About us
We are the Berlin Cathedral Choir in the heart of the capital under the roof of the Berlin Cathedral. Our choir consists of various ensembles: the Oratorio Choir, the Chamber Choir, the Motet Choir and various Project choirs.
All ensembles are stylistically extremely diverse and sing works from the Renaissance to modern times. We achieve our musical quality through the great commitment and the demand of all singers for themselves.
We are the parish choir of Berlin Cathedral, and we regularly participate in its church services. In addition, we regularly give concerts in and outside of Berlin. With rehearsal trips, concert tours and the possibility to spend time together beyond the rehearsals, we cultivate the community. We value open, respectful and friendly interaction.
We enjoy the privilege of musical work at high level in differently oriented ensembles, without having to charge membership fees. We are supported in all respects by the Berlin Cathedral and financially by the Förderkreis der Berliner Domkantorei. Donations are always welcome. Membership in the Förderverein is recommended to all.
The ensembles of the Berlin Cathedral Choir
The Oratorio Choir is the largest choir of the Berlin Cathedral Choir. Around 100 people from all parts of Berlin, representing a wide range of ages and backgrounds, are united by one thing: the joy of singing sacred music together. As an ambitious amateur choir, we share the artistic aspiration not only to perform music, but to bring it vividly to life. The Oratorio Choir regularly sings in services at the Berlin Cathedral. Three to four times a year, it performs oratorios and choral-orchestral works. These traditionally include J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, as well as both well-known and lesser-known treasures from different periods of sacred choral music - to the glory of God and the delight of all people.
The Chamber Choir is the smaller ensemble of the Berlin Cathedral Choir. Each of its approximately 36 singers makes an indispensable contribution to its rich and distinctive sound. A typical Chamber Choir programme combines virtuosic sacred choral works from a wide variety of musical traditions, ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary music. The human voice is usually heard without instrumental accompaniment; yet it is precisely this focus on the a cappella sound that allows for particularly profound experiences of resonance and spirituality. The Chamber Choir can be heard in services and concerts at Berlin Cathedral. In addition, it regularly appears as a guest ensemble in the surrounding region and on concert tours further afield.
The Motet Choir is the project-based ensemble of the Berlin Cathedral Choir, gathering for three to four weekends each year. Dedicated members of the Cathedral Choir come together for an intensive week of rehearsals to prepare demanding choral repertoire. In terms of sound and style, we feel particularly at home in the music of the Baroque and Romantic periods, while also enjoying excursions into other traditions, such as contemporary Scandinavian choral music. The Motet Choir performs both liturgical and concert programmes at Berlin Cathedral. We also frequently sing in other Protestant and Catholic churches, fostering regional connections and ecumenical fellowship.
