SFA expects sell-out crowd for Vienna Boys Choir

A sell-out crowd is expected at the Feb. 3 performance by the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The concert is a presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts' University Series. Photo by Lukas Beck.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - For more than 500 years, the Vienna Boys Choir has been delighting listeners from around the world, and now East Texans can share in the experience when the famed ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The concert is a part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

"We purposefully scheduled the concert on a Friday night so parents could bring their children to hear these wonderfully talented 10- to 14-year-olds sing a varied repertoire ranging from 18th century sacred works to contemporary songs," said Dr. John W. Goodall, associate dean of the college.

"People are definitely excited about this event!" exclaimed Diane J. Flynn, Fine Arts Box Office manager. "Tickets are selling quickly, and I anticipate a sell-out."

The choir, which began in 1498 as a six-member ensemble in the court of Emperor Maximilian I, currently consists of 100 choristers divided into four touring choirs. These groups present a combined total of about 300 concert performances each year, for approximately half a million people.

Each group tours nine to 11 weeks per school year, visiting Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. As it has done since 1498, the choir provides music for the Sunday Mass in Vienna's Imperial Chapel.

Prior to the Nacogdoches performance, Dr. David Howard, SFA associate director of choirs, will give a 7 p.m. informative talk in Griffith Gallery, across the hall from Turner Auditorium. The audience is invited back to the gallery for a post-performance reception to honor the event's corporate sponsor, Lehmann Eye Center.

Turner Auditorium and Griffith Gallery are located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.

Tickets range from $35 to $17.50, with discounts available for seniors, students and youth. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.