Outreach projects in Berlin and around the world

Vokalhelden (Vocal heroes)

Eine Gruppe von Kindern in bunten T-Shirts hebt die Arme und lächelt, während sie gemeinsam auf der Bühne auftreten und singen. — Picture: Lenny Rothenberg

The Berliner Philharmoniker founded the Vokalhelden in 2013. Teaching children and young people values such as self-confidence, courage and team spirit through singing has been an important goal since the beginning. At four locations in Hellersdorf, Moabit, Schöneberg and the Märkisches Viertel, as well as in the cross-district youth choir, children aged 6 to 18 rehearse weekly in nine Vokalhelden choirs. The children and young people pass on their enthusiasm for singing in small and large performances in the neighborhood and at the Philharmonie Berlin. A highlight every year is the Vokalhelden sing-along concert for school classes in the Great Hall.

In 2023, the Vokalhelden received the Opus Klassik award in the category for promoting young talent and the Pill Mayer Foundation's prize for intercultural dialog.

Since 2021, the Vokalhelden have been sponsored by a non-profit association.

Ndlovu & Vocal heroes Highlight

Vokalhelden at a glance

Recommended age: 6 to 18, divided into different levels (age groups)
Where: various districts across Berlin

Participate

Join in the singing here

There’s no audition to join Vokalhelden. You don’t need any musical knowledge or previous experience either. What matters is curiosity about singing, enjoying making music together with others in the children’s choir or youth choir, and coming to rehearsals regularly. You can request a taster session on the Vokalhelden website.

Upcomings concerts with the Vokelhelden

A large group of children wearing colorful shirts sing or shout enthusiastically on stage, using their hands to project their voices.

Fri 26 February 2027, 10:00 Main Auditorium

Vokalhelden-sing-along-concert

Vokalhelden
Johannes David Wolff artistic direction

Closed school event for students in grades 2-5

Fri 26 February 2027, 12:00 Main Auditorium

Vokalhelden-sing-along-concert

Vokalhelden
Johannes David Wolff artistic direction

Closed school event for students in grades 2-5

A large choir of people in colorful shirts sings on a brightly lit stage, accompanied by musicians, with an audience seated in a modern concert hall.

Sun 25 April 2027, 11:00 Chamber Music Hall

Vokalhelden Annual Concert

Vokalhelden
Johannes David Wolff artistic direction

Thu 27 May 2027, 20:00 25 years Education & Outreach
Main Auditorium

Berliner Philharmoniker
Kirill Petrenko conductor
Samantha Hankey mezzo-soprano (Hänsel)
Elena Villalón soprano (Gretel)
Alexandra Ionis mezzo-soprano (Gertrud)
Wolfgang Koch baritone (Peter)
Gerhard Siegel tenor (Gingerbread Witch)
Serafina Starke soprano (Dewman)
Shannon Keegan contralto (Sandman)
Vokalhelden
Matthias Davids stage direction
Andrew D. Edwards stage design and costumes