Joachim Buhrmann first studied church music and then singing with Prof. Melinda Paulsen and conducting with Prof. Dr. Jürgen Blume in Mainz. While still a student, he was appointed cantor at St. Peter’s Church in Mainz. As a singer, he worked in various radio choirs (Bavarian, North German, and West German Radio) with conductors such as Lorin Maazel, Marcello Viotti, James Levine, and Richard Hickox. In addition, he devoted himself intensively to contemporary music and appeared as a soloist with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under Jonathan Nott at the Edinburgh Festival, among other engagements. Buhrmann was able to expand his conducting repertoire with the Rhineland-Palatinate State Youth Choir. There he rehearsed numerous a cappella works and prepared the choir for a CD production of G. Verdi’s Requiem for John Nelson. At the same time, he founded the Mundy Ensemble, which focused explicitly on music of the 16th century. Buhrmann has been a permanent member of the RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin since 2005. Since then, he has continued to appear as a conductor, leading various rehearsals of the RIAS Chamber Choir as well as several Forum Concerts.

What was your most memorable experience during your time in the choir?

For me, there is no “one” unforgettable experience. Not every concert creates that special “spark”… nevertheless, I am very grateful for two special concerts that I was allowed to conduct myself: “Asceticism and Exuberance” with works by Pärt and Bach, and a benefit concert in support of refugees from Ukraine. One visitor wrote afterwards: “…you were incredible. The sound created by these 25 singers was everything: comforting and moving. Loving towards us, towards each other, and towards those for whom the singing was intended, those who are fleeing.” Perhaps that was the most unforgettable experience.