| Just the Facts |
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The seventh World Choir Games will take place July 4-14, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the first time the event, known as the Olympics of choral music, will be held in the United States. It has previously taken place in Austria, Germany, China and Korea.
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| By the Numbers |
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20,000 participants
70+ countries
400+ choirs
22 musical categories
$73.5 million economic impact for Cincinnati USA
The World Choir Games is the largest choral competition in the world. It will be the biggest convention and largest global event in Cincinnati USA history. |
| You Asked |
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How does a choir sign up
for the 2012 World Choir Games?
Interkultur, the Germany-based organization that produces the World Choir Games, says application forms for the 2012 event should be available by the end of this year. You will be able to find the forms at www.interkultur.com and www.2012worldchoirgames.com. Both Interkultur and the 2012 team in Cincinnati USA will
spread the word immediately via Facebook and Twitter and will include important information in upcoming e-newsletters.
To ask a question for a future issue of PRELUDE, email us at info@2012worldchoirgames.com
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| Fun Fact |
| Elfa's Singers from Indonesia has won the most "Champion of the World Choir Games" titles (7). Second is the Guangdong Experimental Middle School Choir from China with 4 Champions titles. |
| Key Dates |
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Choirs can qualify for the
Champions Competition for the World Choir Games at the following Interkultur events - or just be part of the festival experience.
2010
Oct. 20-24
International Robert Schumann Choir Competition
Zwickau, Germany
Nov. 17-21
American International Choral Festival
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Nov. 24-28
International Franz Schubert Choir Competition
Vienna, Austria
2011
March 16-20
Vietnam International Choir Festival & Competition
Hoi An Vietnam
April 17-21
International Choir Competition & Festival
Budapest, Hungary
April 27-May 1
International Choir Competition & Festival
Venezia, Italy
May 4-8
American International Choral Festival
Reno, Nevada, USA
2012
July 4-14
World Choir Games
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Our Sponsors |
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If you or your company is interested in being a sponsor
for the 2012 World Choir Games, please contact our
sponsorship team. | |
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Shaoxing, China created great memories
In July 2010, approximately 40 Cincinnati USA team members attended the sixth World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China, to gain a better understanding of the event and promote Cincinnati USA - home of the 2012 World Choir Games.
The team distributed pins, magnets, brochures, social media cards and got to know as many choirs from all over the world as possible. Team members attended events, competitions, press conferences and met so many helpful and interesting people along the way.
Here are some lasting memories from the group:
"Everywhere we went you could feel the energy of the Games. There was an incredible variety of people from all over the world, and they had an intense passion about the competition. It really gave me a good perspective on the international reach of the World Choir Games."
- Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory
"We had seen videos and photos from past World Choir Games, but to actually witness it live was something truly special. It really is a tremendous event with unique camaraderie among people from all over the world."
- Dan Lincoln, President & CEO, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau; director, World Choir Games 2012, Inc.
"The hospitality set a standard for how the citizens of Cincinnati USA will respond in terms of greeting visitors and making them feel welcome in our country. The Shaoxing people, especially the volunteers and hotel staff, were wonderful hosts."
- Linda Antus, President & CEO, Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network
"You couldn't help but get chills when choirs were named "Champions of the World Choir Games." Members rushed the stage with excitement and sang their national anthems with pride as tears streamed down their faces. Those were powerful moments."
- Nick Vehr, Managing Director, World Choir Games 2012, Inc.
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42.6 million Americans participate in choirs
 The choir phenomenon in the United States is not limited to the hit American TV show "Glee."
Chorus America commissioned a study in 2009
which showed that 42.6 million Americans regularly sing in more than 270,000 choirs. That's up from 28.5 million in 2003.
Other interesting statistics:
- More than 1 in 5 households have at least one family member who participates in singing.
- 90% of educators believe singing in a choir can keep students engaged in school who might otherwise be lost.
- 71% of parents of children who are choir members say their children have become more self-confident.
Interested in learning more? Check out the full report. | |
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| Let the planning begin
Planning for the 2012 World Choir Games is already taking place on a daily basis. In the coming months, Cincinnati USA residents will hear about the local handoff of the World Choir Games flag from Interkultur President Gunter Titsch, contests to design and name an official World Choir Games mascot, the production of a Cincinnati USA Peace Bell, a permanent memorial to the Games, and much more.
We have received many inquiries about volunteering. This will be a very important part of the World Choir Games in terms of running the event and creating great experiences for our visitors. If you're interested in volunteer opportunities, please email info@2012worldchoirgames.com. Right now we're collecting names and contact information. In 2011, you will be contacted with more information. |
Some of the best ways to stay on top of the news is to sign up for this e-newsletter
and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Singin' with a smile
 We liked this photo from the 2010 World Choir Games because of the colors and facial expressions.
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The big moment
 Voices of Unity from Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, hears the announcement that it is "Champion of the World Choir Games" in the Gospel & Spiritual category during the Awards ceremony in Shaoxing, China.
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Getting to know each other
We are all connected by our love of music and have the unique opportunity to learn from one another's cultures, interests and way of life. Each month PRELUDE will highlight a music enthusiast from around the world.
Meet Siska Maria Aritonang
Age: 20
Home: Medan, Indonesia
Choir: Paduan Suara El-Shaddai Sumatera Utara
Favorite Music: Pop
Favorite School Subject: Math
Tell us a little more about your hometown.
"I live in the northern Sumatran province. In my hometown, choirs grow like mushrooms. Medan is populated with many people who have the drive and talent to sing."
What is the biggest misconception others have of your country?
"I just want people around the world to know that my country is very beautiful. It is both religiously and culturally diverse, and the people of Indonesia not only appreciate but embrace these differences."
What was your favorite part of participating in the 2010 World Choir Games?
"The Awards Ceremony ... hehe. (Siska's choir won gold diplomas in the Open Competiton in Mixed Choirs and Musica Sacra and had the highest scoring total from the judges in Musica Sacra). Honestly, though, it was meeting, and getting to know fellow participants from all over the world. It was such an amazing experience!"
Interested in being highlighted next month? Contact Kelsey Clark at kclark@2012worldchoirgames.com.
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