The Thomanerchor was founded more than 800 years ago, making it the oldest cultural institution in Leipzig. In 1212 Kaiser Otto IV founded the Augustiner canon monastery at St. Thomas which included a school intended to develop liturgical singing among boys in order to provide music for church services. During the Reformation Leipzig earned the reputation as an outstanding musical and cultural center due in part to the well-known Thomas cantors.

While the emphasis of the Thomanerchor rests on the conservation of the “musica sacra,” works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Thomas cantor from 1723 until his death in 1750, repertoire includes music from all periods from Gregorian to modern.

The choir rehearses daily and performs at church services three times per week to an audience of more than 2,500. Saturday services include a Bach cantata performed with the Gewandhaus orchestra Leipzig, organist, soloists, and priests from Thomas church.

The Thomanerchor began touring in the 20th century, and earned the choir its esteemed international reputation. Today the choir is a staple of German and European music life, and as a cultural ambassador of Leipzig in demand worldwide. Regular tours lead the choir to North and South America, Asia and Australia.

Choristers live, learn and rehearse in the Thomas Alumnat. High School age choristers attend a high school in Leipzig. Beginning in 4th grade, younger students attend Anna-Magdalena-Bach school in Leipzig or the elementary school Forum Thomanum on the Thomas church campus.