Investigation into Experiences of Violence in the St. Thomas Choir

A research project aims to address incidents of violence in the Leipzig St. Thomas Choir since 1945. The goal is to work with an independent team of experts to shed light on experiences of boundary violations involving physical, psychological, or sexual violence and to acknowledge the suffering of those affected, the City of Leipzig announced.

Those affected can share their experiences and answer questions about their time in the St. Thomas Choir via an online witness portal operated by the University of Leipzig. The study will examine the institutional, educational, and social conditions that made boundary violations possible and the structures that facilitated such abuses. The study will also examine how such experiences and reports were handled within the structures of that time.

For generations of former St. Thomas Choir members, their time in the choir is associated with formative memories of music, education, friendships, and community, the statement continued. “However, it is also well known that not all experiences were positive. With this study, the St. Thomas Choir and the City of Leipzig, as its sponsoring body, are taking responsibility for examining this part of its history as well.” The study is being funded by the City of Leipzig and the St. Thomas Choir Foundation.