Halifax, NS – The world-famous, internationally beloved Vienna Boys Choir is set to arrive in Halifax for two rare performances with Halifax Dance and Symphony Nova Scotia on January 30 and 31, 2016.

The first performance will feature the Vienna Boys Choir as the headliner of Halifax Dance’s grand Viennese Opera Ball, happening Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Halifax’s World Trade and Convention Centre.

The Opera Ball is a unique and extraordinary performing arts gala that serves as Halifax Dance’s major annual fundraising event, raising funds to support programming excellence and outreach activities. Highlighting the traditions and elegance of the Grand Balls of Europe, the Opera Ball features Symphony Nova Scotia’s full orchestra along with fine dining, ballroom dancing, and a special performance from the National Ballet of Canada.

Then, the choir’s angelic voices will partner with Symphony Nova Scotia for a sold-out joint concert on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at 2:00 pm at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium in Halifax.

This will mark Symphony Nova Scotia’s first-ever full performance with this iconic choir, and highlights will include choral favourites from Brahms, Mendelssohn, and Schumann. Plus, the concert also features a virtuoso performance from Canadian French hornist Louis-Philippe Marsolais, performing Mozart’s delightful Horn Concerto no. 2.

“We cannot wait to welcome these 24 extraordinary young men and Choirmaster Oliver Stech to Nova Scotia,” says Leah Hamilton, Executive Director of Halifax Dance.

“We are so grateful for the outstanding generosity of our leading patrons, Margaret and David Fountain, and our Presenting Sponsor Scotiabank, in helping us make this longstanding dream come true. We are thrilled that the National Ballet will be performing once again at the event, and are so pleased to be collaborating with a great partner like Symphony Nova Scotia in bringing the Vienna Boys Choir to Halifax.”

“We are very fortunate to have such thoughtful and generous supporters as the Fountains in our community,” says Chris Wilkinson, CEO of Symphony Nova Scotia.

“The Fountains’ sponsorship of the Vienna Boys Choir will give Halifax audiences two exciting opportunities to see the world’s most prominent and beloved boys’ choir, right here at home. We’re very grateful for their extraordinary kindness and generosity in making this collaboration possible, and we know both events will be spectacular experiences for our audiences.”

The concert with Symphony Nova Scotia on Sunday, January 31 is sold out, but there are a few tickets remaining for the Viennese Opera Ball.

• Halifax Dance Viennese Opera Ball featuring the Vienna Boys Choir
  Saturday, January 30, 2016, 6:00 pm • World Trade and Convention Centre, Halifax
  Please contact Amy at 902.422.2006 ext. 2 for details.
• Symphony Nova Scotia with the Vienna Boys Choir – SOLD OUT!
  Sunday, January 31, 2016, 2:00 pm • Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax

What is the Vienna Boys Choir?

No group of child musicians has won more renown than the incomparable Wiener-Sängerknaben, founded by Emperor Maximilian I in 1498.

Six centuries later, the famed Vienna Boys Choir continue to delight music-lovers across the globe with their purity of tone, distinctive charm, and a diverse, crowd- pleasing repertoire that encompasses Austrian folk songs and waltzes, classical masterpieces, beloved pop songs, holiday favorites, and medieval chant.

Gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty, they carry on an illustrious tradition as the world’s preeminent boy choir who present timeless music with a universal popular appeal. With its broad repertoire, a Vienna Boys Choir performance is never just a concert for classical aficionados – it’s a musical event that appeals to all ages.

This world-class ensemble gives 80 concerts a year in North America, most at near capacity or sold out.

Media acclaim for the VIenna Boys Choir:

• “Bright, light voices through the centuries.” –The New York Times
• “Time may march on, but the Vienna Boys Choir remains a rock-solid institution.” –The Green Bay Press Gazette
• “…purity and lung power, childlike simplicity and mature command of breath control and phrasing, is what this ensemble is all about.” –The Washington Post

Vienna Boys Choir trailer

About Halifax Dance
For four decades, Halifax Dance has been nationally recognized as a leader in dance education and development. Established as a not-for-profit society in 1973, Halifax Dance is an integral part of the region’s artistic life, educating dancers of all ages, abilities, and communities. Along with their core recreational programs for children, adults, and teens, Halifax Dance offers a highly recognized pre-professional Intensive Training Program, a Company in Residence program, and an Inclusive Movement program for children and youth with special training needs.

About Symphony Nova Scotia
Symphony Nova Scotia is Nova Scotia’s orchestra. Each year more than 50,000 audience members (including 15,000 young music lovers) join us in communities across Nova Scotia for performances of the music they love – from baroque and classical to pop and rock and folk. Under the inspirational leadership of Music Director Bernhard Gueller, Symphony Nova Scotia is one of the most broadcast orchestras in the country, with over 20 commercial releases and multiple East Coast Music Awards. Visit symphonynovascotia.ca to learn more, listen online, or get tickets today!

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For more information, please contact:
Leah Hamilton
Executive Director, Halifax Dance
902.422.2006, ext. 4