The highly anticipated two- and -a -half hour long performance took place Sunday at Irvine Auditorium at the University of Pennsylvania.
Under the musical direction of Jeffrey R. Smith and accompanied by full orchestra, the ensemble's repertoire will include favorites chosen by audience members, alumni, and general membership.
Traditional favorites include America, the Beautiful (arr.Dragon/Hamilton), and Shenandoah (arr.Erb) showcasing the flowing texture of American folk-song. Animation Celebration will certainly be a crowd pleaser highlighting some of the best moments in early and recent animated film history, including songs from Pinocchio, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Beauty and the Beast and many more. On a more serious note, The Choir will perform the incredibly stirring and emotional piece, Agnus Dei by Barber (Adagio for Strings) and O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. Additionally, the Choir will perform a new commission by David T. Clydesdale, titled, An American Trilogy.
For added enjoyment, all alumni in attendance will be invited onstage to perform with the current members during the encore.
The Choir's 40th Anniversary Season sponsors include lead sponsor Harleysville National Bank, Vertex Inc., Nuveen Investments, PECO Energy, BPG Properties Ltd., Jobsite Products, NutriSystem, Portico, Philadelphia Cultural Management Initiative and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Founded in 1968 and currently under the musical direction of Jeffrey R. Smith, the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale has cultivated a following worldwide as America's Ambassadors of Song.
The Choir's achievements include world tours and performances for heads of state, recordings with internationally renowned orchestras and praise from critics and audiences around the world.
The Choir, emphasizing the preservation and promotion of American music, provides the finest in musical education and training to talented young boys and men, regardless of ethnic, religious or economic backgrounds. Boys 7 - 12 are eligible to audition during the summer, with scholarships available to those in need.
For more information about the Choir's exciting 40th Anniversary Season visit the organization's website at www.phillyboyschoir.org.
