Thomas Wirtz, born in 1956, took his first piano lesson at the age of seven after learning the recorder for a short time. Especially the school choir and orchestra at the old "Besselgymnasium" (High School) influenced him, before his musical way became clear with the help of Edmund Kreßt: organ lessons, member of the youth choir St. Marien, trips to almost every european country with this choir.
1973 Thomas Wirtz already found his professional home at the church of Todtenhausen/Kutenhausen with a part-time job as a church musician. In spite of different activities like leading the "Schaumburger Jugendchor" (a famous youth choir in Germany) from 1981 to 1990, working with music and young people, directing choir festivals from 1988 till 1993, jury and seminar work, foundation of different choirs and since 1992 a teaching assignment at the University of Münster, the church of Todtenhausen/Kutenhausen always stayed the center and aim of his activities.
Persistent work of construction especially with the children lead to the position we are at today. Many concerts with the "Kantorei" (the adult choir) and also oratorios like "Elias" and "Paulus" or requiems by Fauré or Duruflé were directed by Thomas Wirtz.
The A-exam for church musicians passed Thomas Wirtz in Hannover; to his estimation though his work could only stay lively and up to date by visiting many different courses (L.Heltay, Eric Ericson, Helmuth Rilling, John Rutter, Nigel Rogers, Gerhard Schmid-Gaden, Martin Behrmann and others) and going on study trips (USA, Canada, Australia). Future plans show an expansion of concert work with Tookula. Cooperation with composers is thought of as well as participation in international festivals. Besides, spontaneous summer walking and camping with choir children will not lose importance!...
Here you can have a look at him:
Frauke Seele Brandt
Regina Kruse-Mohrhoff
