English
Deutsch
Male chorus from Cologne - established 1987
The Erster Kölner Barbershop Chor/EKBC (First Barbershop Chorus of Cologne) was founded as Germany’s first male barbershop chorus in 1987 by Kurt Gerhardt. During the first years, the Wise Guys were members of the chorus, who went on to become one of the most successful German a cappella groups. After ten years, Kurt Gehardt handed over the direction to both Leo Freitag and Matthias Neuburger, who conducted the chorus together until 2007. For the three following years, Leo Freitag continued to lead the chorus on his own, until Matthias Neuburger took over the job of director in 2010.
Over the years, the chorus recorded three CDs and a DVD and performed on many stages in Cologne, Germany and abroad. The repertoire of the chorus embraces classic barbershop arrangements, but also German pieces and pop songs. Elaborate performances in unusual costumes and the inclusion of comedic elements have grown to be a part of the EKBC style.