About
The Ernst Senff Chor Berlin (ESCB) is a semiprofessional ensemble, working with renowned orchestras and conductors working. The ESCB was founded by Ernst Senff at the Hochschule für Musik in West-Berlin as "Kammerchor Ernst Senff". For more than 40 years, the choir performs regularly un concerts in Berlin, Germany, as well as at international festivals. The directors of the choir were Ernst Senff from 1966 to 1990, and Sigurd Brauns from 1991 to 2007. Guest conductors of the choir have been Ud Joffe (since 2006), Ralf Sochaczewsky (since 2007), Frank Markowitsch (since 2007), Peter Wodner (since 2008), and Steffen Schubert (since 2008).
The range of literature of the ESCB ranges from 17th to 21st centuries, with contemporary music strongly represented. The choir size changes depending on the requirements from 20 to 120 singers. The ESCB expects its singers to have a high level of professionalism and commitment to the rehearsal preparation and work. All members have a vocal training (studying or private), but mainly practice another profession.
Many members of the ESCB are also working in the extra choirs of the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Komische Oper Berlin. They are considered temporary workers engaged at various concert halls and opera choruses or join to a soloist. The ESCB holds no own concerts.