For the first time, the World Choir Games came to compete in U.S.A. Cincinnati, internationally known for its music and song, was the chosen venue. Choirs from all over the world gathered to celebrate a great festival of music in Cincinnati.
“A world that sings is a world at peace” and participants represented international understanding and peace among nations through international interaction and cultural awareness.
From July 4th to 14th the media coverage of this event showed the interest and appreciation of the Cincinnati people for these talented visitors who competed through song. Although we knew our residents would enjoy an evening singing contest, tickets were costly and so they could only follow the sketchy scenes which the T V offered. However as luck would have it, Carol Schaljo, one of our residents went to the games as a volunteer and made friends with a lady from Indonesia who happened to be in charge of the Indonesian choir. Carol explained how our residents would be so happy to hear the choir and to our great joy we were able to welcome “Voice of Glorify” comprising 65 singers, male and female between the ages of 15 and 55.
What an unforgettable treat for us all! Accompanied by a pianist they began with three songs of praise in their own language, and the beauty of the melodies was matched by their expression of worship and prayer. A Lively Gospel song followed and the climax of the afternoon was their rendering of a piece from Handel’s Messiah. We then requested their National Anthem which they proudly sang and that concluded the singing. But then it was time for refreshments. Cakes, cookies, popcorn was passed around and our guests came to greet everyone in the auditorium in their own language for the most part. They wanted to bring something of the home and community with them and cameras flashed for the next ten minutes. They left us with souvenirs of a gracious and friendly people who said they wanted to come back again.
Next day when recounting their experience to the choir mistress, they told her how much they enjoyed their visit to our home. “Yesterday we sang for the family of God” they said.
World Choir Games