An Evening with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale - America’s Ambassadors of Song

Imagine standing amidst the soaring arches of a grand cathedral with the walls reverberating with the ethereal strains of timeless chants. Now, let your mind wander to the vibrant streets of modern America, where this musical heritage comes alive through the beautiful timbre of young boys’ voices performing the treble lines of choral music.

Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated, Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale will enchant audiences with a spellbinding musical odyssey. With extraordinary versatility, these gifted vocalists will take you through the diverse realms of American music. From beloved Disney melodies that ignite childlike wonder to traditional choral masterworks that resonate with timeless elegance, their repertoire also embraces the soulful strains of African-American spirituals and popular songs that have become anthems of our era.

Join us as we celebrate the magic of choral music with soul-stirring melodies and heavenly harmonies that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted

History of Choir Music

The origins of choir music can be traced back to ancient times when tribal communities came together to perform musical rituals. These early forms of choral music utilised multiple voices to create harmonious melodies and rhythms. The Greeks and Romans further developed the tradition of singing. The first Choral competition was organised in the 5th century BC by the Greeks. Around the 4th century BC, the Christian church introduced the concept of "Organum," a form of vocal music that evolved out of Gregorian chant. Organum featured multiple independent parts and is considered the first example of polyphonic music in the European region. This laid the groundwork for the choral music of the Renaissance era, which was often written for specific occasions such as weddings and state events. Both professional and amateur choirs performed these choral works.

Types of Choirs

There are various types of choirs, each with its own distinct musical style and membership criteria.

The Chamber Choir is a small ensemble of around 20 experienced singers, featuring a combination of male and female voices. These choirs typically perform classical and contemporary repertoire in an intimate setting.

Church Choirs are the traditional choirs found in places of worship, serving as the vibrant, beating heart of the congregation through their sacred music.

Gospel Choirs are defined by their music genre - uplifting, soulful gospel songs often rooted in scripture and the Black church experience.

Show Choirs combine choral singing with choreographed dance, creating a dynamic performance that entertains audiences.

Barbershop Choirs are known for their cappella harmonies and the unique musical style associated with this genre, which often features intricate vocal arrangements.

Regardless of the type, each choir brings its flavour and character to the musical landscape, catering to diverse tastes and community needs.

Globally Renowned Choir Groups

The world is home to some of the finest choirs, each with its own unique history and musical prowess. One such choir is the Escolania de Montserrat, a boys-only choir rooted in the Catalonia hills of Barcelona, dating back to the 13th century. Another renowned choir is the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, known to millions of listeners due to the BBC Radio's annual Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols every Christmas Eve since 1928. The London Adventist Chorale, established in 1981, is best known for its brilliance in performing African-American spirituals, though they excel in a wide range of musical styles. The Mississippi Mass Choir, set up by Frank William in the 1980s, has won numerous awards for its exceptional gospel music performances. St Paul's Cathedral Choir are prominently recognised because they were part of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spence in 1981. Other renowned choirs include The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, The Tallis Scholars, the Treorchy Male Choir, the Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, Vox Luminis, and The Choir of Westminster Abbey, each with their distinct musical legacies.

Choir Music in India

India has also made a mark in the global world of choral music. The multi-genre choir Shillong Chamber Choir, founded in 2001 is among the prominent choir groups of India. The Capital City Minstrels and The Neemrana Music Foundation from Delhi promote Western Classical Music in India. The Bombay Choir and The National Centre for Performing Arts’s choir group from Mumbai offer a range of unique and captivating experiences through their choral renditions. The Capital City Minstrels, The Stop-Gaps Choral Ensemble and the Bangalore Men and All-women Capella Banglore are among the other famous choir groups in India.