American Boychoir School - The Choir

The Choir

The American Boychoir is regarded as one of the nation's premier choral groups, performing in many concerts across the United States and at international venues. On average, the choir makes over 200 appearances in four to five major tours annually. In its history, the choir has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, The St. Olaf Choir, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, and several opera singers including Jessye Norman, Frederica von Stade and Kathleen Battle. The choir has had numerous television appearances on NBC's Today show and is featured on sixteen recordings. One of its members in 1951-1952, Chet Allen was cast as Amahl in Gian Carlo Menotti's first ever opera for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors on the Hallmark Hall of Fame, then on NBC.

In the 2004-2005 season, the boychoir performed at the 77th annual Academy Awards with pop diva Beyoncé Knowles and with Jessye Norman before the United States Open (tennis) women's singles final. Other highlights included tours across the United States and into Canada, an appearance in Boston and at Carnegie Hall in celebration of James Levine’s inaugural season as Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as six performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

The American Boychoir is subdivided into two choirs: the Concert Choir and the Training Choir. The Concert Choir, currently conducted by Fernando Malvar- Ruiz, performs and tours regularly while Training Choir, currently conducted by Fred Meads, is made up of first year students that receive training in order to move up to the Concert Choir when they are ready. Boys join the choir by auditioning while visiting the school, or auditioning after Boychoir performances at concert sites or after school programs. An alumnus may join the Alumni Chorus, conducted by music director emeritus, James Litton. Auditions are required for enrollment into The American Boychoir School.