Valentin
Radu
Welcomes
the
Philadelphia
Boys Choir
performing
with the
Ama Deus Ensemble
J.S. Bach’s Saint John Passion
at the
Kimmel Center on March 29 at 8:00 PM
Adding to
the beauty of Bach’s music—enjoy the exquisite, angelic voices of the Philadelphia
Boys Choir when it joins musical forces with the Ama Deus Ensemble in the
Perelman Theater of the Kimmel Center on Friday, March 29 performing the Saint John Passion in English.
Since
1968, the Philadelphia Boys Choir has provided the finest musical education and
performing experience for ensembles of its genre in the Greater Philadelphia
area. Though our style has been emulated by many, none can top the beautiful
and unique sound our boys create. Every week in rehearsal, boys interact and
connect with other boys from all over the Tri-State region, allowing them to
learn from one another through friendships they might not otherwise find. The
opportunities for travel and concerts around the world help our Choir members
build character in a safe and constructive environment, while carrying out the
esteemed tradition of being part of America’s Ambassadors of Song.
The Choir consists of three ensembles: the Beginning Cadets, Advanced
Cadets, and the Performing Choir, which includes the Men’s Chorale. The total
number of participants in all programs numbers about 200 boys and men from
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware who come from many different backgrounds
and cover a broad economic spectrum. Most performances are scheduled for
evenings, weekends and holidays to accommodate the boys’ school schedules and
men’s work schedules. Our goal is to see as many boys as possible who begin in
the Cadet ensembles complete the program by performing and touring with the
Performing Choir.
Jeffrey R.
Smith
Music Director, Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale
Mr. Smith has been the full-time Music Director of the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale since 2004. Originally a member of the Choir during his youth, he returned to the Choir in a professional capacity. As a musician in much demand, Smith is also the assistant conductor for Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. He made his Philly Pops conducting debut, filling in for Nero at the opening performance of The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, starring Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday.
Under his direction, the choir has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Pennsylvania Ballet, and with Peter Nero and the Philly POPS. Venues have included the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. The choir has sung for Barack Obama, Laura Bush and Julie Andrews. Smith has also led the group on local and national television including Backstage with Barry Nolan, The 10! Show and Good Morning America.
In New York, Smith has played on Broadway for Jane Eyre and Off-Broadway for Summer ’69, Taking a Chance on Love, Abie’s Island Rose, and Suburb. His arrangements have been performed Off-Broadway as well as by the Ocean City Pops and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, and can be heard on the cast recording of Taking a Chance on Love (Original Cast Records). While in New York, he also played for Bette Midler and Tony-Award nominees Rebecca Luker, Mark Jacoby, and Judy Kaye. In 2003 he conducted the NYSSMA Dutchess County Area All-State Children’s Chorus, and he has played with the New Jersey Symphony, Opera Festival of New Jersey, Goodspeed Opera House, and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. He is a 1999 summa cum laude graduate of Ithaca College with a Bachelor of Music in composition. Smith currently resides in Haddon Township, NJ, with his wife, Carla, and their sons, Elijah and Isaac.