Andreas P. Merkelbach

Andreas P. Merkelbach serves as a part-time Lecturer at Nürtingen-Geislingen University of Applied Sciences, where he contributes his specialized expertise in church music and performance. Appointed as church musician at St. John's Church in Nürtingen in September 2000, he maintains a dual role bridging academic instruction and practical musical leadership within the community.

His professional development includes comprehensive studies in musicology and philosophy, with specialized training in church music, conducting, and singing. His education was enhanced through international organ master classes across Germany, France, Austria, and Italy, along with advanced conducting instruction under renowned maestros Sergiu Celibidache, Nicolaus Harnoncourt, and Eric Ericson.

Merkelbach's artistic focus centers on:

• Sacred music traditions and contemporary liturgical practice
• Historical organ performance techniques
• Choral conducting methodologies for diverse vocal ensembles
• Gregorian chant preservation and interpretation
• Vocal ensemble direction for both traditional and modern repertoire

His performance career spans domestic and international venues as organist, conductor, and concert singer, bringing practical artistry to his academic role. Merkelbach has significantly enriched the musical landscape by founding multiple ensembles:

• Schola Gregoriana Nürtingen (specializing in early sacred music)
• St. John's Women's Choir
• St. John's Cantorial Group
• Nürtingen Vocal Ensemble (project-based performances)
• Nürtingen University Choir (fostering student musical engagement)