Known as the “Singing Ambassadors of San Francisco," the San Francisco Boys Chorus was founded in 1948 by Gaetano Merola and Madi Bacon. The chorus is composed of over 200 boy singers, ages 5 to 18 years old, from around Bay Area cities. They have performed in various countries; from Australia to Russia, in front of U.S. Presidents and other prominent people (i.e. Queen Elizabeth II). The San Francisco Boys Chorus often performs with the San Francisco Opera and with other music groups in the area such as the San Francisco Symphony. Their current Artistic Director is Ian Robertson; auditions are held every year during the months of January, April and September. The boys' chorus sang with the girls' chorus during the live program at the Capitol. Musical selections included "America the Beautiful," "An American Hymn" and "Hymn to Freedom."
Did You Know?
Their Artistic Director, Ian Robertson, is also the current director of the San Francisco Opera Chorus. To see how good these kids are, watch this video on YouTube of the San Francisco Boys Chorus singing "Star Spangled Banner."
The San Francisco Girls Chorus
This is a separate performing arts organization from the San Francisco Boys Chorus. Founded in 1978, the San Francisco Girls Chorus is composed of over 300 girl singers ages 7 to 18 years old from around Bay Area cities. The chorus has four different programs: a Preparatory Chorus (5 to 7 year olds), Chorus School (training program), Alumnae Chorus and Chorissima (tours, records and performs in concerts). They have performed in various events, both nationally and internationally, and has won several awards including the prestigious Margaret Hillis Award. Their current Artistic Director is Susan McMane; auditions for girls ages 7 to 12 are held every year during winter and summer. They sang "America the Beautiful," "An American Hymn" and "Hymn to Freedom" with the San Francisco Boys Chorus during the live program at the Capitol.
Did You Know?
In 2001, the San Francisco Girls Chorus became the first youth chorus ever to receive the coveted Margaret Hillis Award. To see how impressive these girls are, watch this YouTube video of them singing "Sleep Gently Sleep."
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