Troubadors of the Pacific Boychoir (Choir)

Founded: Oakland, California, USA

The Troubadors are one of the few ensembles anywhere able to take on the masterworks of music written for boys' voices. Fine tone, musicianship, stylistic singing, and energy are a rare combination, and are the hallmarks of Troubadors' singing. The Troubadors are the elite performing ensemble of the Pacific Boychoir Academy, based in Oakland, California. Boys who have demonstrated a high level of singing ability and music theory are selected from the Cantori level of the Pacific Boychoir. Despite high expectations and demands, the Troubadors are determined to be the best of their kind.

Currently, there are 31 members of the Troubadors ensemble. The Troubadors sing in one to eight parts. Troubador soloists are in particularly high demand. The Troubadors can field solists singing first soprano, second soprano, and/or alto. With emphasis on phrasing and style, these boys are trained to be among the best boy choristers in the world. The Troubadors sing for public and private events, and the full ensemble or Troubador soloists have sung with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, American Bach Soloists, American Boychoir, San Francisco Opera, and with the Gentlemen of the Grace Cathedral Choir in San Francisco.

The name "Troubadors" is an Americanized version of the French "troubadours," the skilled poet- singers of southern France in the 11^th to 13^th centuries.

The Troubadors and soloists can he heard recent CD release (March 2005) on Titanic Records, "Cantate." This recording features 14 Troubadors joined by early music specialist tenors and basses and period instruments performing Bach Cantata BWV 150, as well as works by Mozart, Isaac Posch, and Mendelssohn.

Source: Troubadors Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (July 2006)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Kevin Fox

Choir

BWV 150; Aria from BWV 68

Links to other Sites

The Troubadors (Official Website)