Fletcher Wolfe perhaps is best known as the founder and director—for 45 years—of the world-famous Atlanta Boy Choir. However, his early career was that of distinguished opera and concert singer.

Making his solo debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall, Mr Wolfe was a recitalist both in America and abroad. He will be remembered for his long relationship with the world’s greatest music teacher, Nadia Boulanger. He and Mlle Boulanger performed together in concerts and master classes in France, and he was honored to be chosen to give first performances of works by many of her famous composers. French composer Jean Françaix accompanied him in the world premiere performance of the now famous L’Adieu de Monsigneur le Duc de Sully.

While living in New York City, Mr Wolfe appeared frequently in opera and concert throughout the country. He gave solo recitals at Town Hall and Judson Hall and was invited to sing the role of Papageno for the Aspen Music Festival—in the first English translation of The Magic Flute. Rick Besoyan, author of Little Mary Sunshine, chose him for the lead in his Broadway production The Prince of Liederkranz. In addition, he served as soloist at Park Avenue Methodist Church and at the famous Brooklyn Heights Presbyterian (George Washington’s church).

On coming to Atlanta, Georgia, Mr Wolfe established the Atlanta Chamber Opera Co, The Fletcher Wolfe Chorale, and The Georgia Festival of the Arts in Italy. He received Italy’s highest honor, Commander of the Italian Republic, presented by President Pertini at the Quirinale Palace. He has also been made Knight of Malta at Rome’s famous Villa Giulia, with the Knights present and presided over by the Prime Minister Amintore Fanfani. In 2001, he was made a Russian Knight of Malta and invited to conduct the Glinka Choir and Orchestra at the reopening of Emperor Paul’s Gatchina Palace outside St Petersburg.

Mr Wolfe spent his latter career alongside his mentor and lifelong friend, Robert Shaw. He and Mr Shaw both received a Grammy Award for their performances and recording of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem.

Mr Wolfe has recently returned as director of the Atlanta Boy Choir after an extended sabbatical.

Robert Henry
Assistant Director and Accompanist

Lawrence Weaver
Assistant Director

Also having made a Carnegie Hall debut recital, Robert Henry is one of America’s most renowned young pianists. He is thewinner of numerous competitions including the Atlanta International Competition, Cleveland International Competition, and William Kapell International Competition—as well as competitions in Italy, Germany, and Canada. He appears frequently as soloist with major orchestras and is currently Artist-in-Residence at Kennesaw State University.

Mr Henry has earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland and has recently returned as accompanist for the Atlanta Boy Choir—to continue a collaboration begun many years ago with Mr Wolfe and the choir.

 

Dr. Lawrence Weaver is a graduate of Morehouse College and went to the University of Michigan for his graduate studies. While there, Dr. Weaver was tenor soloist at the prestigious First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor and appeared in many Ravinia Festival presentations.

On his return to Atlanta, he became leading tenor in Fletcher Wolfe's Atanta Opera Co. and appeared with him in Opera performances around the world. During this early period of integration there were few black leading men in opera and his performance of Tamino in Mozart's Magic Flute received international accliam.

After his career in singing, Dr. Weaver joined Mr. Wolfe as his assistant conductor of the world famous Atlanta Boy Choir.

Roberta Wolfe
Visual Arts Director

 

Enrique (Ricky) Victrum
Assistant Administrator

A graduate of Georgetown College as an art major, Mrs Wolfe attended Southern Baptist Seminary with a major in Theology and Religious Education. Further graduate studies in art took her to Cortona, Italy, where she was recognized by the University of Georgia for her outstanding bronze sculptures. Postgraduate studies in art were also pursued at Georgia State University and Oglethorpe University.

As a high school art teacher for over forty years, her career included teaching in Manhattan, Montclair NJ, Louisville KY, Athens GA, and the Fulton County School System. She was on the faculty of the High Museum of Art School and was costume and set designer for Atlanta’s opera and ballet companies.

Mrs Wolfe was awarded the prestigious Jeanne d’Arc Gold Medal by the city of Orléans for her promotion of the arts in France. She helped found The Georgia Festival of the Arts in Italy and received several honors for this accomplishment. She counts as one of her most important achievements as being one of the founding artists of Atlanta’s Piedmont Arts Festival. She has served the Atlanta Boy Choir for many years as its artistic designer and tour coordinator.

A native Atlantan, Mr Victrum began his musical career at the early age of five. His talent was discovered by Father Austin Ford, founder of Emmaus House.

Father Ford brought Ricky to audition for the Atlanta Boy Choir and, during the fourteen years of his experience in the organization, he sang throughout the world – including Europe and Third World countries.

Ricky has performed in major concerts with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and has also performed as featured soloist with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra under the direction of Albert Coleman.

Ricky is married to Tomika (Easter) Victrum, and they are deeply proud of their beautiful seventeen-year-old daughter, Tierra.

 

 

 

Neil Cardwell
Administrator

Ben L Weinburg III
Administrative Assistant

Neil Cardwell, an ordained minister, was a member of the Atlanta Boy Choir under Mr. Wolfe from 1970-75. First, as a boy singer and later as an alumni Choir member in which he continues today.

Neil attended Valdosta State University as a religious Studies Major before graduating from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity with majors in Biblical Language and Theology. While there, he also completed his major in Business Administration.

His many honors include Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, as well as Presidential Scholarship awards, SWBTS.

Neil brings to the choir a diverse background of organization and business acumen as well as administrative experience both as a pastor and in secular management positions.

He is married to lovely Teresa and they boast two fine children, Faith age 11 and Ben age 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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