THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 29, 1996 TAG: 9609270207
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 40 lines
Two internationally acclaimed boys choirs are singing their way through a three-week tour of the United States that includes a stop here. The American Boychoir and the Drakensberg Boys Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 6, at Galilee Episcopal Church.
``These are two of the finest boys choirs in the world,'' said Karen Kearney, organist and choirmaster of the Galilee church choirs. ``It'll be extraordinary.''
The American Boychoir will perform classical church music and a George Gershwin selection. The Drakensberg choir will sing a group of folk tunes and American spirituals and an arrangement of the ``Stars and Stripes Forever.''
The American choir has been featured in TV commercials, the ``Today'' show and has toured internationally since 1937. It is based in Princeton, N.J., and the boys, ages 11 to 14, are trained in a school that focuses on the choir. Jim Litton is director.
The Drakensberg Boys Choir is the guest of the American group. They met at a competition abroad and decided to get together to perform. The foreign choir hails from South Africa where the boys, ages 10 to 15, must pass 17 singing and music tests to become full members. It has toured Europe and has sung with the Vienna Boys' Choir and at the Vatican. Christian Ashley-Botha is the director.
Both groups will have cassettes and CDs of their music available after the performance. Between 600 and 800 people are expected. Admission is $10 per person and $8 for choir students and those 62 and older. By mail, send a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check to Galilee Episcopal Church, 3928 Pacific Ave., Virginia Beach, Va. 23451. Tickets will be available at the door. Call 428-3573. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
The American Boychoir, a group of boys aged 11 to 14 based in
Princeton, N.J., will perform at Galilee Episcopal Church on Oct. 6. by CNB