English Summery
The Origins
The roots of the Munich Youth Choirs date back to 1952, the year the Munich Boys Choir was
founded. It was in 1996 when the current artistic director Bernhard Reimann established the Munich
Girls Choir complementing the performances of the boys. Since then both choirs often perform as a
unit and not last to adequately reflect this fact they are now operating as Munich Youth Choirs.
Looking back to over sixty years of history, the Munich Youth Choirs have grown steadily into an
ensemble which is recognized for its excellence in musicianship not only in Munich and Bavaria but
throughout Germany and beyond, because of the quality and artistry they bring to their singing.
From Beginner to Soloist
Practise makes perfect. Primary school-aged boys and girls begin with theoretical and practical
training in smaller groups. Once a firm foundation of basic music skills and literacy is formed they
move on to join the concert choir. As part of the ensemble the choristers are gaining experience with
every performance they join. Regular rehearsals and specialized voice training brings out the vocal
talents of each individual choir member and brings them together as a group. With patience and
dedication the director and his staff develop excellent choristers as well as soloists.
Looking forward to welcoming new members the choirs encourage all interested youth living in
Greater Munich to enquire about the upcoming auditions.
The organization is also offering Early Musical Education classes for preschoolers, where the
fundamentals of music are taught in a playful fashion. This is not a prerequisite to join the choir.
Furthermore, interested choristers are provided the opportunity to receive instrumental instruction and
take regular classes.
Musical Repertoire
It is the choir’s ability to combine the enthusiasm of music with artistic maturity achieved through
serious work that makes their performances memorable events.
The Choir's extensive repertoire consists of both sacral and secular music from all eras and continents
in multiple languages and styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary music. This includes
madrigal or folk, popular ballads in multiple languages, a vast selection of classical music, spirituals,
musicals as well as other popular music. A great mixture for the hearts and souls for audiences of all
ages is offered at each performance.
More Than Just Singing
The Munich Youth Choirs are based in the Youth Centre of the St. Bonifaz Abbey, situated in the
heart of Munich. A non-denominational organization, they are open to all regardless of background
or beliefs. The choirs are proud to offer varied opportunities for all choristers to develop their musical
and educational skills. Being part of this society of many voices also encourages the personal growth
of each individual choir member by building self-esteem and character, learning self discipline and
experiencing true team spirit.
To better accommodate academic and choral needs after school care is available. This has been
achieved through collaboration with a local secondary school. Choristers can proceed directly to the
choir where they are provided with lunch, do their homework under pedagogical supervision and have
the opportunity to spend free time with other choir members .
Being part of the Munich Youth Choirs also means establishing long lasting friendships, creating
memories of the times spend together that will last a lifetime.
Music Knows No Boundaries
Their choirs travel regularly, locally, nationally and internationally. Past concert tours include
numerous destinations in Europe as well as to North America, Japan and Australia. Over the
years, the choirs gave several thousand performances, including award-winning participations in
competitions and festivals.
Also known as “Singing Messengers of Munich” the choirs have made a name for themselves and
continue to be featured in national radio and television broadcasts.
With the many international friendships established and nourished over the years, the choristers
achieve a great deal when it comes to international understanding and cultural exchange. It is one the
best ways for young people to learn about other countries, people and their customs - as the motto
says "music knows no boundaries".
Friends of Munich Youth Choirs
None of this happens without a lot of effort of many people, nor does it happen without money. Being
a non-profit corporation, the choir maintains a modestly financed administrative infrastructure and
largely depends on enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers and sponsors.
With the funds of the development association financial assistance is provided to choristers in need.
The association also supports e.g. the purchase of instruments and sheet music, preparation of
concerts and the organization of tours.
Every contribution, no matter how small, helps the association with the realization of its goals. The
contributions are tax-deductible in Germany, and for all donations above EUR 30,00 a tax receipt
is automatically given. Contributions can be sent to the following account:
Freunde der Jungen Chöre München e.V.
Stadtsparkasse München
DE20 7015 0000 0028 2931 57
SWIFT-BIC: SSKMDEMM
Grateful thanks to all Association supporters!
If you would like to join the Association for Further Development of the Choirs, please contact the
office of:
Freunde der Jungen Chöre München e.V.
Jugendhaus St. Bonifaz
Karlstr. 34
Germany – 80333 Munich
telephone +49 89 55171370
Bernhard Reimann, Artistic Director of the Munich Youth Choirs.
Bernhard Reimann is a graduate of the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich. He is also an
accomplished composer and has many choral arrangements to his name. Spending many years of his
active choir membership with the Munich Boys Choir Bernhard Reimann he kept in touch and upon
completing his musical studies obtained the position as Artistic Director of the choir in 1983. With
his steadfast dedication, commitment and idealism Bernhard Reimann succeeded in developing and
transforming the Munich Youth Choirs to the modern musical educational institution it is today.
Judith Reimann, Executive Director of the Munich Youth Choirs.
Judith Reimann was introduced to the choir through her husband. She manages the Choirs’ office
overseeing of all areas related to administration and communication, production, touring, personnel
management, and coordination of after school activities. Judith Reimann approaches her many tasks
with cheerful enthusiasm and is often referred to as “mom away from mom” by many of the choristers.
Margrid Craemer, Vocal Training
Margit Craemer completed her studies of Opera and Music Education at Weimar and Leipzig. She
has been engaged by many renowned opera houses throughout Germany and participated in various
film and TV productions. Having also founded of a couple of children’s choirs she can look back on
numerous successful performances on and off stage. Margrid Craemer has been working with the
Munich Youth Choir since 2010 and she is thrilled to be involved in developing the artistic and vocal
talent in the choristers.
Benjamin Schiefer, Principal Accompanist
As a pianist and organist Benjamin Schiefer accompanies the choirs rehearsals, performances or
concert tours and assists the artistic director in many aspects when working with the ensemble.
Being actively involved in a number musical endeavors he is director of the „Männerchor ehemaliger
Münchner Chorbuben e.V.“, a choral society consisting of and formed by former Munich Boys Choir
members.
Johanna Reimann, Assistenz der Musikalischen Leitung
Nach 13 Mitgliedsjahren bei den Jungen Chören München und einem Chorleitungskurs in
dem Musikinstitut in Marktoberdorf betreut sie die Ausbildungskurse und ist musikalische
Mitarbeiterin in den Auftrittschören. Ebenso leitet sie die Hausaufgabenbetreuung.
Andreas Hoffmann, Assistant
The manifold tasks of Andreas Hoffmann include teaching musical theory to choristers and providing
instrumental instruction. He also performs a number of administrative duties and assists in supervising
the after school activities of the choristers.
Annemarie Blasig, Tutor
As a dedicated teacher Annemarie Blasig plays an important part in homework supervision for the
choristers participating in the after school care.