Kammersänger (male; ) or Kammersängerin (female; ), abbreviated Ks. or KS, is a German honorific title for distinguished singers of opera and classical music. It literally means "chamber singer". Historically, the title was bestowed by princes or kings, when it was styled Hofkammersänger(in), where Hof refers to the royal court. The title is given in Germany and in Austria usually on the recommendation of relevant national and local institutions. In East Germany, some concert halls bestowed this designation. Similar titles are Kammerschauspieler, Staatsschauspieler, Kammermusiker, Kammervirtuose, Kammertänzer and Kammerkomponist/Kammerkompositeur.

Titles and recipients

Austria

The honorary title is awarded by the Federal President of Austria on the proposal of the responsible Federal Minister since 1971.

Germany

Berlin

The honorary title has been given by the Senate of Berlin since 1962. In the reunified Berlin, from 1990 to 2010, 17 singers have received this honor.

Bavaria

The title has been awarded by the Bavarian Ministry of Culture since 1955 for outstanding artistic achievements to singing soloists of the Bavarian State Opera, the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz and the Staatstheater Nürnberg. , more than 130 artists have been honoured. The prerequisite is at least five years of membership in an ensemble at a state theater or regular guest appearances.

Hamburg

Since 1961, the title has been given by the Hamburg Senate. , it has been awarded 28 times since 1928.

Saxony

The title has been for members of the ensembles of the Sächsische Staatsoper Dresden and the Landesbühnen Sachsen since 1998.

Baden-Württemberg

Sweden and Denmark

The equivalent designation in Sweden and Denmark are respectively hovsångare (male) or hovsångerska (female) and kongelige kammersangere.