The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

Three of the 80 members of Germany's most famous boys choir concentrate on what their tuning forks tell them. The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

An inopportune nosebleed just before one of the choir's twice-weekly concerts at the Thomaskirche. The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

Pre-performance routines: a boy swallows some cough mitxure. The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

Pre-performance routine: a methodical check is carried out to ensure the boys' personal grooming is up to par. The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

The boys share a single telephone to keep in touch with family and friends. The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

And a moment's light relief in the dormitory before bedtime. The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

The Thomaner Choir of Leipzig, in former East Germany, is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1212 by Dietrich von Meissen, it was led by Johann Sebastian Bach for 27 years in the 18th century. Even during the communist era the choir retained a considerable measure of freedom, getting permission for concerts in Spain and Japan. Over the years, the hierarchy and discipline governing the boys' lives has changed little. Their education has to be fitted into a strict schedule of rehearsals, concerts and recording sessions. The older boys are each put in charge of a recent arrival.

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