German amateur choirs are cultural heritage
"Choral music in German amateur choirs" has been included in the nationwide list of intangible cultural heritage. In Switzerland, the Federal Council reported on intangible cultural heritage to UNESCO for the first time.
As the Federal Association of German Choral Associations announced today, there are around 60,000 amateur choirs in Germany with over two million singers. As part of the UNESCO convention, they have now received a special honor. "Choral music in German amateur choirs" made it onto the nationwide list in the first round from a total of 83 proposals.
According to the press release, the experts recognize the choral tradition as a cultural form that is "deeply rooted in the heart of society. The creative appropriation of text and music as well as the artistic vitality of people are mobilized through the activity of choirs. At the same time, the practice of singing focuses on identity-forming commonalities and public activities. Cultural tradition, social awakening and lively commitment intertwine in the cultivation of choral music in German amateur choirs. They represent the core of musical tradition, musical life and the cultivation of music in Germany."
In addition, the Saxon boys' choirs, the singing of songs of the German workers' movement and the German theater and orchestra landscape were included in the national directory.
In Switzerland, the Federal Council adopted the first periodic report on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in Switzerland on November 28. In today's press release, the Federal Office of Culture writes that the interim results are positive and that the report will be submitted to UNESCO today. In October, the Yodeling as one of the eight candidacies proposed.
