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The Burgkapelle (guided tours Jan-June & mid-Sept to Dec Mon-Thurs 11am-3pm, Fri 11am-1pm; oS15/?1.09), up the stairs above the entrance to the Schatzkammer, was built in the late 1440s by the Emperor Friedrich III. Despite numerous alterations over the centuries, the interior retains its Gothic vaulting, carved ceiling pendants, and much of its fifteenth-century wooden statuary protected by richly carved baldachins. It's a favourite venue for society weddings, but the public only get to see it on guided tours. In any case, the real point of going there is to hear the Hofmusikkapelle , made up of members of the Wiener Sangerknaben , or Vienna Boys' Choir , supplemented by musicians from the Staatsoper, sing Mass for the tourists on Sunday mornings (and on religious holidays) at 9.15am. Founded back in 1498 by the Emperor Maximilian I, the choir was closely linked to the imperial family, for whom they used to perform (famous Sangerknaben include Schubert and Haydn). In 1918, the choir went under with the dynasty, but was revived in 1924 and, dressed in ludicrous sailors' uniforms and caps, has since become a major Austrian export. There are, in fact, four choirs, who take it in turns to work, rest, play and tour the world.
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