His dedication to financial stability led him to establish the church music support group, ensuring resources for choir projects and equipment acquisitions.

Navigating Challenges, Maintaining passion

The landscape of church music has evolved considerably over the years. The COVID-19 pandemic forced choirs to adapt, and Seeger notes a decrease in the number of singers. He also expresses frustration with increasing bureaucracy within the Evangelical Church. Despite these challenges, Seeger remains steadfast in his commitment to choir work, especially his work with children.

He dedicates his time to three children’s choir groups each week,spanning from first grade to high school. He organizes engaging activities, including composing musicals and leading summer singing and Bible weeks. Parents commend his ability to motivate and inspire young musicians.

A Multifaceted musical Life

seeger’s schedule is packed with rehearsals, concerts, and organizational tasks. He leads the dean’s cantore and a vocal ensemble, conducts special rehearsals for major concerts, and provides musical guidance to the Evangelical kindergarten. He also teaches organ lessons, plays the organ, engages instrumentalists and soloists, and manages the summer concert series.

Despite his demanding schedule, Seeger finds time for his own musical pursuits. He composes choral works, some of which have been featured at the Wetterau church music days. Contemporary is necessary next to Bach and Mozart. Music and texts are existential, he asserts,emphasizing the importance of diverse musical expression.

Beyond Friedberg: Connections and Inspirations

Seeger maintains ties with his hometown of Zwerenberg through the vocal ensemble he founded in 1983,fostering exchange through joint concerts. He also actively seeks out live music experiences, attending operas and concerts in Frankfurt and Munich. An admirer of Bruckner and Wagner,he prefers the Frankfurt opera house to Bayreuth,finding the latter too elitist.

Finding Balance and Joy

To unwind and clear his mind, Seeger cycles approximately 8,000 kilometers each year, often dedicating an hour each day to this activity. He also enjoys playing Doppelkopf, a traditional German card game. Our round has not been around as Corona, but I play against the computer, that is going to be zackzag and is a lot of fun, he shares with a smile.

Ulrich Seeger’s dedication to music and community has enriched Friedberg for three decades. His passion, resilience, and commitment to nurturing young talent ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.