The Bach Collegium, founded in 1957 by Hanns-Martin Schneidt, is the reliable and constant partner of the Bach Choir. Numerous instrumentalists from major Berlin professional orchestras (Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Berliner Philharmonisches Orchester, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin) come together as needed to provide the musical resources required by the individual cantatas and major works, along with the Bach Choir and selected soloists.