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St. Thomas Church, Leipzig
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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St. Thomas Church, Leipzig

Getting around: In central Leipzig, a short walk from the Marktplatz and Naschmarkt.
Hours: Typically open daily, roughly 9am-6pm outside services; the boys' choir performs on a regular schedule, most Fridays and Saturdays, worth checking specific times if attending.

St. Thomas Church is inseparable from Johann Sebastian Bach, who served as cantor here for 27 years, composing much of his major choral and organ work for this congregation; his remains are buried beneath the chancel. The Thomanerchor, the boys' choir he once directed, still performs regularly in the church, continuing a choral tradition that predates Bach himself by centuries and remains one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world.

For visitors with any interest in Bach or choral music, catching one of the Thomanerchor's regular performances is a considerably richer experience than simply viewing the church, and it's worth checking the schedule and arriving early, since popular performance times draw real crowds.

St. Thomas Church, Leipzig FAQs

What is Bach's connection to this church?

He served as its cantor for 27 years, composing much of his major choral and organ music here; he is buried beneath the chancel.

Can you hear the boys' choir perform?

Yes, the Thomanerchor performs on a regular schedule, typically Fridays and Saturdays — check current times, as performances draw significant crowds.

Is entry to the church free?

Yes, general entry is free; choir performances may have a suggested donation or, for special concerts, a ticket.

How old is the choir tradition?

It predates Bach by centuries, making it one of the oldest continuously operating boys' choirs in the world.

Is it near St. Nicholas Church?

Yes, both are within easy walking distance in Leipzig's compact old town.

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