Ausserrhoden recognition award for the choir forest

Choral singing has a long tradition in Appenzell Ausserrhoden and encourages a broad public to engage in cultural activities, writes the canton. Individual professional musicians such as Jürg Surber, the long-standing conductor of the Chorwald, are often able to motivate choirs with their enthusiasm and expertise. This year's cantonal recognition award is therefore also representative of the great commitment shown by other choirs in the canton.

Formed in 1983 as the "Gemischter Chor Wald AR" from a merger between the men's choir founded in 1879 and the women's and daughters' choir founded in 1904, the Chorwald is now a regional choir with over 60 active members from all the surrounding villages. With its specially designed concert programs and national and international appearances, the choir has made a name for itself far beyond the Appenzell region. It has won awards at various competitions and singing festivals.

Despite changing line-ups, the choir has developed a broad foundation on which a high level of stylistic diversity is possible: this is reflected in many performances, from village serenades with traditional folk songs from different cultures to church service performances and concert performances of great classical oratorios. According to the canton, the 2024 Recognition Award recognizes the choir "both for the important contribution that the singers make to cultural life in the canton with their voluntary commitment, as well as for its meticulous sound culture and innovative concert programmes".

The 2024 Culture Prize goes to choreographer and dancer Gisa Frank.