The world-renowned and historic Vienna Boys Choir stopped by the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center on Dec. 8 during its “Christmas in Vienna” tour. 

Luhrs was packed with eager audience members wanting to hear some beautiful Christmas songs.

Those audience members were not disappointed as the night was filled with majestic singing of Christmas songs originating from all around the world. The choir group, founded in 1498, was conducted by Oliver Stech.

“We are happy to be finally here in this beautiful concert hall,” Stech said. “Please enjoy the concert!”

Each boy, aged 10 to 14, sang their hearts out as they opened with a beautiful rendition of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy’s “Veni, Domine.” Just a few songs later, the group performed “The Lamb,” a song based on the poetic work of William Blake.

Each member stayed humble through their performance as they all took a bow after every song. 

The singers occasionally spread out around the stage for some songs, as others got to show off their versatility for performing. 

One member played the piano during a song, while another played the guitar during a different song as his fellow choir members sang around him.

The stage had no decorations; instead, only a piano and choir risers were present on stage. The stage also had a white backdrop, which only added to the charming simplicity of the show.

The second half of the show consisted of carols and songs from across Europe, coinciding with the various backgrounds of which the members had. 

The songs originated from countries like Italy, Spain, Ireland and Ukraine. One performed was the recognizable “Carol of the Bells,” composed by Ukrainian Mykola Leontovych.

As the show was winding to a festive close, Stech got up from his piano and addressed the crowd.

“The Vienna Boys and I wish you a very merry Christmas,” Stech said. “Thank you and see you next time!”

Following this, Stech and the rest of the Vienna Boys Choir closed out the show by performing four Christmas classics that seemingly succeeded in sending the crowd home happy. 

Of these classics, the boys started out with “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Jingle Bells.” The choir then moved into a rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” before closing out the show with an unexpected yet humorous performance of “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”

The performers were rewarded with a warm standing ovation from the audience. The singers then started to exit the stage, waving at the audience members at the end of the stellar show.

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