The rich musical heritage of Vienna meets the vibrant culture of Japan in the Wiener Sängerknaben 2024 Japan Tour. Also known by their English title, the Vienna Boys' Choir, the group is the world’s most famous choir and has captivated audiences with their celestial harmonies for over five centuries.
As the ensemble embarks on its highly anticipated Japan tour this year, it not only brings music for all ages to enjoy, but also a message of shared cultural appreciation and a strengthening of the relationship between Japan and Austria.
A Legacy of Melodic Excellence
Founded in 1498, the Vienna Boys' Choir transcends over five centuries of musical history. Known as the "angels' voices," this prestigious ensemble has been a significant cultural ambassador for Vienna, celebrated for its contributions to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The choir's visit to Japan in 2024 is not just another tour; it symbolizes a century since its rebranding from the "Hofkapelle" to the beloved Vienna Boys' Choir we know today. This tour is also celebrated alongside their recent accolade, the “European Cultural Award 2024,” shared with the Vienna Girls' Choir, highlighting their remarkable artistic and social achievements.
The Wiener Sängerknaben 2024 Japan Tour
The group’s Japan tour will treat you to a diverse repertoire under the guidance of choirmaster Oliver Stech. From the timeless waltzes of Strauss to the serene beauty of Christmas carols and popular Japanese pieces like Joe Hisaishi's "Merry-Go-Round of Life" and Kenshi Yonezu's "Paprika," the choir promises an immersive experience across two special programs: “Fairy Tales and Other Stories” and “The Four Seasons.”
Program A, titled “Fairy Tales and Other Stories,” whisks you along on a whimsical journey through the captivating narratives of popular folk songs. There’ll be beloved tunes like The Sound of Music’s "Edelweiss" alongside lively rhythms of Johann Strauss II's "An der schönen blauen Donau." This program offers a playful mix of melodies.
Like Japan, Austria also experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, so “The Four Seasons” is bound to resonate with audiences. The performers lead you on a journey through the gentle melodies of autumn to the festive tunes of winter, right through to the uplifting sounds of spring to the warmth of summer folk favorites.
Well-Being Initiatives and Family-Friendly Performances
In collaboration with the Special Sponsor: SUMITOMO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, this year's Tokyo performances will feature fun initiatives aimed at enhancing well-being and making music accessible to all ages and members of the family. Dubbed the “Sumitomo Life Well-Being Time,” you will be invited to join in vocal warm-ups and relaxation techniques alongside all the other audience members, led by choirmaster Oliver Stech. This pre-performance session gives a rare glimpse into the choir's preparation techniques and is an interesting chance for you to get involved.
The performances will be very welcoming to families, and the younger members of the audience (up to four years old) can play in the “Sumitomo Life Well-Being Place”. This is a free and safe childcare space within the concert hall itself, helping families to enjoy the music in a worry-free environment and immersing children in the joy of music even at a young age.
Event Details
To join, please check the show dates and locations below, and visit the official website for ticket information. For anyone outside of Tokyo, nationwide performance schedules range from the end of April to June across various cities in Japan, so please check the official site for the full tour details and the closest location to you. Some examples include Nankai Namikiri Hall (Kishiwada, Osaka), The Symphony Hall (Osaka, Osaka), Aichi Prefectural Arts Theater The Concert Hall (Nagoya, Aichi), Hyogo Performing Arts Center KOBELCO Grand Hall (Nishinomiya, Hyogo), and Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall (Yokohama, Kanagawa). In Tokyo, ticket prices range from ¥5,500 to ¥8,500 depending on the seat type you select.
Tokyo shows
| Date | Start time | Venue | Location |
| May 3 (Fri, holiday) | 14:00 | Suntory Hall | Minato |
| May 4 (Sat, holiday) | 14:00 | Suntory Hall | Minato |
| June 7 (Fri) | 13:30 | Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall | Shinjuku |
| June 12 (Wed) | 13:30 | Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall | Shinjuku |
| June 14 (Fri) | 13:30 | Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall | Shinjuku |
| June 15 (Sat) | 14:00 | Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall | Shinjuku |
| June 16 (Sun) | 14:00 | Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall | Shinjuku |
The Wiener Sängerknaben 2024 Japan Tour, presented by Japan Arts, has a huge rally of support, including the Embassy of Japan in Austria, the Austrian Cultural Forum Tokyo, and the Austrian National Tourist Office. The event is also in cooperation with UNIVERSAL MUSIC and the WIENER SÄNGERKNABEN OFFICIAL FAN CLUB JAPAN.
As such, this tour not only showcases the timeless appeal of the Vienna Boys' Choir but also strengthens cultural ties between Austria and Japan. It’s a celebration of music, history, and the shared joy of artistic expression, and it’s an event that’s not to be missed this year in Japan.
