USA: THE VIENNA BOYS CHOIR AND THE BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM HOLD A HISTORIC JOINT CONCERT IN NEW YORK

Record ID: 328973

  • Title: USA: THE VIENNA BOYS CHOIR AND THE BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM HOLD A HISTORIC JOINT CONCERT IN NEW YORK
  • Date: 30th October 2002
  • Summary: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 2002) (REUTERS - - PERFORMANCE CLEARANCE FOR RESALE) VIENNA BOYS CHOIR AND BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM PERFORMING
  • Embargoed: 14th November 2002 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
  • Country: USA
  • Reuters ID: LVAD10GW9BOOFA34V7J6QR3A1B64
  • Story Text: Representing two distinct cultures and five centuries of music-making, The Vienna Boys Choir and the Boys Choir of Harlem held a historic joint concert in New York, combining two distinct styles of music, the classic with the contemporary. The result was a pervasive and infectious sound that saw the merging of European and American choir traditions.
    The world renowned Vienna Boys Choir kicked off a 40 city U.S tour with a concert in New York, performed with New York's famed Boys Choir of Harlem. Both choirs, known for their own distinctive styles of music, sang in perfect harmony, at the rehearsals ahead of the historic New York show, at the Great Hall of The City College of New York.
    Though separated by five centuries, both choirs proved to have much in common on stage, with strong voices able to deliver a repertoire that ranged from classical to pop.
    A member of the Vienna Boys Choir, Thomas Hangweyrer says that being in New York for the first time, and performing with the Boys Choir of Harlem, was an incredible experience.
    Hangweyrer said, "The music from both choirs is very different so we had to learn from each other, and so it was very interesting and everybody learned something from the other choir."
    The Vienna Choir Boys which was established more than 500 years ago in 1498, by Emperor Maximilian 1 of Austria, to sing sacred music, has managed to stay true to its tradition.
    For Nile Johnson, who is a member of the Boys Choir of Harlem, known for its jazz, gospel and spiritual repertoire, working with the European boys was incredible. Said Johnson, "It's a good experience to meet them. And I learned that they've been out for a very long time. They've sought very good composers.
    I think it's very good to meet them."
    The evening was the brainchild of Alfred Posamentier who's plan was simple: to create a unique performance, and give the young performers a chance to share their cultural heritage.
    "To see them mix together, singing each other's songs, and singing together is a phenomenal experience," said Posamentier.
    "From my point of view, it's very interesting to watch the boys and well they get along with each other and how nicely they cooperate."
    After their New York show, the Vienna Choir Boys continue on their 40 city U.S tour, with a closing Christmas concert at Carnegie Hall in December.
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