Freiburg Jazz Choir

The Jazzchor Freiburg was founded in 1990 by Bertrand Gröger and is among the most renowned jazz choirs in the German-speaking world. The program encompasses vocal jazz from swing to fusion and attempts to bridge the gap between art music and entertainment. Most of Gröger's arrangements gain new colors through scat choir passages, collective rap, and shout choruses. In addition to numerous a cappella pieces, the choir is accompanied in concerts by a band with piano, double bass, and drums, often expanded with guest soloists on saxophone or vocal solos.

The choir has undertaken tours in China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark and achieved competition successes, including 1st place at the German Choir Competition in 1998 and 1st place at the Chorolympiad in South Korea in 2002. Previous collaborations have taken place with artists such as the Swingle Singers, Bernd Schlott, Torun Eriksen, Cécile Verny, Norbert Gottschalk, and Tap for Two. Special projects included performances with Bobby McFerrin, the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra, and the Freiburg Philharmonic.

Bertrand Gröger, founder and artistic director of the Jazzchor Freiburg for over 35 years, will be leaving the choir. His successor is Julian Knörzer, former choir singer and beatboxer, who will serve as choir director starting in September 2025 and as artistic director starting in June 2026. From March to May 2026, concerts will take place at locations that are particularly close to Bertrand's heart.