Mädenchor am Dom und St. Quintin is a classical music ensemble that has been enchanting audiences with their angelic voices for over 50 years. The choir is based in the city of Aachen, Germany, and is made up of young girls between the ages of 10 and 18. The choir has gained a reputation for their exceptional performances of sacred music, and their unique sound has earned them numerous accolades and awards. The choir was founded in 1968 by the late Dr. Gereon Krahforst, who was the director of the Aachen Cathedral Choir at the time. Dr. Krahforst recognized the need for a girls' choir in the city, and he set out to create one that would be of the highest quality. He auditioned young girls from the local area and selected a group of 30 to form the choir. The choir was named Mädenchor am Dom und St. Quintin, which translates to "Girls' Choir at the Cathedral and St. Quintin." The choir quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional performances, and they were soon invited to perform at concerts and festivals throughout Germany and Europe. The choir's repertoire consists mainly of sacred music, including works by Bach, Mozart, and Schubert, as well as contemporary composers. The choir's unique sound is due in part to their use of the "Aachen sound," which is a technique that involves singing with a slightly nasal tone. Over the years, the choir has had many talented members, and several have gone on to pursue careers in music. One of the choir's most famous alumni is the soprano Simone Kermes, who has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. Other notable alumni include the mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg and the conductor Christoph Spering. The choir has performed at many prestigious venues throughout Europe, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Vatican. One of the choir's most memorable performances was at the 2005 World Youth Day in Cologne, where they performed for Pope Benedict XVI. The choir has also released several recordings, including a CD of Christmas music that was released in 2018. In addition to their performances, the choir is also involved in community outreach programs. They regularly perform at local schools and retirement homes, and they have also participated in charity concerts to raise money for various causes. Over the years, the choir has received numerous awards and accolades for their exceptional performances. In 1998, they were awarded the Robert Schumann Prize for Choral Music, and in 2003, they received the German Record Critics' Award for their recording of Bach's St. John Passion. The choir has also been recognized by the city of Aachen, which awarded them the Cultural Prize in 2010. Despite the many accolades and awards, the choir remains committed to their mission of sharing their love of music with audiences around the world. They continue to inspire and delight audiences with their angelic voices, and their legacy as one of Germany's finest girls' choirs is secure.

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