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19 February 2025, Vienna, Austria – The Vienna Boys Choir’s 8th Class, under the remarkable leadership of Mark Tullao, delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Chorus Juventus concert on 19 February 2025 in the Hofburg Kapelle. The evening was a testament to the choir’s musical excellence and the extraordinary talent of Mark Tullao, who showcased his multifaceted artistry as a singer, drummer, pianist, and conductor.
The program opened with Johannes Brahms’s heartfelt rendition of Waldesnacht, setting the tone for an evening of musical brilliance. This was followed by Zigeunerleben by Robert Schumann, Northern Lights, and Ubi Caritas et Amor by Ola Gjeilo, culminating in the powerful spiritual Witness, arranged by Jack Halloran. Each performance resonated with the audience, demonstrating the choir’s refined technique and emotive depth.
The concert continued with stunning performances by the men’s ensemble, featuring In einem kühlen Grunde and the rousing spiritual I’m Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart. The women’s ensemble followed with captivating renditions of Go Tell It on the Mountain and the evocative Bulgarian folk song Kaval Sviri.
For the final segment, the choir enthralled the audience with a diverse selection, including Sh-Boom, Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, and Mas Que Nada. The highlight of the evening was the Wiener Lied Mix, an exquisite arrangement by Mark Tullao that showcased his exceptional musical vision and leadership.
As a touching finale, the choir surprised the audience with an encore performance of Money, Money, Money, leaving an unforgettable impression. The most heartfelt moment of the night came when the choir paid tribute to Mark’s mother, Fe Tullao, who celebrated her 60th birthday that evening. In a beautiful gesture, the choir led the audience in singing a birthday song, making it a truly special and emotional occasion.
Mark Tullao’s ability to seamlessly transition between roles—singing, playing the piano and drums, and conducting with extraordinary poise—was inspiring. His dedication and talent drove the concert’s success, earning him admiration from peers, mentors, and the audience.
Pride of Filipinos = #pinoygaling
Many Filipinos attended the concert, specially to show support to Mark. Below are some selected insights:
“The Chorus Joventus performance was impressively remarkable, much more than the concert led and conducted by the young Mark Christopher Tullao whose proud parents are Filipinos. In that moment, amid spectators, I said – I am proud to be a Filipino! During the concert, seats were occupied; the chapel was full, and everyone was in awe with the choir’s amazing, unbelievable, and jaw-dropping repertoires! Hail to these young artists and salute the supportive parents who made the right decisions in honing the young artists’ competence, commitment, & unwavering contributions. Both parents and these youths are sources of inspiration for all of us to believe that brilliance and prominence are achievable, we only have to exercise the will!” Ofelia Galapon
“Das Konzert in der Hofburg Kapelle war wunderschön! Die jungen Sänger und Sängerinnen haben mit ihrer Leidenschaft und ihrem Talent das Publikum verzaubert. Ich bin so stolz auf sie alle aber vor allem auf den sehr talentierte Sohn unsere Freundin Mark Tullao der als dirigent, sänger, klavier spieler und tromler gespielt hat. Was für ein vielseitige Talent hat er. Dank meiner Freundinnen Marizel Rojas und Fe Tullao Mark‘s Mutter, dass ich Teil dieses besonderen Abends sein durfte. Es war nicht nur ein Konzert, sondern ein unvergessliches Erlebnis, das uns alle miteinander verbunden hat.“ (The concert in the Hofburg Chapel was wonderful! The young singers enchanted the audience with their passion and talent. I am so proud of all of them, but especially of our friend Mark Tullao’s very talented son, who performed as a conductor, singer, pianist, and drummer. What a versatile talent he has! Thanks to my friends Marizel Rojas and Fe Tullao, Mark’s mother, for allowing me to be part of this special evening. It was not just a concert but an unforgettable experience that connected us all.) Ning Lobrigo
Chorus Juventus
Chorus Juventus is the mixed youth choir of the Vienna Boys Choir, which consists of students from the Vienna Boys Choir’s upper secondary school.
This evening, the eighth-grade students showcased their musical talents. The future graduates of Chorus Juventus presented the full range of their repertoire—from Schumann and Brahms to Gjeilo, vibrantly interpreted spirituals, Bossa Nova, and Viennese songs, the latter of which have been arranged by the students themselves.
Their performances were not only technically skilled but also captivating and emotionally expressive. The concert offered a fascinating insight into Chorus Juventus’s talent, high level, and creative energy.
The Eighth Grade:
Antonius, Caspar, Elina, Elisabeth, Esther, Helene, Jelena, Katja, Kimiyah, Lena, Lydia, Maja, Mark, Marlene, Maris, Oliwier, Rita, Sanjivani, Scott, Stella, Theodor
Photos:: Fe Tullao
About the Author
Maria Zelda “Marizel” Rojas is a Board Member of the United Nations Correspondents Association Vienna (UNCAV), Chairperson of the European Network of Filipino Diaspora-Austria (ENFiD-Austria) and a current ENFiD Board Member. She is also the 1st Vice President of the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG), Founding Member and former President of the Philippine Austrian Cultural and Educational Society (PACES), Adviser and former President of the Vienna International Centre Club Filipino (VIC CF), Liaison for the Philippines and Councillor in the European Police Association (EPA), and a member of the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN).
