Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

The Zurich Boys' Choir is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its angelic voices for over 50 years. Founded in 1963 by Fritz Näf, the choir has become one of the most respected and sought-after boys' choirs in the world. The choir is made up of around 100 boys aged between 9 and 16, who are selected through a rigorous audition process. The boys come from all over Switzerland and are trained in the art of choral singing by a team of experienced vocal coaches. Under the leadership of Näf, the choir quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional musicality and technical proficiency. The choir's repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary works, and the boys are known for their impeccable intonation and blend. Over the years, the Zurich Boys' Choir has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. In 1972, the choir made its debut at the Salzburg Festival, where it performed Mozart's "Requiem" under the baton of Herbert von Karajan. This performance was a turning point for the choir, as it brought them international recognition and acclaim. Since then, the choir has gone on to perform at many other major festivals and events, including the Lucerne Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the BBC Proms. They have also collaborated with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including Claudio Abbado, Sir Simon Rattle, and Riccardo Chailly. One of the highlights of the choir's career was their performance at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The choir sang the Swiss national anthem and a traditional Chinese song, "Jasmine Flower," in front of a global audience of millions. The Zurich Boys' Choir has also released numerous recordings over the years, including several award-winning albums. In 1999, their recording of Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" won the prestigious Gramophone Award for Best Choral Recording. Despite its many achievements, the Zurich Boys' Choir remains committed to its core mission of providing young boys with a high-quality musical education. The choir's training program is designed to develop not only their vocal skills but also their musical literacy and appreciation. In addition to their regular concert schedule, the choir also participates in educational outreach programs, working with schools and community groups to promote the value of choral music. The choir's commitment to education has earned them numerous awards and accolades, including the Swiss Music Prize in 2013. Today, the Zurich Boys' Choir continues to inspire audiences around the world with its beautiful singing and dedication to musical excellence. With a new generation of talented young singers joining the ranks each year, the choir looks set to continue its legacy for many years to come.

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