The internationally-renowned American Boychoir performs at the Bach Choir of Bethlehem's Gala Concert and Fundraiser, 8 p.m. Nov. 1, Central Moravian Church, 73 W. Church St., Bethlehem.

The performance is the final concert of the American Boychoir's fall tour. The choir, known for its high, almost angelic voices, is performing its fall tour program, "I Hear America Singing."

Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, music director of the Boychoir for 12 years, looks forward to performing in Bethlehem.

"We are excited to participate in the gala fundraiser for the Bach Choir," he says in a phone interview. "In keeping with the tradition of the Bach Choir, the Boychoir will perform a couple of selections by Bach."

The American Boychoir was founded 76 years ago in Columbus, Ohio. After two years, the choir relocated to Princeton, N.J., where the American Boychoir School is operated. Boys from the 4th grade through the 8th grade attend the boarding and day school to study and perform. The boys, ages 9 to 14, arrive from 21 different states and many international nations.

"The audition process to join the Boychoir is incredibly simple," says Malvar-Ruiz. "I play a few notes on the piano. You must sing the notes back to me. You must love to sing, have a certain musical aptitude, and have an ear for music. We also have an online audition process that we can use."

For Malvar-Ruiz, what is most rewarding is the mission of the Boychoir to educate boys and build their character. "The mission is so strong. The mission is not the choir. The choir is a tool that we use to educate the boys. I get to see these boys grow before my eyes. They get to experience touring the country and seeing the world."

For the boys, "touring is without a doubt their favorite part of being in the choir," says Malvar-Ruiz. "It's quite a wonderful experience for them.

"We seek to integrate the touring into their academic studies. Our teachers prepare curriculum that relates to the different cities we are visiting. It helps enrich the experience."

Malvar-Ruiz and the American Boychoir are looking forward to ending their fall tour in Bethlehem at the Bach Choir of Bethlehem's Gala.

"We are very excited," says Malvar-Ruiz. "We have been to many of the Bach Choir's concerts and admire their artistry. We are honored to perform for them."