Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The Regensburger Domspatzen, also known as the Regensburg Cathedral Choir, is a world-renowned classical music ensemble based in Regensburg, Germany. The choir is made up of boys and young men who attend the Regensburger Domspatzen boarding school, which was founded in 975 AD. The choir was officially founded in 975 AD, when Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg established a school for boys at the Regensburg Cathedral. The school was intended to provide education and training for boys who would go on to become priests and members of the cathedral choir. Over the centuries, the school and choir grew in size and reputation, becoming one of the most prestigious and respected institutions of its kind in Europe. Today, the Regensburger Domspatzen is made up of around 100 boys and young men between the ages of 9 and 19. The choir is led by its director, Roland Büchner, and its choirmaster, Christian Heiß. The choir's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Gregorian chant to contemporary works. Over the years, the Regensburger Domspatzen has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues and events. In 1964, the choir performed at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria. In 1980, the choir performed at the funeral of former German Chancellor Willy Brandt. In 2006, the choir performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Munich, Germany. The choir has also won numerous awards and accolades for its performances and recordings. In 2002, the choir won the Echo Klassik award for its recording of Mozart's Requiem. In 2010, the choir won the Bavarian Culture Prize for its contributions to the arts in Bavaria. In 2015, the choir was awarded the Pro Musica Viva Prize by the Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Culture. Despite its long and storied history, the Regensburger Domspatzen has not been without controversy. In 2010, allegations of physical and sexual abuse were made against members of the choir and staff at the boarding school. An investigation was launched, and in 2017, a report was released detailing the abuse that had taken place over several decades. The report found that at least 547 boys had been subjected to physical and sexual abuse at the school between 1945 and 1992. The choir and the Catholic Church have since apologized for the abuse and have taken steps to address the issue. Despite this dark chapter in its history, the Regensburger Domspatzen remains one of the most respected and admired classical music ensembles in the world. Its long and rich history, combined with its exceptional talent and dedication to the art of choral music, ensure that it will continue to be a fixture in the world of classical music for many years to come.

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