Available for competitions, Opening Ceremony and more

Among the most frequently asked questions about the 2012 World Choir Games has been: "When will tickets go on sale?"

The answer: March 1, 2012. Tickets will then be available to:

• Opening Ceremony (July 4) and Closing Ceremony (July 14), U.S. Bank Arena: Both events will feature the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and May Festival Chorus. Details of each will be announced at a later date.
   
   
• Competitions (July 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13): There are Open and Champions Competitions in 23 musical categories. Choirs will compete in Aronoff Center for the Arts, Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati Masonic Center, Music Hall and the School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Duke Energy Convention Center may also play host to competitions.
   
• Celebration Concerts (July 5, 6, 8, 11, 12): Specially themed choral music concerts featuring some of the best choirs in the world. 
   
• Awards Ceremonies (July 7, 8, 13, 14), U.S. Bank Arena: This is where choirs learn the results of their competitions and the Champion of the World Choir Games in each musical category is announced. Open Competition choirs receive gold, silver and bronze diplomas. Champions Competition choirs receiver gold, silver and bronze medals with one choir in each category - with the highest score from the judges - being named Champion.
   
• Champions Concerts (July 8, 14): Recently named Champions of the World Choir Games come together for a performance.

Please note: All dates and venues are tentative.
 

"With choirs still registering, it has not been possible to know exactly when, where and for how long some of the competitions will take place," said Jim Downs, senior director of operations for the Cincinnati Organizing Committee. "We did not want to put tickets on sale until we could put them all on sale."
 

Ticket information and other news will be updated through www.2012worldchoirgames.com, Prelude, 2012 World Choir Games Facebook page, Twitter, traditional and nontraditional media.

Order your Games trading pins, tee-shirts, hats 

The 2012 World Choir Games offers many unique gifts for family and friends this holiday season. With so many interesting items, you may even want to snag a few for yourself.  Check out the below items that are for sale.

• Tee-shirts       
• Embroidered shirts           
• Headwear 
• Pins 
• Water bottles         

You can order online. In-stock items will ship within 48 hours.  

Use the special Coupon Code, Whirl2012,on orders of $50 or more and get free shipping. (Coupon applies to ground shipping within the continental United States only. Offer expires Dec. 16, 2011).  

We are all connected by our love of music and have the unique opportunity to learn from one another's cultures, interests and ways of life. Each month PRELUDE will highlight a music enthusiast from around the world.
 

Meet Kanniks
(Cincinnati, USA) 

Tell us a little more about yourself, Kanniks.

I was born and raised in Madras (now known as Chennai), India, however, I have called Cincinnati USA my home for the past 27 years. I was one of 25 singers in the choir, SingCinnati, that participated in the 2010 World Choir Games in China. I'm a musician and composer and founded Indian American choirs in over six cities in the United States. More info can be found at www.shantichoir.org  and www.kanniks.com 

How did you become involved in music?
My involvement in Indian classical music goes back to my childhood in the 1970s. I have been composing and recording music for the last 20 years.

I grew up listening to Madras Youth Choir on All India Radio and watching them on Doordarshan National Television. I'm very excited to say they'll be participating in the 2012 Games.  

Did you have anything to do with bringing the Madras Youth Choir to the 2012 Games?
I described in detail the 2012 Games to MYC during multiple trips to India (December 2010 & June 2011) and invited them to participate. I'm so thrilled they are coming!

How else are you involved in the 2012 Games?
I will be conducting the Greater Cincinnati Indian Community Choir that will be participating in the Games. 

What do you most love about India?
The Indian spirit of inclusiveness, universal embrace and a culture of peace; the timeless nature of ancient Indian culture, the food, the music and of course family! Freedom of thought!

What does the World Choir Games mean to you?
It's an experience that you don't want to miss! The Games is a mega-global event and a great opportunity to learn about other cultures. During the 2010 Games in Shaoxing, China, in an Indian restaurant, SingCinnati casually jammed out to 1960's Bollywood songs with a Turkish choir. It was an unforgettable experience.

What are you most looking forward to about the 2012 Games?
Cincinnati will never be the same again after the Games. It is going to be a feast for the eyes and the ears. It is going to irreversibly open us up to the world. I just cannot wait for July 2012.