The Vienna Boys Choir, as the name implies, makes its home in Vienna, Austria, and is comprised of boy altos and sopranos. Most are selected from Austria, but some members come from other countries. There are about 100 singers in the choir, from age nine to age fourteen.
There are four choirs that tour, each named for an Austrian composer: Schubert, Mozart, Hayden, and Bruckner. The total number of performances given by the four choirs combined is approximately 300 concerts annually, with audiences totaling nearly 500,000 people. Each of the choirs is on tour for approximately nine to eleven weeks.
The modern choirs carry on a tradition that began in the Middle Ages. In 1498, Emperor Maximilian I wrote to the Viennese Court, instructing officials there to hire six boys, two basses, and a singing master. The ensemble, which eventually numbered between 24 and 26 singers, was to provide music at church for the mass.
A review says:
“It's a really cultured evening out which leaves you feeling optimistic about the future of classical music.”
The Vienna Boys Choir will be at the Boettcher Concert Hall on November 11. Doors will open at 7.30 pm. Since many audience members enjoy learning about performers and their history, organizers of events like these can use brochure printing to create informative programs that also serve as souvenirs.