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Dexter Enjoys the Topiary Outside U.S. Bank Arena

      362 choirs from 64 countries and cultures descended on Cincinnati this week for the 2012 World Choir Games.  In true olympic style, the games opened on July 4th with ceremonies
at U.S. Bank Arena.  Despite warm temperatures, audio glitches, and long speeches, the games were declared open by Sen. Rob Portman.  

Presentation of Flags
at the Opening Ceremonies

Entertainment for the choirs and audience was presented by the Cincinnati Pops, May Festival Chorus, and gospel singer Kirk Franklin who wrote the official song for the games.  Highlight performances were The Comet Bluegrass All-Stars, duets from Jacqueline Echols and Luther Lewis, Steven Cole, and of course The Pops and Chorus. The finale was explosive with the show continuing outside with a surprise (although delayed) fireworks display on the river!

Nizhny Novgorod State University Choir from Russia 

      Celebration Concerts will be held throughout the area during the run of the games through July 14th.  One such performance was at the Cathedral Basilica in Covington featuring three of the World Choir Games entrants from Latvia, Switzerland, and Russia.  The precision, discipline, and tonal qualities can certainly be observed as setting these choirs apart from all others around the globe.  The Bishop's Choir from the Basilica also performed and my only wish was that they had performed first (they were last), setting the stage for what was to come.  The backdrop and performances were…well, world class.

      Free concerts will be held everyday during the games at venues throughout the city.  Tickets are available for some events with daily $15 tickets offered for access to any of the competitions.  Take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe and hear the finest.  Don't' miss it!

http://2012worldchoirgames.com