The association "Thomaskirche-Bach 2000 - International Friends" was founded on March 21st, 1997 in Leipzig. Back then, the association had to obtain 10 million DM of private donations in order to completely restore and renovate the church. With the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's death, the church was dedicated again.
 
Today, the goals of the association are the following: first, to initiate further fundraising campaigns in order to preserve the church in its current fine condition and to restore the former school of the famous St. Thomas Boys Choir; second, to keep the musical heritage of Johann Sebastian Bach alive. Around 180,000 EUR are needed every year to pay only the leading officials of the church.
 
Presentation of the plaque with all donors and sponsors


 

The association has about 400 members worldwide. Among them are people involved with economics, culture, and politics. One good example is the President of the Federal Republic Dr. h.c. Johannes Rau. Internationally celebrated musicians such as Kurt Masur, Ann-Sophie Mutter, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Gewandhaus Orchestra have already performed "live" in order to benefit the church.
 
The association also holds the "Thomaskirche-Bach 2000 Marketing GmbH," which manages its economic affairs. It runs the Thomas-Shop - a souvenir-shop - and organizes concerts and events in order to gain support for the goals of the association.
 
In May 2001, "Thomaskirche-Bach 2000" received the award of the European Culture Foundation "PRO EUROPA" for its commitment.