Lincoln Boys Choir Celebrates 60TH Anniversary with Gala Concert, 5/11

Celebrating the 60th anniversary since its establishment, the Lincoln Boys Choir's 2011/2012 Season culminates with a festive gala concert and dinner May 11 at the Rococo Theater in Lincoln.

The May 11 performance begins at 7:00 PM with a pre-­performance catered dinner served at 5:30 PM. The Lincoln Boys Choir's Chorale, Cantare, and Concert Choir will perform in addition to University of Nebraska-­?Lincoln male a cappella ensemble, The Bathtub Dogs. This concert also celebrates the release of the Choir's debut studio recording with copies available for purchase at the performance.

Originally organized by Lincoln Public Schools in 1952, the Lincoln Boys Choir has provided thousands of boys an exceptional array of musical and educational experiences through performances and travel. First directed by Dr. Hugh Rangeler, the choir performed regionally and nationally until it temporarily dissolved in early 1970s.

In 2002, the Lincoln Scottish Rite Preservation Foundation expressed an interest in doing something more for young people. An officer of the Scottish Rite, who had been a member of the Lincoln Boys Choir in the 1950s, suggested re-­establishing a boys choir in Lincoln and the Foundation agreed. The Lincoln Boys Choir is now an incorporated entity in its own right, and the Scottish Rite continues to provide space for the Choir's rehearsals and special events.

The Choir's early successes have permitted rapid growth of the organization and have drawn the attention of notable conductors and the performing arts community. Recent national performances have included the Festival of States in New York City, National Orff Convention, Nebraska Governor's Inaugural Ball, Nebraska State Quarter Launch, Capitol Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Nebraska Holocaust Commemoration. The choir has also toured internationally to perform in Austria at the International Youth Choir Festival in 2006 and will perform this summer in Rome, Italy.

Tickets to the May 11 performance at 7:00 PM are priced at $15 for adults and $7 for youth 12 and under. Tickets to the pre-­?performance dinner at 5:30 PM are $30. All tickets may be purchased online at www.lincolnboyschoir.org or by e-­?mailing Matthew Boring at mboring@lincolnboyschoir.org.