Brahms’ Requiem - Another Chapter in Choir of the Earth’s Collaboration with the Bergen Philharmonic
On Wednesday 15 October 2025, Choir of the Earth premiered a remarkable new collaborative performance of Johannes Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.
The Bergen Philharmonic’s live performance of Brahms’ Requiem was recorded at the Grieghallen in Bergen on Friday 22 March 2024, conducted by Edward Gardner and featuring soprano Johanna Wallroth and baritone Brian Mulligan, with the Chorus under the direction of Chorus Master, Håkon Matti Skrede.
Using the Bergen Philharmonic’s concert recordings, Choir of the Earth’s singers learned and rehearsed the work in online sessions led by Musical Director Ben England, singing alongside the orchestra and chorus’ original performance. As part of the collaboration, Choir of the Earth had arranged for key members of the Bergen Philharmonic Chorus to wear headset microphones during the live performance. These recordings became the foundation of Choir of the Earth’s guide tracks for each voice part, allowing its singers around the world to record their own parts in precise alignment with the Bergen ensemble.
Those individual recordings were then carefully mixed with the original Bergen Philharmonic recordings to create a new, truly global interpretation of Brahms’ masterwork – one that bridges continents and captures the shared humanity at the heart of the music.
This collaboration has been especially meaningful given the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra’s recent recognition as Gramophone’s 2025 Orchestra of the Year, with Choir of the Earth sending heartfelt congratulations to their friends in Norway on this well-deserved award.
To work alongside such an extraordinary ensemble has been an honour for all involved. The premiere, now available to watch on YouTube, has already drawn heartfelt responses from singers and audience alike.
Click to open the concert performance in YouTube
What a great performance and recording, of which we can all be proud. It was a privilege to be able to be part of this. – Geoffrey
Absolutely exquisite. I love singing with the Bergen Philharmonic, and this is a stunning performance with our combined voices. – Nicola
Spine tingling! Agree best yet! I’m so proud of my choir! – Linda
I am so proud to belong to such a wonderful choir – it all sounds amazing. – Carole
This has to be the best recording of the German Requiem. It’s exquisite. – Terry
Beautiful! Thank you. The Choir is going from strength to strength. – Celia
This project stands as one of Choir of the Earth’s most ambitious and moving collaborations to date – a testament to what can be achieved when global voices unite in music - and more news about this performance will follow soon.
The Brahms’ Requiem project was the Choir’s second collaboration with the Bergen Philharmonic, following the success of their partnership on Frederick Delius’ A Mass Of Life in 2023, and a third project is currently under way. The Choir’s singers recorded Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 (the “Symphony of a Thousand”) earlier this year, adding their voices to the Bergen Philharmonic’s already-substantial performance and farewell to conductor Edward Gardner. Choir of the Earth’s audio engineers are now bringing together the combined forces for this vast work and more information about the premiere of this collaboration will follow in 2026.