Pupil of Park House School and Qatar Music Academy accepted into the world-renowned Vienna boys choir

The world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir has accepted into its ranks Evan Pyne, an 11-year old Irish school boy living in Doha, Qatar, and a pupil of Park House School and Qatar Music Academy (QMA), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. 

In a short space of time, Evan Pyne has built an impressive musical career, starting lessons on the piano in 2008 and trumpet the year after. From the outset, he displayed an amazing natural talent, proven by his awards and wins in many international competitions. In 2009, Evan joined the Piccolo Lasso choir in Ireland as a boy soprano and enjoyed critical acclaim. He went on to play in prestigious venues such as Westminster Cathedral in London, and had the honour of singing in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. 

The Vienna Boys Choir is one of the oldest in existence, having an illustrious history of more than 500 years. Its 100 treble and alto choristers are all aged between ten and fourteen years old and, between them, perform about 300 concerts each year before almost 500,000 people. Gerald Wirth, Artistic Director of the Vienna Boys Choir, said: ‘Evan is extremely musical, and quite a determined young man – perfect for the choir. We are expecting him to bring his talent and his personality to bear. He will go far.’ 

Since coming to Qatar in 2011, Evan has been studying piano and trumpet as part of Qatar Music Academy’s Academic Music Programme, an intensive series of after school instrumental lessons, music theory classes and ensemble sessions. 

Dr. Abdul Ghafour Al Heeti, Principal, QMA, said: ‘Evan’s acceptance into the Vienna Boys Choir is proof of his musical talent and acknowledges his true potential. It is a great honour for him, his family and for all the staff and students at Qatar Music Academy. We wish him the greatest success, and we look forward to teaching him again once his studies in Vienna have concluded.’ 

Evan is also a pupil of Park House English School which offers co-ed British primary and secondary education. Established more than 20 years ago, it is one of the most established private schools in Qatar, offering a rich, family-orientated education. 

Niall Brennan, son of Park House School’s Founder Heather Brennan, said: ‘Everyone at Park House is delighted for Evan and for the Pyne family. Being selected for the Vienna Boys Choir is an incredible achievement and an incredible opportunity and we support the Pynes in their difficult decision to send Evan to Austria to realise this dream.’ 

Qatar Music Academy opened in early 2011 and is one of the newest members of Qatar Foundation. Located at the heart of Katara, its students enjoy cutting-edge facilities, the finest instruments and tuition from renowned international musicians. More information on QMA can be found at www.music.com.qa.