Dustin Hoffman Drama AMERICAN BOYCHOIR Set for NYC & LA Theatrical Release Today

Over its 77-year history, world-renowned vocal ensemble American BOYCHOIR has performed in many of the world's grandest venues and with legends from across the musical spectrum. Director François Girard's (of The Red Violin) BOYCHOIR marks the choir's first feature film appearance. After premiering to rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2014, BOYCHOIR sees its initial U.S. arthouse release at New York City's Village East Cinema and Los Angeles' Laemmle Encino Town Center today, April 3, 2015. American BOYCHOIR administration, staff and members of the American BOYCHOIR and their parents will be on hand for the first New York showing.

"From the filming, to the Toronto International Film Festival premiere, and now to its upcoming U.S. release, we've been so honored to be part of this heartwarming film from the beginning," says American BOYCHOIR School President Kerry Heimann. "To witness it all come together, and to watch our students' excitement is very gratifying. We always strive to shine a spotlight on our amazingly gifted students, and know that audiences will be drawn not only to the film's compelling story, but also to the captivating vocals provided by our choir."

As is common with smaller, independent films, a plan for wider U.S. release will be determined based upon its initial box office reception. In Canada, a wave of release dates for the film began March 27, 2015. International releases have been occurring since January 2015. A screening of the film in Princeton, NJ, is also being planned as part of the American BOYCHOIR School's spring 2015 Gala and fundraiser to be held in May. More information will be released in the coming weeks.

Warner Records released the BOYCHOIR soundtrack on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The album is available for download from over 200 platforms, including iTunes. Many of the album's TRACKS were arranged by American BOYCHOIR School's Litton-Lodal Music Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz. The film's end title song, The Mystery of Your Gift featuring Josh Grobin and the American Boychoir, was released as a single on January 27, 2015, as is also available for download.

Boychoir tells the story of an orphaned 12-year-old boy sent to a prestigious music school where he struggles to join an elite group of world-class singers. No one expects this rebellious loner to succeed, least of all the school's relentlessly tough conductor who wages a battle of wills to bring out the boy's extraordinary musical gift. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Josh Lucas, Kevin McHale, Eddie Izzard, Debra Winger and newcomer Garrett Wareing.

The American BOYCHOIR School students feature prominently, serving as the film's choir and providing all of the singing heard throughout. In addition to showing the choir's rigorous rehearsal and performance process, the daily lives of students are depicted in many scenes. Several American BOYCHOIR School students auditioned for speaking roles in the film and one, Dante Soriano, was cast as one of the five major boy characters. In addition to students, Litton-Lodal Music Director Fernando Malvar-Ruiz appears as an orchestra conductor and Dr. James Litton, Music Director Emeritus, provides a touching cameo.

For more information about the American BOYCHOIR visit www.americanboychoir.org.

About American Boychoir
The American BOYCHOIR has long been recognized as one of the finest musical ensembles in the country. Under the leadership of Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, Litton-Lodal Music Director, the American BOYCHOIR has dazzled audiences with its unique blend of musical sophistication, spirited presentation, and ensemble virtuosity. The BOYCHOIR performs regularly with world-class orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and is often featured with such illustrious conductors as James Levine, Charles Dutoit, and Alan Gilbert. The American BOYCHOIR is frequently invited to join internationally-renowned artists on stage, and the list of collaborators reflects the extraordinary range of the ensemble: from great classical artists such as Jessye Norman and Frederica von Stade to jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and pop icons Beyoncé and Sir Paul McCartney. The choir's young soloists are also in high demand and have joined forces with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, and Spoleto Festival USA, to name a few. As an icon of American musical excellence, the BOYCHOIR has been invited to sing for every sitting U.S. President since John F. Kennedy. Touring frequently at home and abroad as preeminent ambassadors, the American BOYCHOIR spreads messages of beauty and hope through outstanding musical achievement.

Boys in fourth through eighth grades, reflecting the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity of the United States, come from across the country and around the world to pursue a rigorous musical and academic curriculum at the American BOYCHOIR School in Princeton, New Jersey. While keeping up with their academic demands, the boys balance schoolwork with an intense national and international touring schedule. In addition to the almost 100 solo concerts, the 2014-2015 season includes 2 engagements with the Philadelphia Orchestra, a month-long performance exhibit at the Gladstone Gallery in New York City, a performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 4 national tours and the release of the movie "Boychoir" with Dustin Hoffman and Kathy Bates. The legacy of the American BOYCHOIR is preserved through an extensive recording catalog, which boasts over 45 commercial recordings and the launch of its own label, Albemarle Records.