Princeton-based vocal ensemble, the American Boychoir, will see themselves on the silver screen this fall.
The choir plays a prominent role in director François Girard’s Boychoir, which is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 5.
Boychoir tells the story of an orphaned 12-year-old boy sent to a prestigious music school where he struggles to join an elite group of world-class singers. No one expects this rebellious loner to succeed, least of all the school’s relentlessly tough conductor who wages a battle of wills to bring out the boy’s extraordinary musical gift. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Josh Lucas, Kevin McHale, Eddie Izzard, Debra Winger and Garrett Wareing.
American Boychoir School students feature prominently, serving as the film’s choir and providing all of the singing heard throughout. In addition to showing the choir’s rigorous rehearsal and performance process, the daily lives of students are depicted in many scenes. Several American Boychoir School students auditioned for speaking roles in the film and one, Dante Soriano, was cast as one of the five major boy characters.
In addition to students, Litton-Lodal Music Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz appears as an orchestra conductor and Dr. James Litton, Music Director Emeritus, provides a touching cameo.
Over its 75-year history, the American Boychoir has performed in many of the world’s grandest venues and with legends from across the musical spectrum. Boychoir marks the choir’s first major film appearance.
More information is online at americanboychoir.org.
