The Vienna Boys’ Choir is closing “the last gap that existed among the girls”: “The choir girls have been around for some time. In September they will now be able to attend the lower school level,” said Boys’ Choir President Erich Arthold at a press conference on Thursday known. Until now, the girls had been taught externally. Their inclusion sets an example for equal opportunities. From spring 2025, the choir girls will also go on tour. Without boys.
Still separate choirs
The fact that there will continue to be separate choirs has to do with vocal development and choral literature, explained artistic director Erasmus Baumgartner. Not all literature is suitable for choir girls, but there is enough literature that only they can sing. The inclusion of choir girls in the teaching system should be seen as a step towards equality.
800,000 euros in acute aid
Last December, the boys’ choir received 800,000 euros in emergency aid from the federal government in order to be able to maintain operations. At the time it was said that a sustainable solution would be developed in the coming months. Three weeks ago there was a discussion with the Ministry of Culture and Education as well as the City of Vienna, it was reported today. Another one should follow. Although the type of sustainable financing is still being discussed, “the message has been received”. The new location of the Augarten campus should serve as a further argument for this.
Singing together trains the ability to be considerate of one another and is essential in our time marked by war, said Arthold. “This is the age at which tolerance and respect are learned. We also have Ukrainian refugee children.” The feeling of community is not just an empty phrase, it is lived. “In a choir there is a Ukrainian boy and a Russian boy, and they are best friends.”
39 different nations
39 different nations have been represented by the boys’ choir over the years. The board is male dominated. This is because voting members of the board have reached the age of 29 and must have sung for the boys’ choir, said school director Hans-Christian Granaas in an interview. It will therefore take a while before the diversity represented among the singing school children reaches the board to the same extent. The choir girls would also promise lasting changes here.
