In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 44, we present this story on Gerald Wirth, the current President and Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys’ Choir.
Gerald Wirth is someone who “lives and breathes music” more than most people. To begin with, he spent a significant period of his childhood as a soprano with the world renowned Vienna Boys’ Choir – or Weiner Sänger Knaben – and one of Austria’s best known musical exports. Today, more than three decades later, the life of this consummate musician has come a full circle, as he now happens to be the Artistic Director of his old alma mater – the very same Vienna Boys’ Choir.
Having spent a lifetime travelling the world consumed by music, he has evolved a deep insight into not only the technical aspects of classical music – of which he is an undoubted master – but also its holistic and beneficial effects on the human body and psyche. Sharing his expertise in, and enthusiasm for music wherever he goes, he also spreads his philosophy about the almost magical properties of these man-made aural vibrations.
Speaking as an artist and performer, Mae West once said that “personality is that glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights, and the orchestra pit, into that big space where the audience is.” This take on personality is certainly very apt for Wirth. For upon observing him, as he conducted a workshop on vocal training, it was clear that the man, his music, passion, and personality, were all but seamlessly intertwined facets of a singular fountain of enthusiasm.
Speaking on his methods, this modern-day Pied Piper said, “I believe that there is no person on earth who is not musically inclined. It is within us all, and can be encouraged to flow out with the right guidance and training. Music can have a positive impact on many important aspects of our lives, such as learning good habits which can benefit our health. For example, we need to learn how to maintain a good posture in order to encourage better breathing, which in turn will lead to us being able to reach the right vocal notes
No one can doubt the wisdom and authority of his words. For Gerald Wirth has a comprehensive and thorough musical-pedigree, dating back to his early days as a choir-boy with the Vienna Boys’ Choir – a cherished musical institution which can trace its traditions back to the medieval Viennese Courts of the 15th century. He was also tutored at the hallowed Bruckner Conservatory in Linz.
Beyond that, he has led a life which has been dictated by his passion for classical music, leading to his appointment in 1991 as the Artistic Director of the Calgary Boys’ Choir, and later, the Artistic Director of the Calgary Civic Symphony, as well as the Associate Conductor of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. He has since travelled the globe, conducting workshops in choir leading and voice training, comparing his methods with other musical traditions elsewhere.
Today, Gerald Wirth – one of the youngest men to have ever held the position of Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys’ Choir – strongly believes that an intensive engagement with music can have a positive impact on all aspects of a person’s personality. “Modern research has also shown that music has healing properties which can lead to a peace of mind and mental stability. The beauty of music is that it teaches us to appreciate and focus on the moment. For example, during changes in vocal pitch, it is the present second or moment in time that counts.”
Gerald Wirth is a living beacon of musical light, carrying a torch which was first lit during the European Renaissance. Summing up his message, he said, “Music also helps children to develop better characters, social abilities, and emotional intelligence. In short, they become better people.” Gerald Wirth’s musical wisdom – for want of a better phrase – has far greater significance than mere personal well-being and self satisfaction. He provides hope for the creation of a better and more harmonious world for all of us to live in.
