By Bruce Barton

COURTESY OF THE CRYSTAL CHILDREN’S CHOIR The Crystal Children’s Choir, comprising more than 750 members, performs at a recent concert.

The sight of 750 children raising their voices in song may be quite awe-inspiring, but the beautiful sound emanating from such an ensemble is another experience altogether.

For 10 years, members of the Crystal Children’s Choir have sung Eastern and Western music all over the world, with tour stops including Canada, China, Taiwan, Austria and Hungary. The choir has played Carnegie Hall in New York and last month performed at the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

During its decadelong existence, the choir has received numerous awards and invitations to big festivals and conventions. Awards include the grand championship and best choral blending at the ninth International Youth Choral Festival in Portland, Ore. The choir is invited repeatedly to perform at the California Music Educators Association state conventions.

The group celebrated 10 years of performances at a special concert July 11 at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco and showcased their eclectic mix of material in a new compact disc titled “Crystal Children’s Choir - 10 Years of Singing, Learning and Enjoying.”

Material ranges from Chinese folk songs such as “The Riddle Song” and “Jasmine” to Western standards such as “Amazing Grace” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” But no matter what the material, the listener is bathed in a sound that could easily be described as heavenly.

Karl Chang, the group’s conductor and executive director, said Crystal Children’s Choir originated as a direct result of music education programs being cut in local school districts.

Chang is no stranger to choirs - he started a Chinese student choir at Stanford University more than 20 years ago.

Chang and artist director Jenny Chiang began the choir in March 1994 in Cupertino. Venture capitalist Cecilia Lee provided funding to bring four musicians from Taiwan - Chang, Chiang, Rita Lu and Diane Kwan to establish the choir.

Membership has grown dramatically, and rehearsal locations have grown to include Fremont, San Jose and Foster City. Chang said at least 20 youngsters are from the Los Altos-Los Altos Hills area.

“Music is the international language,” Chang said. “They learn about different languages and cultures through music.”

Choir members, ages 6-17, also learn about discipline and teamwork. Rehearsals are held once a week among 18 subgroups comprising the choir. Crystal Children’s Choir, selected among the three best choirs statewide at the American Choral Directors convention in 2003, is the biggest choir of its kind in California, Chang said.

“Attendance is a high priority, and discipline is highly appreciated by the families,” said Chiang, who was a popular singer in Taiwan before working with the choir.

Los Altos Hills Councilwoman Emily Cheng is among the choir’s big fans. “(The choir) not only promotes culture, but friendship,” she said. “The children gain so much - (the experience) will be with them for the rest of their lives.”

The choir next performs 7:30 p.m., Friday, at Ohlone College in Fremont, followed by a 2 p.m. Saturday concert at Mayer Theater in Santa Clara. The group returns to Ohlone for two Sunday concerts, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the Crystal Children’s Choir, call Emily Mazzarino at (408) 749-8886.