The Moscow Boys Choir, one of Russia's most prestigious all-boy a cappella ensembles, will perform a free concert of holiday music titled "Christmas Around the World" on Friday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. in Woolsey Hall, corner of Grove and College streets.
The event is open to members of the Yale community. The program will feature traditional and newer carols of Russia, Europe and Africa, many sung in their language of origin. Holiday favorites from the choir's previous tours have included excerpts from Handel's "Messiah," Bernstein's "Gloria" and such classics as "Angels We Have Heard on High," "Silver Bells" and "Silent Night."
Founded in 1957, the choir has performed throughout the world, with appearances at such venues as the International Festival of Boys Choirs in Poland and the Royal Albert Hall in London. The singing group received rave reviews when it made its American debut in 1993. "If indeed there is such a thing as a heavenly chorus, it must sound like The Moscow Boys Choir," wrote the St. Joseph (Missouri) News-Press. The choir has returned to the United States several times since, often performing to sell-out crowds.
Ninel Kamburg has directed The Moscow Boys Choir since 1966. Choir members attend a special school in Moscow, where the boys traditionally begin rigorous training music as early as age 5. They are not allowed to perform for audiences until the age of 9. Those selected for the touring choir are chosen from all over Russia on the basis of both their talent at singing (choir members are hailed throughout the world for their "angelic" voices) and their discipline. "There is a level of honor for these boys to be members of the choir, but there are no life-style advantages. They must work and study like everyone else," says Kamburg, who arranges most of the musical pieces that the choir performs.
During her tenure as director, Kamburg has watched many young choir members grow up and have families of their own. "I am mother, conductor, tutor and friend," she says of her role. The choir includes young males who sing soprano and older boys and young men who generally sing tenor and bass.
Known for its performances of Russian folk songs and religious and classical music, The Moscow Boys Choir has also attained fame for its performance of opera, as well as works by contemporary Russian composers. In the classical sphere, it repertoire includes works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Rachmaninoff.
The choir's extensive performance schedule has included tours of Germany, Belgium and Holland. Its U.S. performances have included shows in Alaska and at Disneyland.
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