World Choir Games Friendship Concert
Thursday, July 12
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Free!
Parking: $4 all day

"Share Song. Create Magic." That’s the theme of the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, and that’s exactly what will be happening at Cincinnati Museum Center on July 12. Museum Center is proud to host one of nearly 60 free Friendship Concerts happening in celebration of the 2012 World Choir Games, presented by Procter & Gamble.

The World Choir Games is one of the world's largest international choral competitions and showcases the talents of choirs from around the world in 23 musical categories. 2012 marks the first time these prestigious Games have been held in the United States, and Cincinnati USA is honored to be the first U.S. host city. The choirs participating in Friendship Concerts, including the one at Museum Center, get the unique opportunity to interact with each outside of the competitions, creating magical moments in song and unity.

Four choirs from three countries will perform at Museum Center on July 12. Here's more information about each one:

Langlang Children's Chorus

From: Nanjing Jiangsu, China
Founded: 1984
Conductor: Desen Han

With a long history and the idea that improving students' accomplishments in the arts enriches their cultural lives on campus, Langlang Children’s Chorus has become a bright light in its school. The chorus has more than 60 members who have been selected through a strict assessment. Through practices and high-level performances, members learn the importance of getting along with others and a develop strong sense of responsibility, which prepares them for other aspects of their social lives.

With the help of school leaders and its members, Langlang Children’s Chorus has taken part in activities on campus and off. These excellent young singers have won first and second prizes many times in competitions of all levels and types. For the past several decades, the chorus has actively promoted art education and children’s music. Their efforts have not only increased children’s interest in music, but also advanced their character.

Student Choir of Universidad de la Sabana

From: Chía, Colombia
Founded: 1986
Conductor: Magda Lorena Beltrán

Founded 29 years ago, Student Choir of Universidad de la Sabana is the oldest representative group of the Universidad de la Sabana. It is a polyphonic choir composed of 32 amateur singers from different programs of study. Student choir of Universidad de la Sabana has a diverse repertoire with international music, sacred and liturgal music, spirituals, folk music and folklore.

The group had been represented the University at festivals and competitions in other Universities in its country such as Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad del Rosario, Universidad Santo Tomas de Aquino, Universidad La Gran Colombia and University foundation Los Libertadores. Student Choir of Universidad de La Sabana has also represented its country abroad, including in Cuba in 1995.

Voice of America Chorus

  
              
   
From: West Chester, OH
Founded: 2010
Conductor: Traci Martin

The Voice of America Chorus (VOA) is a membership organization of female singers whose goal is to achieve high musical standards as they continually strive to grow their singing skills. The vision of the chorus is to focus on the joy of making beautiful music with good friends. VOA also feels it is important to never lose sight of having fun! This outlook is perpetuated by the camaraderie experienced when you're placed on the risers. As a team, chorus members let their musical leadership guide them. Together they learn about the art of a cappella singing.

Director Traci Martin provides vocal instruction as a part of their regular Monday night chorus rehearsals. During the year, Traci also invites coaches who can help the chorus master the art of ringing those close, four-part harmony chords. The chorus also prides itself on its diverse membership. The VOA has singers of all ages and from all walks of life, ranging from high school students to seasoned veterans.

Cincinnati Children's Choir

From: Cincinnati, OH
Founded: 1993
Conductors: Robyn Reeves Lana and Sandra Thornton

The award-winning Cincinnati Children’s Choir is an educationally based choral program reaching the highest level of artistry. The learning environment is creative and explorative, enabling the children to enjoy lasting relationships with children outside of their community, experience self-growth through musical insight and self-expression and develop a lifelong involvement with music while enhancing all aspects of their lives.

Now in its 19th year, CCC has blossomed into a special gem in the Queen City’s artistic crown. CCC members have toured Scandinavia, England, Ireland, Wales, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Canada and the United States.