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Vienna Boys' Choir Comes to Smothers Theatre

One of the best-known choirs in the world, the Vienna Boys' Choir, will present an ambitious program of over 30 works at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 10 in Smothers Theatre on Pepperdine's Malibu campus.

The history of the choir dates back to 1498, when Emperor Maximilian I of Austria formed the ensemble to provide musical accompaniment to the church mass. Since then, their sublime harmonies, wide repertoire, and signature sailor suits have made them favorites of audiences around the globe.

Known for its exceedingly high vocal standard, the choir is comprised of 24 singers, ranging in age from 10 to 14, selected mainly from Austria, but also from many other countries around the world. The choir has worked with musicians including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Caldara, Antonio Salieri, Heinrich Isaac, Paul Hofhaimer, Heinrich Ignaz Biber, Johann Fux, Christoph Willibald Gluck, and Anton Bruckner.

The performance at Smothers Theatre will offer a diverse musical menu encompassing Gregorian chant, motets by composers Gabriel Faure and Tomas Luis de Victoria, a song written by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and even a selection from the musical, RENT. They will also interpret folk songs from around the world, including an ancient Uzbekistani one used in their recent film, and close with a waltz by Vienna's own Johann Strauss Jr.

The concert is sponsored by the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University. Tickets are $35 for the general public; $20 for youth 17 and under. To order tickets, call (310) 506-4522, or visit the Center for the Arts Web site.