Berlin State- and Cathedral Choir

The Berlin State and Cathedral Choir is considered one of the most renowned boys’ choirs in Germany. It is the oldest musical establishment in Berlin. As early as 1465, Elector Frederick II of Brandenburg introduced five ‘choir boys’ for music in the so-called ‘Dhumkerke’. Approximately 100 years later, the establishment of the court chapel – under the direction of Johannes Eccard – signalled the first blossoming of a choir that had now grown to include 12 singers.

At present the Berlin State and Cathedral Choir is providing training to approximately 250 choirboys and 75 young men in 11 different choir groups. The groups have different tasks and age profiles depending on the skills and abilities of the singers.

The Staats- und Domchor Berlin regularly invites boys aged five to seven and older boys with a musical background to audition. It acquaints visitors with its youth development programme through a concert presentation. With the right talent, singers can gain access to a free and qualified musical education with the Staats- und Domchor.

Kai-Uwe Jirka has held the positions of Professor for Choral Conducting and Conductor of the Berlin State and Cathedral Choir at the Berlin University of Arts since 2002; he has also held the position of Artistic Director of the ‘Sing Akademie zu Berlin’ since 2006.

The Staats- und Domchor Berlin sings regularly at worship services and cathedral vespers in the Berlin Cathedral. The accomplished singers can also be experienced in large concerts in the church or in smaller formations in the chamber concert in the baptismal and wedding church of the cathedral.