Jazz and new sounds to say goodbye
Collegium Vocale enters a new era with the establishment of a foundation and change of management
Collegium Vocale at Fabian Pasewald's farewell concert at the Volkshaus in Jena
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With Duke Ellington's "Sacred Concert", Fabian Pasewald bid farewell to Collegium Vocale after more than nine years as its director with an impressive concert on 22 June 2025 at the Volkshaus Jena. During his tenure, Fabian Pasewald played a key role in shaping the artistic diversity of the ensemble, which still characterises the choral programme today, from traditional folk songs to arrangements by contemporary rock and pop composers.
As a farewell highlight, Fabian Pasewald once again conducted a joint concert by Collegium Vocale and the Jena Big Band. The personal words of various choir members following their visibly moved conductor made it clear how inspiring, integrating and encouraging his musical work with the students was. Prof Dr Bärbel Kracke, Vice President for University Community and Engagement, thanked him for the good cooperation and his great commitment to the musical culture at Friedrich Schiller University.
Member establishes new foundation to support the choir
In addition to the new appointment of the choir director, friends and supporters of the choir can look forward to further commitment: Dr Ekkehard Seidler - himself an active member of Collegium Vocale for many years - has set up a new charitable foundation to support the choir, which is a trust under the umbrella of the Ernst Abbe Foundation in Jena. Singing in a choir has been an important part of the music-loving Medicine graduate's life since childhood. With the foundation, he wants to promote the idea of making music together at Friedrich Schiller University, to which the choir has been contributing since 1949. The aim of the initiative is to sustainably strengthen both the ensemble's musical endeavours and the cohesion of the choral community. This provides financial support for the choir's work, including the purchase of sheet music and the organisation of rehearsal weekends. Donations are always welcome at the newly established foundation.