St. Thomas Church is known as the home of the St. Thomas's Boys Choir (Thomaner) and its renowned choir master, Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach worked in Leipzig from 1723 until his death in 1750 and was cantor for the St. Thomas's Boys Choir and also musical director for the City Hall and University which in effect made him musical director for the whole city. His grave is to be found in the St. Thomas Church.
The St. Thomas's Boys Choir was founded in 1212. It is the oldest cultural institution in Leipzig. The Bach Passion concerts and the Christmas Oratorio draw thousands of visitors from all over the world to the St. Thomas Church. Also well attended are the weekly motets by the St. Thomas's Boys Choir.