1976 USA TOUR

In 1976, The Australian Boys Choir was one of five international youth choirs (one from each of the major continents) to be invited to participate in an International Showcase of Youth in Philadelphia to celebrate the bicentenary of the United States of America’s Declaration of Independence - signed in Philadelphia on 4 July 1776.

After extensive fundraising and organising, 34 choir boys and 6 accompanying musical staff embarked on the 19 day tour. With performances in several Pennsylvanian cities and one performance in Los Angeles, the choir was hosted by the All Philadelphia Boys Choir and the California Boys Choir.

Repertoire covered Australian and American folk songs and the ABC participated in Independence Bicentenary celebrations with the All Philadelphia Boys Choir. The boys also performed at Disneyland and with the Men’s Chorale at Pittsburg’s Carnegie Music Hall. Every performance received a standing ovation from audiences that included the Governor of Pennsylvania and Australian consular staff as well as the general public.

Providing opportunities for both the boys as individuals and the choir as an organisation to make important connections with boys, families and communities in the USA, the tour was also an invaluable exchange of music and culture.