6 Questions for Bertrand Gröger
An Interview
Bertrand Gröger is the Honorary Conductor of the Jazzchor Freiburg, which he founded in 1990 and led for 36 years. Gröger has composed and arranged works for the Bamberger Symphoniker, the WDR-Rundfunkorchester, the Swingle Singers, and, among others, a large part of the Jazzchor Freiburg’s repertoire.
What was your first composition?
The song “Ich möcht mal in ne Kneipe rein” (“I’d Like to Go into a Pub Someday”), written at the age of nine.
Which other composers inspire you?
Great jazz, authentic folk music from distant places – and Bach, Ravel, the Beatles, Roger Treece, and Bobby McFerrin.
Open Skies
Bertrand Gröger (arr.)
Carus 7.467/00
Der Mond ist aufgegangen
Bertrand Gröger (arr.)
Carus 7.466/00
Your most emotional musical experience to date?
“Grögers Finale” with the Jazz Choir Freiburg, together with Kirby Shaw, Jens Johansen, Torun Eriksen, Joo Kraus, and Takayuki Doi on June 7, 2026.
Where do you prefer to compose?
So far: in a wooden house in the Black Forest, at the guesthouse of a pilgrimage church, or late at night in my own kitchen. Above all, I need quiet, and solitude.
What are you working on at the moment?
A short Latin guitar solo piece.
When you’re not composing or making music, then…
…I’m answering these six questions.
Bertrand Gröger is a sought-after workshop leader, adjudicator, and author. As a conductor, Gröger led Switzerland’s “Chor Zug” to three first prizes at the International Choral Competition in Riva del Garda, Italy. He also served for 15 years as director of the University Choir at the Popakademie in Mannheim and conducted a World Children’s Choir of 2,000 young singers from 115 nations as part of a United Nations project.
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