Choral music is something of a specialty in Britain, which leads the world in the number of professional-level choral groups. This strength is rooted in Britain's many collegiate and cathedral choirs, which provide a steady supply of trained and experienced singers to groups like the Hilliard Ensemble and the Tallis Scholars.
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| The Choir of St. John's, Cambridge |
One such choir, the Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, is currently touring Japan, with performances today in Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall and Saturday at Tokyo Opera City, followed by appearances in Kyoto and Fukuoka. The choir toured Japan in 1998 as part of UK98.
"Choir schools," originally established by cathedrals to educate the boys who provided the church music, are a widespread tradition in Britain, and St. John's is one of two Cambridge colleges that still maintain one. The boys selected through competitive auditions to sing in the choirs are given substantial scholarships, and receive a strong music education in addition to their regular schoolwork -- typically around three hours a day in rehearsal and performance.
The choir's two Japan tour programs offer a varied selection of choral music from the 16th century to the 20th, with a set of Christmas carols to finish each one.
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The Choir of St. John's College, Cambridge, 7 p.m., Dec. 15 at Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall; 2 p.m., Dec. 16 at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall; admission for both concerts 6,000 yen, 5,000 yen, 4,000 yen and 3,000 yen; for information and reservations call Ticket Pia (03) 5237-9990 or Lawson Ticket (03) 5537-9955 or see the Web site at www.ukchoir.co.jp
* In Kyoto, 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at Kyoto Concert Hall; for information call (075) 711-3090. * In Fukuoka, 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at El Gala Hall; for information call (092) 715-0374. * In Tokyo 2, 7 p.m. Dec. 23 at Suntory Hall; for information call (03) 3584-9999.