Farewell after 44 years: Ulrich Röttig leaves the St. Margareta church choir

Farewell after 44 years: Ulrich Röttig leaves the St. Margareta church choir

In Neunkirchen, the St. Margareta church choir is covered by an emotional wave, since choir director Ulrich Röttig is retiring at the end of November. Röttig, who has been managing the choir for 44 years, has made a significant contribution to developing into one of the few church choirs with a high number of members and a demanding repertoire in the Archdiocese of Cologne. His musical heritage goes far back; He started his job on June 1, 1980 and brings the passion of music from a Hennef family of musicians.

The variety of his skills can be seen in numerous performances that included both sacred and secular music. Special highlights were the performances of classic works, such as Georg Friedrich Handel's "Messiah" in 1986 or Joseph Haydn's "Creation" on the occasion of the choir's 100th anniversary. Also remarkable was the joint concert with the Eitorf church choir 2001, which included the "42nd Psalm" set to music by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.

a legacy of music

With deep empathy and intensive rehearsal work, reduced an ensemble that was recognized both in the church and outside the church room. The popular choir concerts of the 1980s and 1990s have a permanent place in the region's music culture. Their success let many people come together and gave them the opportunity to share the joy of music.

The choir looks back on a 120th anniversary that was celebrated with a festive concert. While the 125th anniversary could only be made up for due to the corona pandemic, there was still an impressive resurrection fair. However, Röttig's retirement does not mark the end of his commitment: he has agreed to continue to be available as a choir director in emergencies.

On Friday, November 22nd, there will be a festival fair in St. Margareta, to which the parishioners are invited. The honorable event takes place in honor of St. Cäcilia, the patron saint of church music. After the service, Röttig is ceremoniously adopted in a convivial setting in the parish home. His many years of work has a significant influence on the choir and the community, which underlines the continued honor of his work.

The appreciation of Röttig's total is confirmed by the invitation to friends and sponsors of the choir to experience this special moment together. These celebrations are not only a farewell, but also a celebration of his contribution to the church and cultural landscape of Neunkirchen.

For more information on the celebrations and the history of the choir, interested parties should be found on www.rheinische-zwärbblaetter.de read.