Regensburg/Germany: In a significant move, the Diocese of Regensburg has announced that its cathedral school, associated with the renowned 1,000-year-old boys' choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen, will begin admitting girls from now. This decision marks a new chapter in the school’s long history, allowing girls to receive the same high-quality musical training that the boys have traditionally enjoyed.

The cathedral school, located in the southern German city of Regensburg, will form a new girls' choir, providing young female singers with the opportunity to develop their talents at an elite level. The diocese emphasized that this step is designed to make the institution's renowned musical education accessible to girls, enabling them to contribute their voices to the rich tradition of Regensburg Cathedral's music.

The Domspatzen, which translates to "Cathedral Sparrows," is believed to be one of the oldest boys' choirs in the world, tracing its origins back to 975 AD, when Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg founded a cathedral school with a strong emphasis on musical training. Since then, the choir has played an essential role in the cathedral's liturgical music.

Fr. Franz Frühmorgen, the cathedral dean, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative. He noted that both the cathedral chapter and Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer fully support the project, which has been discussed for several years, particularly in relation to expanding opportunities for young girls to enhance their singing and musical skills.

Frühmorgen warmly welcomed the girls to the Domspatzen Gymnasium, expressing confidence that they will become an integral part of the cathedral's musical life. This new girls' choir is expected to enrich the cathedral's musical offerings while continuing the centuries-old tradition of excellence that the Domspatzen represent.