The Best of Vienna Choir Boys

In 1498, half a millenium ago, Emperor Maximilian I moved his court and court musicians from Innsbruck to Vienna. He gave specific instructions for there to be six boys among his musicians. For want of a foundation charter, historians have settled on 1498 as the official foundation date of the Vienna Hofmusikkapelle and the Vienna Choir Boys. The choir sang exclusively for the court, at mass, at rivate concerts and on state occasions. Today there are 95 choristers between age 10 and 14, divided into four touring choirs. The choir sings at Mass in the Imperial Chapel every Sunday, as they have done since 1498.