The German choral conductor, Reinhard Kammler, studied at the Leopold Mozart Conservatory in Augsburg and at the Munich College of Music. He established the Augsburger Domsingknaben (Augsburg Cathedral Boys' Choir) whilst still a student. He became one of the winners of the German Choir Contest in Cologne with his boys' choir in 1982, and held a scholarship from the German Music Council. In 1995 he was appointed (by Bishop Dr Viktor Josef Dammertz) director of music at Augsburg Cathedral after holding the post of organist there for many years.
Every year at Christmas Reinhard Kammler and the Augsburger Domsingknaben perform J.S. Bach's Weihnachts-Oratorium (BWV 248) and at Easter time one of his Passios (in changing Johannes-Passion (BWV 245) and Matthäus-Passion (BWV 244)). They also have their own festival Bach in Rokoko.
In recognition of his services to the Augsburger Domsingknaben and sacred music, several high honours have been accorded Kammler, including the Papal Knighthood of St. Sylvester and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He is also a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. Together with the Augsburger Domsingknaben, Reinhard Kammler was awarded the "Bayerische Poetentaler" (1998) and the Cultural Prize of the Bayerische Volksstiftung. He also received the Pro Augsburg Medal for services to the community. |