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Throughout its 40 year history, the Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir has used music to build a bridge of community and teamwork for its American Military and local national members. (Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir)
Throughout its 40-year history, the Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir (RPIC) has used music to build a bridge of community and teamwork for its American Military and local national members. This history begins in 1985 with 50 American singers from the Ramstein and Vogelweh chapel communities, looking to perform Handel’s “Messiah” and recruit additional singers.
Today, the choir includes over 60 members, over half of whom are American members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community. (Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir)
In 1986, the choir officially became the Ramstein Community Choir, and membership grew to include singers from other NATO countries. By 1988, the choir had grown to 100 members from six nations, prompting the choir to become the Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir.
Today, the choir includes over 60 members, over half of whom are American members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community, with the rest of the singers from the local national community.
“I love to hear a choir. I love the humanity... to see the faces of real people devoting themselves to a piece of music. I like the teamwork. It makes me feel optimistic about the human race when I see them cooperating like that.”
— Paul McCartney
The Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir invites you to feel the joy and community optimism of song as they celebrate 40 years of music with a special free anniversary concert, A Circle Unbroken – Four Decades of Choral Unity, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the historic Abteikirche Otterberg.
This will be a “best of” special anniversary concert featuring top selections that highlight the musical and cultural diversity of the choir’s membership and its past performance history. There will truly be something for every listener to enjoy.
To make the occasion extra special, former RPIC choir directors Stephanie Benton and Dr. Patrick Casey will join as guest conductors, along with current Musical Director, Eric Weddle, all of whom share strong ties to the Kaiserslautern Military Community, both personally and professionally.
Join RPIC for a night of humanity, connecting across countries, languages, cultures and backgrounds, through the magic of song. As Paul McCartney put it, maybe you’ll leave with a newfound sense of optimism, and a tune or two to hum. Visit sing-rpic.de for more information.
Join RPIC for a night of humanity, connecting across countries, languages, cultures and backgrounds, through the magic of song. (Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of War.
