American Boychoir, Wednesday April 2 at 7pm

Suggested Donation of $15 per person. $10 for students and seniors. Children 16 and under are FREE.

For 70 years, The American Boychoir has been enriching the cultural life of the United States and bringing its unique and joyful sound to people around the world. Seacoast audiences will be able to experience the incomparable and electrifying voices of The American Boychoir at St. John's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 2, at 7pm. Presented by the Concerts on the Hill music series, the Boychoir's performance in Portsmouth will include music celebrating each of the choir's 7 decades, works highlighting contemporary American composers, and selections from its new CD.

Founded in 1937, The American Boychoir is the United States' premier concert boys' choir and one of the finest boychoirs in the world. For seventy years it has been dazzling audiences worldwide with its unique blend of musical sophistication, effervescent spirit and ensemble virtuosity. In addition to maintaining an active national and international touring schedule, The American Boychoir performs and records regularly with world-class artists and ensembles including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, opera superstar Jessye Norman, pop diva Beyoncé, Bobby McFerrin and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Comprised of boys in grades four through eight, and representing 24 states in the U.S., as well as Switzerland, France, Taiwan and Korea, The American Boychoir offers a unique and rigorous musical and academic curriculum, and fellowship for young people. Founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1937, the Choir has been located in Princeton, New Jersey since 1950. They currently perform under the musical leadership of Fernando Malvar-Ruiz.

The American Boychoir 70th Anniversary Tour began in July at the Tanglewood Music Festival with Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director James Levine leading the Orchestra and The American Boychoir in Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. The Boychoir will perform over 90 concerts in 15 states during its 70th season culminating with the 2nd International Boys & Men’s Choral Festival in the Czech Republic in July 2008.

Boys in grades 3-7, who love to sing, are encouraged to audition after the concert. No preparation is necessary, there is no requirement for a prepared solo or piece of music, and no previous experience is required. More information about The American Boychoir School and its summer music program can be found at www.americanboychoir.org.

(Posted March 28, 2008 by bmenk)