San Francisco Boys Chorus

==San Francisco Boys Chorus== The '''San Francisco Boys Chorus''' ('''SFBC''') is a Grammy-award winning, not-for-profit music education and performing arts organization that has become a significant part of the San Francisco Bay Area's cultural landscape. Founded in 1948, the SFBC was initially established to provide trained singers for the San Francisco Opera. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the nation's premier institutions for music education and choral performance. ===History=== The chorus's inception dates back to 1948, with the primary goal of training boys to sing in the San Francisco Opera productions. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Emeritus Ian Robertson, who served from 1996 to 2019, the organization expanded its reach to serve over 220 singers from 50 Bay Area cities and more than 120 schools. Robertson, who also held the position of Chorus Director for the San Francisco Opera, significantly contributed to the chorus's growth and success. Following Robertson's tenure, from 2019-2022, Artistic Director Eric Choate led the chorus, ensuring its continued excellence and adaptability through challenging times, including the global pandemic. In 2022, Ian Robertson returned to lead the chorus during its 75th Anniversary season. The SFBC has a rich history of national and international tours, having performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Grand Teton Music Festival in Wyoming, and participating in the Inauguration Ceremonies for President Barack Obama in 2009. ===Relationship with the San Francisco Opera=== Since its founding, the SFBC has maintained a close relationship with the San Francisco Opera, providing young singers for over 180 productions to date. Originally known as the San Francisco Opera Boys Chorus, the SFBC continues to collaborate with the Opera's Education Department through the Opera ARIA School Program, offering workshops to teachers and students in the San Francisco Unified School District. ===Community Engagement=== In the Bay Area, the SFBC is a vital component of the music community. It has been featured for seven consecutive years on KQED-TV's broadcast of the chorus's holiday concert. The choristers regularly perform in San Francisco Opera productions, collaborate with various arts organizations, and participate in community events, such as sports games and the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting Ceremony. ===International Appearances=== The SFBC's international presence includes performances in notable venues across the world, such as St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Sydney Opera House, and many others. Their global footprint underscores the chorus's reputation as an internationally acclaimed organization. ===Recordings=== The SFBC has produced several notable recordings, showcasing a diverse repertoire that ranges from classical pieces like Fauré's Requiem to holiday favorites. These recordings serve as a testament to the chorus's commitment to musical excellence and its role in preserving and promoting choral music. ===Organization Details=== The San Francisco Boys Chorus is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves over 240 singers from across the Bay Area, operating at four different locations. The organization relies on the support of donors, sponsors, and volunteers to continue its mission of providing top-tier music education and performance opportunities to young singers. For more information or to support the SFBC, interested parties can contact the organization at: * '''Phone''': 415-861-7464 * '''Email''': [email protected] ==External Links== * [https://www.sfbc.org/ Official Website of the San Francisco Boys Chorus] [[Category:Choirs in San Francisco]] [[Category:Non-profit organizations based in California]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1948]] [[Category:Grammy Award winners]]