Born in South Africa, Volker Nietzke has been a permanent member of the RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin since 2011. He also performs regularly as a soloist in concerts and operas, as well as in song programs. In addition to the standard repertoire, he has a passion for lesser-known music and has been involved in numerous performances of contemporary compositions and rediscoveries of forgotten works.

Nietzke has worked with ensembles such as the Lautten Compagney, the Kammerphilharmonie Potsdam, and the Akademie für Alte Musik, and has been a guest at festivals such as MaerzMusik Berlin, the Oslo Kirkemusikkfestival, and the Rheingau Musikfestival.

He began his training with studies in school music and vocal pedagogy in Berlin and later continued in Hanover with a master’s degree in “Vocal Performance in Freelance Work.”

Since 2018, he has been teaching singing at the Berlin University of the Arts and has also been coaching the male voices of the Berlin State and Cathedral Choir for many years.

What does it mean to you to be part of the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin?

During my studies, I had the exclusive opportunity to attend a rehearsal of the choir with Michael Alber. It was the first time I heard this ensemble live and up close! I was thrilled by the unique sound and the pace at which they worked. I knew immediately: I want to be part of this – and I am very grateful that a few years later, this dream came true for me.