The Vienna Boys' Choir, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is coming to Japan again this year! A tour of 31 performances will be held in 19 cities nationwide. World premiere of the new Japanese song "Moon Boat"! Visiting Iwate, the birthplace of Kenji Miyazawa, which inspired the song.
The Vienna Boys' Choir, founded 528 years ago and beloved worldwide as "angels' voices," announces its Japan tour of 31 performances nationwide starting Saturday, May 2, 2026.
100th Anniversary of Tour Activities
This year, 2026, marks exactly 100 years since the Vienna Boys' Choir first embarked on an overseas performance tour. In 1926, they achieved great success with their first overseas concerts in Germany and Switzerland, and the choir, along with its trademark sailor suits, quickly became an internationally recognized symbol. As their popularity grew, they divided into four groups, constantly touring regions such as Europe, America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
Over the past 100 years, a cumulative total of 2,800 members have performed over 29,000 concerts in 100 countries worldwide. The Vienna Boys' Choir is also known for cherishing and singing the music of the regions they visit, constantly expanding their repertoire to be new and diverse, not limited to traditional hymns and Strauss's compositions.
Vienna Boys' Choir: 100 Years of History
Their connection with Japan is also deep, having celebrated the 70th anniversary of their first visit last year. During their 2025 tour, they showcased their beautiful voices at the Osaka-Kansai Expo and on major terrestrial media such as NHK. They received a flood of praise, with comments like "My heart was cleansed" and "Their pure voices brought tears to my eyes."
2026 Tour National Performance Venues Decided! The Bruckner Choir, visiting Japan this year, will deliver performances in a total of 31 concerts across 19 cities in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Kyushu, and Tohoku regions. *Includes closed performances.
《Click here for the national schedule》
On this tour, the new Japanese song "Moon Boat," specially composed for the Vienna Boys' Choir by Japan's leading composer Dai Fujikura, will have its world premiere. The choir will also perform this new song in Iwate Prefecture, the hometown of Kenji Miyazawa, whose works inspired the lyrics. (May 10 at Kitakami Cultural Exchange Center) More than 90 years after his death, Kenji Miyazawa's worldview, expressed through the voices of the Vienna Boys' Choir, will resonate in Iwate, a place deeply connected to him.
Dai Fujikura's new song to have its world premiere on Japan tour!
Achieving Well-being through the Power of Music!
Furthermore, the following special programs will be implemented at concerts in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Sapporo, specially sponsored by Sumitomo Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
① Sumitomo Life Well-being Time
Let's make some noise!
Under the guidance of the Kapellmeister, participants will have the opportunity to experience vocal exercises performed by the choir before singing, and methods to relax their bodies.
Dates: 《Tokyo》May 3, May 19, June 20 《Sapporo》May 22 《Fukuoka》June 9
*To be held in each performance venue during the opening hours before the concert.
② Sumitomo Life Well-being Place
Free childcare service!
A "Well-being Place" will be set up where children too young to enter the audience seating can wait for their families while experiencing music. Thanks to the support of Sumitomo Life Insurance Co., Ltd., childcare services will be provided free of charge. (Pre-registration required / limited capacity)
Scenes from Well-being Time (from 2025 Japan tour / © Junichiro Matsuo)
Sumitomo Life Well-being Concert Vienna Boys' Choir 2026
<Performers> Manolo Cagnin, Bruckner Choir 【Tokyo Performance Dates】 <Venue>Suntory Hall
May 3 (Sun/Holiday) May 4 (Mon/Holiday)
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall
May 18 (Mon) May 19 (Tue) June 8 (Mon) June 20 (Sat) June 21 (Sun)
<Start Time>13:30 (Doors open 12:50)
◇ Program A "Made in Austria" ~Carried on the Viennese Wind~ ◇ Program B "World Hits" ~A World Tour through Music~ Organizer: Japan Arts
Special Sponsor: Sumitomo Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
Vienna Boys' Choir Special Website
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event