KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee-s Cultural Attractions Committee will host the Vienna Choir Boys at 8 p.m. tonight at the Tennessee Theater.
Tickets are $5 for students, $20 for faculty and staff and $25 for the general public and can be purchased at UT-s central ticket office or Tickets Unlimited at (865) 656-4444 or www.knoxvilletickeets.com.
One of the oldest boys- choirs in the world, the group was established in 1498 as part of the Vienna Hofmusikkapelle when Emperor Maximilian I of Austria moved his court from Innsbruck to Vienna. He required that his court of musicians consist of six young boys.
Since then the choir has grown to more than 100 choristers between the ages of 10 and 14 and is divided into four touring groups. The group boasts Franz Schubert as an alumnus.
Since the early 20th century, the boys have performed a variety of musical styles. Their repertoire includes both traditional works and contemporary music, and they have contributed to soundtracks and recorded arrangements of pop music.
The choir continues to be a large part of Austrian musical life. More than 500 years after the group-s formation, the boys still sing in the Sunday services in the Imperial Chapel. Each year they give more than 300 concerts to nearly half a million people.
For more information, contact the office of Student Activities at 974-5455.
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Contact:
Beth Gladden (865-974-9008, beth.gladden@tennessee.edu)