CASA - the contemporary a cappella society - Vienna Boys' Choir Slates Concert Date In NJ

Vienna Boys' Choir Slates Concert Date In NJ

Written by CLARE MARIE CELANO / Greater Media Newspapers

Thursday, 31 August 2006

FREEHOLD, NJ -- The Vienna Boys' Choir performs in numerous venues across the globe. One of the concert stops on its tour for 2006 will be Freehold Borough.

The famed boys choir from Austria is scheduled to help area residents usher in the spirit of the holiday season on Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, West Main Street.

The 165-year-old landmark church will host the boys choir that has been in existence since 1498. The original choir was formed six years after Christopher Columbus discovered America, according to Robert DiSogra, chairman of the church's Special Music Committee.
In an interview, DiSogra said the Vienna Boys' Choir will perform as part of a fundraising concert series to help defray expenses the church has incurred for renovations currently in progress.

According to DiSogra, this is the second in an annual series of concerts aimed at bringing exciting, international entertainment to the borough.

"This group performs all over the world and people just have to come to our church to see them," DiSogra said, his excitement hardly disguised. "They don't have to go to New York or Philadelphia. They can see the choir in their own hometown."

In describing the event, DiSogra said "there will not be a bad seat in the house. Wherever you sit is a good place and the acoustics are great."

The church seats 542 people.

The choir's appearance was arranged by ICM Artists, New York City.

DiSogra explained that ICM managed to secure an appearance by Chanticleer, an internationally known men's choir, for the church's fundraising concert last year. The performance was amazing and the event a complete success, he said.

The expectations for this upcoming concert are no less. And, although the holiday season is months away, those who want to share in the performance of the Vienna Boys' Choir should consider getting tickets right now. According to DiSogra, they are going quickly.

The history of the choir began in 1498 when Emperor Maximilian of Austria moved his court and his court musicians from Innsbruck to Vienna. He gave specific instructions that there were to be six boys among his musicians.

According to a press release provided by DiSogra, the choir sang exclusively for the court, at Mass, at private concerts and functions and on state occasions.

Today, there are about 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14, divided into four touring choirs. The four choirs give about 300 concerts and performances each year in front of almost a half million people.

Each group spends nine to 11 weeks of the school year on tour. They visit virtually all European countries and are frequent guests in Asia, Australia and the Americas. The choir's repertoire includes everything from Medieval to contemporary and experimental music.

Since the 1920s, the choir has collected music on its travels. One of the goals is to introduce the boys to as many different styles of music as possible.

In the 1970s, according to the press release, the choir started to perform a cappella arrangements of songs by the Beatles. In 2002, the boys recorded their first-ever pop CD, with songs by Celine Dion, Madonna and Robbie Williams.

The Vienna Boys' Choir is a private not-for-profit organization that finances itself mainly through concerts and recordings.

When asked how he managed to secure such a world famous group to perform at the church, DiSogra replied, "All you have to do is ask."

Asking, coupled with faith and a great deal of hard work from all the volunteers who are working on this project, will undoubtedly bring about an exciting evening and a holiday season Freehold will long remember.

Tickets for the performance are $50. For further information, call (732) 363-6429 or e-mail at fpcconcerts@aol.com.

Businesses wishing to be a part of the fundraising effort may contact DiSogra at (732) 625-8238.

Reprinted with permission from the News Transcript: http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2006/0830/Front_Page/017.html