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The Return of Vienna Boys’ Choir to China: Bridging Cultures Through Melody

CultureArtThe Return of Vienna Boys' Choir to China: Bridging Cultures Through Melody

After a three-year break, the captivating and harmonious sounds of the Vienna Boys’ Choir resonated once again in China, marking their return to the stage. Their recent debut at Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts received much admiration, affirming the choir’s lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Erich Arthold, the choir’s president, shared the unique legacy of the choir, spanning 525 years, and its integral role as Austria’s “cultural ambassador.” To him, “Chinese culture, with its depth and significance, offers a vital opportunity for the choir members to immerse themselves in a world different from their own, enabling them to learn and grow.”

With its inception in 1498, the Vienna Boys’ Choir stands as one of the world’s oldest and most revered boys’ choirs. Celebrated alongside eminent institutions like the Vienna Philharmonic, the choir has become synonymous with Austria’s rich cultural tapestry. Its illustrious history boasts associations with musical prodigies like Joseph Haydn and Franz Schubert and collaborations with iconic conductors, including Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein. Recognizing its unparalleled contribution to music, UNESCO listed the Education and Choral Tradition of the Vienna Boys’ Choir as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

The choir itself is divided into four sub-choirs, each named after renowned Austrian composers: Mozart, Bruckner, Haydn, and Schubert. Boys aged between 10 to 14 fill these choirs, embarking on global tours annually. This year, the Bruckner Choir had the honor of gracing China with their presence.

Their 2023 tour is slated to span almost 20 cities, from Beijing to Taipei. Audiences will be treated to classics such as “The Magic Flute” alongside folk songs from various countries, including China. They plan to serenade audiences with popular Chinese melodies like “The Moon Represents My Heart.”

Arthold, once a choir member himself in the 1970s, fondly recalled the valuable experiences he garnered from touring. He emphasized the choir’s ability to evolve while still honoring its storied traditions. The establishment of a girls’ choir, and a New Year’s concert dedicated to young female voices, underscores the choir’s dedication to inclusivity and advancement in the musical realm.

The choir’s bond with China runs deep, having held performances consecutively for two decades before their recent hiatus. Their connection extends beyond mere performances. Over the years, they’ve fostered relationships with four Chinese choirs, allowing for cultural and musical exchanges that enrich both nations. This collaboration has not only furthered classical music’s reach in China but also invigorated Chinese music education and boys’ choir development.

In fact, two talented young singers from mainland China have joined the ranks of the Vienna Boys’ Choir, highlighting the deepening of this cultural interchange. These youngsters have shown incredible resilience, mastering not only the musical repertoire but also the German language and adjusting to a new culture.

Arthold stresses the importance of exposing children to the arts early on, a sentiment reflected in the choir’s performance at the National Grand Theater in Beijing, where they were thrilled to perform for their peers.

As the Vienna Boys’ Choir continues its tour, it carries forward its mission of bridging cultures, sharing the universal language of music, and nurturing the next generation of global citizens.

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