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The Stuttgart Figural Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their exceptional performances for over 70 years. The choir was founded in 1947 by Helmuth Rilling, a German conductor and choral specialist, who served as the choir's artistic director for over 30 years. The choir's name is derived from the term "figural," which refers to the use of solo voices in choral music. The Stuttgart Figural Choir is known for their impeccable blend of voices and their ability to convey the emotional depth of the music they perform. Over the years, the choir has performed a wide range of repertoire, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works. They have collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors and orchestras, including Sir Simon Rattle, Claudio Abbado, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of the highlights of the choir's early years was their performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1950. This performance was a turning point for the choir, as it established their reputation as one of the premier choral ensembles in Germany. The choir went on to perform the St. Matthew Passion numerous times over the years, becoming known for their interpretation of this iconic work. In 1965, Helmuth Rilling founded the International Bach Academy in Stuttgart, which became the home base for the Stuttgart Figural Choir. The academy was dedicated to the study and performance of Bach's music, and the choir played a central role in its activities. Under Rilling's leadership, the choir became known for their performances of Bach's cantatas, which they recorded in their entirety over a period of several years. In addition to their work with Bach's music, the Stuttgart Figural Choir has also performed works by other composers, including Mozart, Brahms, and Mendelssohn. One of their most notable performances was their rendition of Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem in 1985, which was conducted by Rilling and featured the Berlin Philharmonic. Over the years, the Stuttgart Figural Choir has received numerous awards and accolades for their performances. In 1994, they were awarded the Echo Klassik award for their recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor. They have also been recognized for their contributions to the field of choral music, receiving the Robert Schumann Prize in 2001 and the Bach Medal in 2013. Despite the retirement of Helmuth Rilling in 2013, the Stuttgart Figural Choir continues to thrive under the leadership of their current artistic director, Frieder Bernius. They remain committed to the study and performance of choral music, and their performances continue to inspire audiences around the world.

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