Music at Berlin Cathedral can have an uplifting, reassuring and even inspiring effect on its listeners. It is the numerous works of choir music that are as good as tailor-made for Berlin Cathedral; its outstanding acoustics and near-professional amateur ensemble – the Domkantorei or “Berlin Cathedral Choir”.
Die Berliner Domkantorei können Sie regelmäßig im Berliner Dom erleben. Die verschiedenen Ensembles singen mehrmals im Jahr in den vielfältigen Gottesdiensten und geben zahlreiche Konzerte im Berliner Dom und außerhalb.
Prospective candidates looking to sing with the Berlin Cathedral Choir should have both a good voice and solid choir experience. Those who can sing at sight have an easier time getting to grips with the extensive programme. The Berlin Cathedral Choir welcomes singers up to the age of 40 years. Exceptions, for example, such as new arrivals are approved by the Cathedral Choirmaster. Following an audition the decision is made about the person's potential membership to the choir, which typically finishes at the end of a person’s 60th year of life.
Choirmaster Herbert Hildebrandt founded the Berlin Cathedral Choir immediately after the construction of the Berlin Wall in October 1961. At this point in time, Choirmaster Hildebrandt had not just lost his original choir but also the Cathedral. The State and Cathedral Choir, which up until this time had organised concerts and services at Berlin Cathedral, had its headquarters in the west of the city.
The Berlin Cathedral Choir elects a Choir Council from its members. It represents the link between the choir and choirmaster and supports him in primarily non-artistic tasks. The Council decides the Choir Regulations, promotes the choral community and is the point of contact for all singers. The Choir Council consists of six members, who were elected in June 2016: Gislind Heinecke, Frederike Schmidt (soprano), Birgit Hottenbacher, Josefine Häßler (alto), Wilhelm Furian, Björn Kruse (bass).
Choirmaster Herbert Hildebrandt founded the Berlin Cathedral Choir immediately after the construction of the Berlin Wall in October 1961. At this point in time, Choirmaster Hildebrandt had not just lost his original choir but also the Cathedral. The State and Cathedral Choir, which up until this time had organised concerts and services at Berlin Cathedral, had its headquarters in the west of the city.
Choir work not only requires committed and regular practice, but also costs (a significant amount of) money. The Berlin Cathedral Choir is predominantly funded by the Berlin Cathedral, but also frequently requires additional support. The sponsoring association ‘Förderkreis der Berliner Domkantorei’ has been registered as a charitable association since 2002. The Association is also made up of friends and concert enthusiasts – some of whom have been involved for several decades – in addition to many choir members.
The Evangelical Supreme Parish and Collegiate Church in Berlin Office of the Berlin Cathedral Choir Dr. Florian Stocker Am Lustgarten 10178 Berlin Telephone (030) 202 69 – 118 Email domkantorei@berlinerdom.de
