Details:

DAY Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
TIME:  7:00 PM
LOCATION: St. Joseph Catholic Church -8295 Van Aiken Street | Cost: Free
RECEPTION: Immediately following the Concert at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall

Holiday Art on the Avenue will be on display at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall

The Boychoir of Ann Arbor provides valuable vocal training, sophisticated repertoire, and varied performance opportunities for musically gifted boys ages eight to eighteen from the Ann Arbor area.

For almost 40 years, the Boychoir of Ann Arbor has developed a reputation for choral excellence and has been enriching the lives of boys who love to sing while enhancing the cultural life of the greater State of Michigan.

The organization offers three choirs: Treble Choir, boys with unchanged voices; Young Men’s Ensemble, boys with changing voices; and Cantabile, advanced trebles and older boys with lower voices combined. The Boychoir of Ann Arbor has an extensive repertoire that includes traditional Anglican boychoir works, classical works from the masters, arrangements of traditional folk songs and early American music, as well as contemporary compositions.

The Boychoir of Ann Arbor was first formed in 1986 to provide a boys’ choir for a production of Bernstein’s Mass celebrating the reopening of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, and in 1987 was formally established as a non-profit youth community choir, led by founder Dr. Thomas Strode and followed by current Music Director Dr. John Boonenberg.

Each year, the Boychoir presents popular traditional Christmas concerts, as well as sacred music concerts and seasonal concerts. The Boychoir of Ann Arbor has appeared with many other music organizations, including the Ann Arbor Symphony, Measure for Measure, Vox Early Music Ensemble, and the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club. The Boychoir of Ann Arbor also performs for community concert series, weddings, and private parties, as well as in schools, senior centers, churches, non-profit organizations, and other venues throughout Michigan and northwestern Ohio.

In true Christmas in Ida spirit and tradition, all concerts are free with many
opportunities to meet the stars of the concerts.

The Fascinating Story of the Commemorative Concert

The inception of the Commemorative Concert occurred during the jubilant observance of the 25th Anniversary of the Christmas in Ida Festival. Originally conceived as a singular occasion, this event swiftly evolved into a cornerstone of the festival, consistently showcasing the musical prowess of youth ensembles, choruses, and choirs.

Distinguished by its commitment to inclusivity and a diverse array of musical traditions, the Commemorative Concert exemplifies a broad spectrum of genres. Held within the hallowed halls of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, this esteemed venue has borne witness to remarkable performances by renowned musical groups, including but not limited to, the Boychoir of Ann Arbor, Detroit Choral Artists, Saline Fiddlers, Detroit Opera Youth Chorus, Michigan Opera Theater Children’s Chorus, and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Additionally, collaborative performances have featured vocal ensembles such as the Eastern Michigan University Choir, Siena Heights University

Chamber Singers, Adrian College Choir, Michigan State University AccaFellas, and University of Michigan G-Men.

In a testament to its dedication to the cultural heritage of Michigan, the Christmas in Ida festival has forged a partnership with the Michigan Humanities Council. This collaboration ensures the continued delivery of performances that not only exemplify artistic excellence but also pay homage to the rich cultural tapestry of the state.