Vienna Boys Choir Spread Love Thru Music
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
The angelic voices of the Vienna Boys Choir will echo across Korea as they tour six cities, beginning with Seoul at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Friday and Saturday. Before embarking on their cross-county tour, the choristers visited a local welfare center Tuesday to deliver a melodious New Year's message.
To make its 12th visit to Korea extra special, the choir decided to visit low-income single mothers and their children at the ``Youngnak Female-Headed Families' Home'' in northern Seoul.
Well before the concert was due to begin, the small prayer room was packed with some 80 people ― children from the home and other welfare centers, their mothers and local residents.
``The Vienna Boys Choir is coming,'' said one excited little boy. ``I heard they're super famous,'' said another.
Schubert and Haydn themselves sang in the 500-year-old Austrian choir, and Mozart conducted the boys every morning for mass. Beethoven also worked with the choir, and composers including Wagner, Listz and Johann Strauss wrote music for them.
Some 100 choristers aged 10-14 are divided into four touring groups named after famous musicians. This year, the 25 Bruckner boys led by choirmaster Johannes Kobald are here.
A warm applause greeted the boys, and the noisy children settled down to hear the boys sing and stomp their feet to the rhythmic Austrian folk song ``Stadltur.''
The choir went on with ``What a Wonderful Day.'' The room was still humming with small talk throughout the American pop song, but fell completely silent when a familiar tune filled the air _ Korea's most representative song ``Arirang.''
``It's my first time seeing foreigners in person, and it was so amazing when they sang `Arirang','' said eight-year-old Yang (full name undisclosed), who dreams of becoming a pianist one day. ``I wish I could sing like them, too, it's so cool,'' she said.
``It was really fun, the kids kept staring with their sparkling eyes. But they also smiled at us, so it was nice,'' said Akio Friesacher, 13, a second soprano.
``We sing traditional songs of the countries we visit, and I feel that `Arirang' has a very soothing effect on people. This type of volunteer work is very important and I'm glad to help others. I hope there will be more such opportunities in the future,'' he said.
A small reception followed so the children and choristers could mingle together. A few minutes passed by as the two groups stood, awkwardly divided and curiously staring at one another.
Yet, children will be children, and chaos ensued. The venue, however, was much too small to cater to the children running around for signatures, the rather bewildered choristers and members of the press trying to cover the event.
Concert organizer Credia explained that, despite complications due to the limited space, initial plans to give a performance in spirit of volunteerism were well manifested.
While the event can be criticized as blatant publicity for a tour, Credia staff said, ``Cultural activities are a luxury for the mothers and children of the home, so this is a wonderful opportunity for them to experience new culture. We will look into hosting a better organized event in the future.''
Choirmaster Kobald told reporters, ``This type of event of is extremely important, because music is an excellent way to bring people together. I believe it has the power to achieve many things.
``I myself have a wife and children, and it must be so difficult for these women and children to be alone without a father. I am very touched.
``No matter what the situation is or how difficult it may be, I hope music can be the least bit of consolation. Although music cannot fulfill hunger, I hope the audience was able to forget their worries even for a moment,'' he said.
Choi (full name undisclosed), 35, has been residing at the Home for three years now with her five-year-old daughter. She was actually glad she was feeling sick that day ― missing work enabled her to attend the concert.
``It was absolutely wonderful. We can't afford to enjoy the arts and culture, so hearing the Vienna Boys Choir up close was such a treat ― it was a super deluxe VIP seat, better than any seat in a big concert hall. Church music teams often give performances but it's the first time such an internationally renowned group came,'' she said.
``This kind of event gives us much hope, which is more valuable than the material or monetary support people offer. When my daughter grows up, I hope she also helps the needy,'' she said. Choi was proud to say she would be moving out of the home soon to pursue a new life.