One of the most famous choirs in the world – and one of its oldest – will perform at Samford University. The concert by the Vienna Boys Choir is set for February 19 at Leslie S. Wright Fine Arts Center. The event is part of the Davis Architects Guest Artist Series.
The Vienna Boys Choir is a world-class ensemble that has been functioning since the 13th century. The choir was founded as a performance group to the Holy Roman Emperor. Over the centuries, it has included musicians Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert. Until 1918, the boys sang exclusively for Vienna’s Imperial Chapel. That’s when the Vienna Boys Choir was established as a private, nonprofit organization that also maintains three schools. Since the 1920s, more than 2400 choristers have sung 1000 tours in 97 different countries.
"The Vienna Boys Choir is set apart from others in their dedication to excellence. The boys involved go through a rigorous audition process and start their musical educations at a very young age," said Kristin Kenning, director of Samford Opera. "These children travel the world bringing beauty and light wherever they go."
“Their reputation is sterling, and their repertory and roster through the ages constitute a Who’s Who of Western music history,” said Joel Davis, department chair for the music division of the School of Arts. “Their first return to the Wright Center since 2015 is an event not to be missed.”
This year’s performance is part of the group’s “On Stage” USA tour, which features 24 concerts in ten states. Pieces from Verdi’s “Macbeth,” Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffmann” and various film scores will be part of the program. Tickets can be purchased by following this link.