Rundfunk-Kinderchor Berlin: The Legendary German Children's Choir

The Rundfunk-Kinderchor Berlin is one of Germany's most prestigious and enduring children's choirs, founded in the capital city. With a vast discography spanning decades, the choir has achieved significant classical and pop chart success, including gold certifications for collaborative projects.

Early career

The choir was founded in 1948 in what was then East Berlin, originally as the Kinderchor des Berliner Rundfunks. Under its first director, Ilse Helling-Rosenthal, it quickly established a reputation for high artistic standards. Its early repertoire focused on classical works, folk songs, and new compositions from German composers.

Breakthrough

The choir's breakthrough into mainstream consciousness came in the 1970s under the direction of Manfred Roost. This era saw the choir expand its stylistic range and begin notable collaborations with popular artists. A major commercial peak was reached in 1994 with the platinum-selling dance track Conquest of Paradise alongside the group S.T.A.R.S.

Key tracks

Conquest of Paradise — This 1994 collaboration with S.T.A.R.S. became a European club hit, earning a platinum certification and introducing the choir to a global dance music audience.

Die Weihnachtsgeschichte — A cornerstone of their holiday repertoire, this Christmas oratorio showcases their classical precision and remains a seasonal radio staple.

Die Moorsoldaten — Their recording of this famous protest song highlights the choir's historical depth and political-cultural significance in German music.

Kleine weiße Friedenstaube — A classic peace song that exemplifies their post-war cultural role and mastery of emotive, clear vocal delivery.

The choir continued to record prolifically for the AMIGA and later the Berlin Classics labels, releasing dozens of albums. They have collaborated with major figures like conductor Kurt Masur and the band Silly, blending choral artistry with rock and pop sensibilities. Their extensive catalog includes everything from Bach cantatas to recordings for film and television soundtracks.

For fans of the Rundfunk-Kinderchor Berlin's blend of disciplined choral singing and German musical tradition, similar artists include Tölzer Knabenchor. This renowned boys' choir also maintains a vast repertoire from early music to contemporary works. St Thomas Choir shares a legacy of historical performance practice and a foundational role in European choral music. Die Prinzen offers a more pop-oriented take on sophisticated German vocal harmony, though with a satirical edge. RIAS Kammerchor represents another Berlin-based ensemble celebrated for its technical excellence and diverse recordings.

The Rundfunk-Kinderchor Berlin maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classical music stations, cultural programming on public broadcasters, and specialty holiday music channels. Their recordings are frequently featured during Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as in historical features on German music.

You can hear the timeless music of the Rundfunk-Kinderchor Berlin on various radio stations featured on our website. Explore the choir's vast catalog, from classical masterpieces to pop collaborations, by tuning into the dedicated classical and cultural radio streams available on onairium.com.