It has long been a Columbus Arts Council goal to bring the Vienna Boys Choir to the Golden Triangle, and this fall it will finally happen. The world-renowned choir will present a concert Friday, Oct. 27.
Known as one of the finest vocal ensembles in the world for more than five centuries, the choir based in Vienna, Austria, is a frequent visitor to North America, performing in venues from houses of worship to New York’s Carnegie Hall and Chicago’s Symphony Hall.
“It was a long road to get them here, and we’re so honored to be able to have such a prestigious group that performs all over the world come to Mississippi,” said CAC Program Manager Beverly Norris.
The choir can trace its history as far back as the 13th century. Today the boy sopranos and altos ages 9 to 14 are divided into four touring choirs of about 25 vocalists each. Together, the choirs give around 300 concerts each year, attended by almost half a million spectators in Europe, Asia and Australia, and the Americas. Their repertoire includes everything from medieval to contemporary music.
CAC Executive Director Lynn Brown said, “With arts programs diminishing, there is a responsibility for organizations like the CAC to fill the vacuum and reintegrate arts back into the fabric of our community. Supporting an opportunity like this allows us to continue to bring amazing art programs to our community.”
The concert is only possible through generous sponsors that include, to date, Diane and Bruce Hufford, Kathy and Jerry Hodson, Roger Burlingame, Drs. Joshua and Meredith Griffin, Visit Columbus, the Mississippi Arts Commission and an anonymous donor, in memory of Lilla Pratt Rosamond and John Brown.
“We sincerely appreciate these sponsors and welcome any others interested in helping bring this very special event to the Golden Triangle,” said Norris.
How to go
Due to maintenance at the originally-planned venue, Mississippi University for Women’s Rent Auditorium, the concert will be held in Lee Hall’s Bettersworth Auditorium on the Mississippi State University campus in Starkville. Premiere seating is $50; general seating is $35. Youth ages 6 to 21 may attend for $15. (Age will be verified at the door.)
Tickets are available online at columbus-arts.org, or at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St., Columbus, or by calling 662-328-2787 (closed Mondays.)
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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