Choirs Galore

(Photo taken in Austria)

If you do not live in the Cincinnati area you may or may not have heard of the World Choir Games going on these past two weeks. Choirs from around the country have gathered here to compete in choral competitions held throughout the city. Last week several choirs gathered at the Cincinnati Art Museum for a free "Friendship" concert. A choir from Japan, Germany, and Cincinnati sang in harmony in the Great Hall. The huge crowd was quite unexpected considering it was one of the first Friendship concerts to be held.

I happen to be working that day as a multitude of people entered the museum to hear the choirs sing. The parking lot filled up quickly just an hour before the concert began. Even the mayor came in to hear the choirs and see the crowd. I have also been experiencing the impact the games have made in other ways.

While working downtown I have seen various groups of young people walking around. It is fun to see downtown busy and exciting. Some people have even heard impromptu concerts on Fountain Square and in restaurants and buses. I did not get the chance to attend one of these concerts but I am sure it would be a great experience.

The mayor made it to the museum again yesterday to our staff meeting to thank us for hosting the choirs. It was a good feeling being a part of something so big in the city of Cincinnati. He said many people from these other countries told him Cincinnati has been the most hospitible of cities they have been to when traveling for the World Choir Games. Even though I am not a resident of Cincinnati, I can say I am proud to be a part of it.