Die Westfälischen Nachtigallen were a well-known German girls’ choir from Ahlen in Westphalia, Germany. They were founded shortly after World War II and remained active for nearly seven decades, gaining popularity particularly through radio, television, touring, and recordings throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. (Wikipedia)
The choir was established on 18 November 1948 by Dietmar Hahn as the Ahlener Kinderchor (Ahlen Children’s Choir). Originally made up of girls aged approximately 8 to 18 years, the ensemble eventually numbered around 50 singers, with well over 100 young women participating over the years. (Wikipedia)
They recorded their first audio tape in 1951 at the Ahlen Town Hall, and by 1957 had been officially named the Ahlener Kinder- und Jugendchor. Shortly afterward, they became a broadcast choir for the German broadcaster WDR (Westdeutscher Rundfunk). Their first live radio broadcast occurred on 25 September 1960 from Burg Schellenberg, followed by many more productions for the station. (Wikipedia)
In 1963, the choir debuted on television as Die Westfälischen Nachtigallen (The Westphalian Nightingales). That same year they won first place in an International Children’s and Youth Choir Competition, besting over 100 competing groups. (Wikipedia)
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the choir appeared frequently on German TV and radio, contributing to approximately 17 shows for WDR between 1971 and 1980. They also toured across Germany — including major cities and regions such as Homberg, Dieburg, Böblingen, Pirmasens, Gießen, Brilon — and later performed their own solo concerts in places like Siegen, Körbecke, and Berlin. (Wikipedia)
In 1975, the choir was awarded the Hermann-Löns-Medaille, a prestigious honor recognizing contributions to traditional German folk and entertainment music. (Wikipedia)
Over the years the Nachtigallen recorded a variety of singles and albums, often collaborating with well-known German pop and schlager artists, including Heino, Marianne & Michael, and Bill Ramsey — performing both solo and supporting vocals on popular children’s and folk recordings. (Wikipedia)
Their catalog spans cheerful summer and winter songs, folk melodies, popular hits adapted for choir, and festive pieces, reflecting a blend of traditional and popular repertoire throughout their active decades. (Wikipedia)
Founder Dietmar Hahn focused entirely on directing the choir after early retirement in 1987 and led it through numerous concerts. He stepped down in 1990, and the choir continued under several subsequent directors including Reiner Jenkel, Stefan Schoenefeldt, Martina Schröer, Ines Schreiner, and finally Sebastian Wewer, who from 2013 aimed to revive the choir’s traditional repertoire. (Wikipedia)
Despite these efforts, after Wewer’s resignation for health reasons in 2015, the choir was ultimately disbanded. (Wikipedia)
In summary, Die Westfälischen Nachtigallen were a significant part of West German musical culture for many years, especially noted for:
Their longevity (1948–2015) and role in post-war cultural life
Major radio and TV exposure
Touring and concert activity across Germany
Collaborations with prominent popular artists
A rich catalog of recordings that captured both folk and popular music styles (Wikipedia)