The Madrigalchor Aachen was founded in 1978 and today consists of about 30 enthusiastic singers. Under its founder, Johannes Meister – who later would become choir director at the Vienna State Opera – the small ensemble concentrated on secular and sacred music of the Renaissance and Baroque period. Later, the number of singers grew and the repertoire was extended to Romantic and Modern choral music, including the premiere of several contemporary compositions. The choir quickly made a name for itself and began to take a special place in Aachen´s active and varied choral scene. The choir won first and second prizes at international competitions and recorded for the BBC and Danish, Dutch and German radio stations. The choir tours regularly and has visited India, Israel and Singapur as well as many European countries. In addition, the Madrigalchor is one of the founding choirs of the choir festival Internationale Aachener Chorbiennale.
For 25 years the Dutch conductor, organist and composer Hans Leenders directed the choir. At the opening concert of the Chorbiennale 2013, one of his compositions was premiered by the festival´s four founding choirs. In 2018 the young conductor Johannes Honecker took over the baton. Under his leadership, the choir continues to strive for an authentic performance of Renaissance and Baroque music as well as pursuing new sounds in contemporary music.
For many years, the Madrigalchor Aachen has performed regularly in the adjoining Netherlands and Belgium as well as in its home city of Aachen. It has become a well-known and beloved part of musical culture in the greater region.