festival booklet

1Geneva, Switzerland

2 The Rhythms of One World 2014 International Choral Festival

Table of ConTenTsWelcome Message from Ambassador Alexandre Fasel, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN Geneva 3Welcome Message from Ambassador Marinela Ciobanu, Permanent Mission of Romania to the UN Romania 4Welcome Message from Patrick Sciarratta, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation Executive Director 5Welcome Message from Gary Fry, The Rhythms of One World 2014 Artistic Director 5Welcome Message from Yin-Chu Jou, FAF Artistic Director and Rhythms of One World Founder & Manager 5

Festival Concerts & Workshop Schedule 6

Friday, July 4: Friendship Concert in Haute Savoie, France 7Saturday, July 5: Canadian Ambassador Choir (Canada): “Canadian Expedition” 8Saturday, July 5: Kearsney College Choir (South Africa): “Born from the Same Drum” 9Sunday, July 6: The Rhythms of One World 2014 International Choral Festival at Victoria Hall 11Monday, July 7: The Singing Angels (USA): “From Barbershop to Broadway: The Songs of America” 13Monday, July 7: Echology: The University of Newcastle (Australia): “Waltzing Colours” 14Monday, July 7: Signal Hill Alumni Choir (Trinidad & Tobago): “A Taste of the Caribbean Vibe” 15Tuesday, July 8:The Rhythms of One World 2014 Closing Concert at Palais des Nations 16

Festival Artistic Management 18Special Thanks & Acknowledgments 19

sPonsoRs:Permanent Mission of Romania to the United Nations in GenevaPermanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in GenevaPermanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to the United Nations in GenevaPermanent Mission of the United States of America to the United Nations in GenevaPermanent Mission of South Africa to the United Nations in GenevaConfederation Swiss/ Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFAThe Republic and State of GenevaVille de GenèveThe Romania-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

With the endoRsement of:Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in Geneva

in cooPeRation With:Kofi Annan FoundationITU International Telecommunication Union United Nations Choir and United Nations Music Club in GenevaGeneva International Summer Festival & Music AcademyGeneva Amateur Operatic Society

Chorale du Châble, Haute Savoie, France

Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations in Geneva


Table of ConTenTs Message froM The hosT CiTy, geneva


Message froM The lead Mission, roMania

P E R M A N E N T M I S S I O N O F R O M A N I A to the United Nations Office in Geneva and the International Organization in Switzerland

AMBASSADOR Rue de Vermont 37-39 1202 - Genève Phone: 0041-22-752 1090 Fax: 0041-22-752 2976 E-mail: [email protected] http://mpgeneva.mae.ro www.mae.ro

Geneva, 29 May 2014 The Permanent Mission of Romania has enthusiastically welcomed the initiative of the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation to organize jointly a Gala Concert at the Palais des Nations, as part of the program of the Third International Choral Festival: "The Rhythms of One World 2014". We are very happy that other diplomatic missions in Geneva responded to our invitation to make the celebration of the United Nations Charter into something very special. And what else to get us closer to the meaning and values of the UN Charter than with the harmony of music? Music has already transcended all languages and united all peoples. On 3 July, choir singers from 6 countries are in Geneva to illustrate once more this power of music. They will perform and sing for us in one voice, celebrating friendship, tolerance, mutual respect and human dignity. International Geneva, core-city of multilateral diplomacy, is not only the platform for promoting the comprehensive set of the UN values but also the generous host of prestigious events that testifies the richness of world diversity, including through cultural vibrations. We are very glad that Romania will be represented in this musical journey by Allegretto, a prestigious choir of children that have performed in their 40 years of existence on every continent of the world. They will be our real ambassadors on the evening of the July 8, expressing their joy and happiness to join those singing for peace, rights and well being. Our children will bring to Geneva an excellent repertoire which gives us both a taste of Romanian music and international songs which we all often hum. I reiterate my highest consideration for the enthusiasm and all efforts deployed by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation as well as all our partners, UNOG in particular, to make the event possible. Join us for an exceptional performance! Ambassador Maria Ciobanu


Mr. Patrick SciarrattaFAF Executive Director

Welcome to the Rhythms of one WoRld. Perhaps the embodiment of all that is vital and important about Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, TROW, as we have

come to call The Rhythms of One World festival, exemplif ies our main mission and goals, together with our most promising young staff leadership. For decades, FAF has promoted the idea that cultural exchange makes us more understanding people and advances the cause for better global cooperation through the ‘soft power ’ that the arts can engender among all of the peoples of the world.

Our deep dedication to the principles and vision of the United Nations came together around this effort when it became clear to us that no one was celebrating the signing of the UN Charter in June 1945.

FAF’s Artistic Director, Ms. Yin-Chu Jou, thought “What a great celebration to bring together some of the world’s best choirs!” Ms. Jou was named Woman of Achievement in 2013 by WCBS/NY and has dedicated her l i fe to seeking more ‘harmonious relations’ among the peoples of the world. As a concert pianist and noted visual artist herself, she and her talented staff put together this event that underscore our goals, to celebrate the United WNations, and support the work of the Kofi Annan Founda-tion, all rolled into one. We applaud this creative thinking and excellent effort on her part, the young staff at FAF, and the many ensembles that have come together to join us in this magnificent, celebratory festival.

So please, enjoy the music, revel in the concept, and applaud those who bring it to you through all their hard work and tireless efforts on behalf of peace through music and cultural exchange. Welcome to our harmonious world!

Mr. Gary Fry The Festival Artistic Director

GReetinGs to all ouR PaRticiPatinG choiRs and to ouR audiences!I ’ve often thought the world would be a more peaceful place if we all could enjoy a glorious, worldwide ‘ jam session,’ in which

our differences melt away, leaving only the commonality of joyful musical expression.

It ’s in that spirit that we bring together choral musicians from around the globe, sharing music of their native cultures with each other, as well as joining together to form a ‘world choir.’ We hope that performers and audiences alike wil l feel the impact of these unique events.

Though competit ion may have its place, there is none here- just singers and music to make the world, if but for a moment, a more peaceful, joyful, and beautiful place.

Let’s Jam!

Ms. Yin-Chu Jou FAF Artistic Director, Festival Co-Founder & Manager

my WaRmest Welcome and thank you foR joininG us heRe this eveninG!There is a story behind our arrival here in the beautiful city of Geneva. After two unforgettable premiere seasons at UN

Headquarters in New York City, making the move to the Peace Capital was a no-brainer for us. As producers, we could not imagine a better location to host the third edition of our global event than in the European home of the United Nations.

This year, we are delighted to be joined once again by four of the seven high-caliber international choirs that init iated the festival back in 2012. We are also excited to feature three new, exceptional choirs here – each celebrating unity through the diverse yet common language of music.

It has been unique and rewarding to experience the enthusiastic generosity of our Sponsors, Endorsers, and Partners from both International and Local Geneva. It is a further honor for us to offer our Victoria Hall concert in support of the Kofi Annan Foundation’s work in promoting sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights. Mr. Annan’s second book, with the very same name as the UN Charter, was published just a month ago - such a meaningful coincidence!

The Charter celebration, the former Secretary General’s latest book, the music, the City, and the friendly People – all of these elements made this special week possible and amazing. We couldn’t be happier to have made this leap from Manhattan to Geneva in 2014!

The Rhythms of One World Choral Festival commemorates the signing of the UN Charter - “We the Peoples” in June 1945. It transcends ideologies and polit ical differences, to unite us all through music. And in what better place than the symbolic home of the largest residence in modern history- the family of 193 nations.

We hope the name “The Rhythms of One World” serves as an inspiring reminder of the UN Charter ’s meaning and spirit. We hope our concerts serve as a testimony to the multi lateral diplomacy embodied in Geneva. We invite you to celebrate cultures united in peace by singing along with us tonight, in the spirit of friendship and peace. Enjoy!

WelCoMe


Date & time event Choir venueFri, July 4 Friendship Concert in Echology: University of Newcastle Espace Omnisports 20h00- 22h30 Haute Savoie, France Signal Hill Alumni Choir du Saleve, The Singing Angels Route de Bossey, Chorale du Châble Collonges-sous-Saleve Concert hosted by the Chorale du Châble, With the support of the Mayors of Beaumont/Le Châble and Collonge-sous-Saleve

Sat, July 5 Concert: “Canadian Expedition” Canadian Ambassador Choir (Canada) Conservatoire de 16h30- 17h30 Musique de Genève, Place Neuve Concert endorsed by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in Geneva

Sat, July 5 Concert: “Born from the Same Drum” Kearsney College Choir (South Africa) Conservatoire de18h00- 19h30 Musique de Genève, Place Neuve Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN in Geneva

Sat, July 5 Concert: “Waltzing Colours” Echology: The University of Newcastle Emmanuel Church18h30-18h30 Concert hosted by the UN Choir and Music Club

Sun, July 6 Festival Choral Celebration All Participating Choirs Victoria Hall18h00- 20h00 with special participation of the United Nations Choir, Geneva Concert with the support of the City of Geneva AbenefitfortheKofiAnnanFoundation

Mon, July 7 Workshop: “Australian Landscapes” Echology: University of Newcastle Conservatoire de9h00- 9h50 (Australia) Musique de Genève, Place Neuve

Mon, July 7 Workshop: “Calypso/Soca Workshop” Signal Hill Alumni Choir Conservatoire de10h00- 10h50 (Trinidad & Tobago) Musique de Genève, Place Neuve

Mon, July 7 Concert: “From Barbershop The Singing Angels (USA) Conservatoire de 18h00- 19h00 to Broadway: The Sounds of America” Musique de Genève, Place Neuve Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the USA to the UN in Geneva

Mon, July 7 Concert: “Waltzing Colours” Echology: University of Newcastle Salle Robert Dunand,18h30- 19h30 (Australia) 7 rue du Marché, Carouge ConcerthostedbytheGenevaInternationalSummerFestival&Academy

Mon, July 7 Concert: “A Taste of Signal Hill Alumni Choir Conservatoire de19h30- 20h30 the Caribbean Vibe” (Trinidad & Tobago) Musique de Genève, Place Neuve Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the RepublicofTrinidad&TobagototheUNinGeneva

Tues, July 8 Festival Closing Concert All 2014 Participating Choirs, General Assembly Hall, With special participation of the United Nations Geneva Allegretto Children Chorus (Romania) United Nations Choir (Geneva) Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Romania to the UN in Geneva And the Romanian-Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry

sChedule


ConCerTsEspace Omnisports du Saleve, Collonge-sous-Saleve Friday, July 4, 2014 at 20h00

Friendship Concert at Haute Savoie, FranceHosted by the Chorale du Châble, Haute Savoie, France

With support by the Mayors of Beaumont, Le Châble and Collonge-sous-Saleve

“WaltzinG colouRs”Echology: The University of Newcastle – AustraliaDr. Philip Mathias, Director IAIN GRANDAGE Birds (from 3 Australian bush songs) ADRIAN PEACOCK Venite, Gaudete MAURICE RAVEL Trois Chansons Nicolette Trois beaux oiseaux du Paradis Ronde DAVID DRURY Ave verum RUTH McCALL Click go the shears Traditional Waltzing Matilda Arr. Ruth McCall

“a taste of the caRibbean vibe”Signal Hill Alumni Choir – Trinidad & TobagoJohn Arnold, Director Traditional Swing Low Sweet Chariot BOB MARLEY Bob Marley Medley FRANK SINATRA Fly Me To the Moon WINSTON BAILEY Stranger PHARRELL Get Lucky IAN ALVAREZ Diffrentology KERWIN DUBOIS Possessed

“fRom baRbeRshoP to bRoadWay: the sonGs of ameRica”The Singing Angels – USACharles Eversole, Director Traditional Swingin’ With the Saints (1981) Arr. Mark Hayes BOB HAGGART & RAY BAUDUC South Rampart Street Parade (1935) IRVING BERLIN God Bless America (1918) IRVING BERLIN I Love a Piano (1915) ERVIN DRAKE, IRVIN GRAHAM Ave Maria/I Believe (1952) & CHARLES GOUNOD JOHN PHILIP SOUSA Stars and Stripes Forever (1896) Arr. Charles Eversole

choRale du châble – haute savoie, fRanceEliane Gruaz, Director JAY ALTHOUSE Cantar (Sing!) PIERRE ATTAIGNANT Tourdion MICHEL FUGAIN & PIERRE DELANOE Je n’aurai pas le temps

massed choiR PeRfoRmance:Echology: The University of Newcastle, Signal Hill Alumni Choir, The Singing Angels, Chorale du ChâbleGARY FRY, FestivalArtisticDirector GARY FRY Rhythms of One World

About the Host Choir, Chorale du Châble in Haute Savoie, France:

The choRale du châble is composed of some 90 amateur singers. Its repertory is deliberately diverse with a view of meeting the needs and preferences of the different audiences attending its concerts in various locations. The principal objective of the group is to contribute to the development of the musical life of the communities of the region. However, the reputation of the chorale rapidly spread well beyond its original village setting. The ch oir was invited to perform in many other parts of the Rhone-Alpes region and after appearing in various localities in France, concerts were organised in other countries: Israel, Italy, England, Canada (Quebec), Germany, Poland without forgetting neighbouring Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, where the chorale will perform in July 2014.


ConCerTsConservatoire de Musique de Genève Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 16h30

Canadian Ambassador Choir from Canada“Canadian Expedition”

“(A North-West Passage)”Brian Turnbull, Director

Concert endorsed by the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in Geneva

GORDON LIGHTFOOT Canadian Railroad TrilogyOSCAR PETERSON Hymn to FreedomArr. Paul ReadALLISTER MACGILLIVRAY Away From the Roll of the SeaALLISTER MACGILLIVRAY Song for the Mira Arr. Stuart Calvert

GORDON LIGHTFOOT Early Mornin’ RainArr. Bob BurroughsGORDON LIGHTFOOT Song for a Winter’s NightArr. Robin SalkeldLEON DUBINSKY We Rise AgainArr. Lydia Adams

JAN GARRETT I Dreamed of RainArr. Larry Nickel Traditional Ave Maris StellaArr. Diane LoomerArr. Larry Nickel A La Claire Fontaine (Written for the C.A.C. World premiere in Geneva)

LEONARD COHEN HallelujahArr. Roger Emerson

About the artists Following the Rhythms of One World concerts in New York, 2012, an invitation went out to the participating choir in that event from Whitby, Ontario, for the 2014 Festival in Geneva. Recognizing a larger event, that group reached out to other choirs. The newly formed group: ”The Canadian Ambassador Choir”. The Canadian Ambassador Choir is made up of members from four community choirs from around the Toronto area: The Country Town Singers of Whitby, The Queensmen of Toronto Male Chorus, Tempus Choral Society of Oakville, and the Christ Church Chancel Choir of Missis-sauga. Led by artistic director and music educator Brian Turnbull, and accompanist and music educator J ane Wamsley, the Ambassador Choir is also thrilled to announce the contribution of Dr. Larry Nickel of Vancouver, one of Canada’s best-known and prolific composers of choral music. Dr. Nickel has arranged the piece “Claire La Fontaine” specifically for the Ambassador Choir, which is premiered this July at the Rhythms of One World Festival in Geneva.

After receiving his ARCT in piano during high school, director bRian tuRnbull went on to study music at the Uni-versity of Toronto where he received his Bachelor of Music (Honours in Education with a major in Organ). The following year he received his Bachelor of Education at the Faculty of Education at the same university. Choral studies were with Dr. Elmer Iseler and Lloyd Bradshaw. In Cambridge England, Brian studied choral techniques with Stephen Cleobury of Kings’ College, George Guest of St. John’s College and John Rutter of Clare College. During the same summer course organ studies were taken with John Scott at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. On the occasion of the Proclamation of the Constitution Act (1982), as representative of the young achiever in Halton Riding, Brian had the honour of dining with Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Brian is currently Director of Music at Centenary United Church in Hamilton, where he enjoys playing the magnificent five manu-al Casavant organ. He also accompanies the Interlink Senior Choir directed by Joan Garside. Brian continues to enjoy Tuesday evenings directing the amazing 100 voice Tempus Choral Society.


ConCerTsConservatoire de Musique de Genève Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 18h00

Kearsney College Choir from South Africa: “Born from the Same Drum”

Bernard Krüger, Director

Concert co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN in Geneva

PaRt i: younG male choiR (chamPions comPetition: WoRld choiR Games, 2014)PAUL RARDIN Sound OffFRANCIS POULENC III & IV from Quatre Petites Prières de St François d’AssiseBERNARD KRÜGER A new tomorrowPAUL RARDIN Hol’ you han’

PaRt ii: afRican PRaise! ReliGious music fRom south afRicaJEAN SIBELIUS Song of PeaceArr. Gary FryTraditional seSotho Ahona ya tswanang le Jesu / KammatlaCHARLES H. PURDAY Sedi LakaCHRIS LAMPRECHT AandgesangMKHULULI BHEBHE Ichokwadi

Intermission

PaRt iii: boRn fRom the same dRumTraditional Siya emghodini (Going underground) Traditional Stimela (The train)Traditional Umsebenzi onzima wobusuku (A hard day’s night)Traditional Ikuphi idompass yakho? (Where is your dompas?)Traditional Simunye (We are one)

PaRt iv: shaken and stiRRed!DAN SMITH Storming the BastilleBastilleROBIN THICKE, T.I, Blurred LinesPHARRELL WILLIAMSJOSEPH SHABALALA Hello My BabyLadysmith Black MambazoBRUNO MARS Runaway Baby

notes on the PRoGRam A unique choral experience by an innovative and energetic troupe of young men (aged 14 – 18) who really believe that music can change the world. The multi-award winning Kearsney College Choir inspires and energizes audiences with a new approach to the genre that will appeal to all music lovers. Sound off constitutes a battle between a conservative impresario and his suppressed music company, who can’t wait to unleash their boisterous spirits in the quest to have some fun. III & IV from Quatre Petites Prières de St François d’Assise are the The final 2 prayers in the collection composed by Francis Poulenc, dedicated to the Monastary Choir of Champleury. III – Seigneur, je vous en prie (Lord, I pray to You); IV – Ô mes très chers frères (O, my dear brothers). A new tomorrow is a world première performance; music inspired by the words of legends, leaders and champions of the struggle for freedom in South Africa – the Rainbow Nation. Text contains words by Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and Anton Lembede. Hol’ you han’ is the vibrant arrangement of the traditional Jamaican children’s song “Long time gal, mi neva see you”. Ahona ya tswanang le Jesu / Kammatla are two well-known praise songs – the first is a children’s song, the second is a Kwaito song. Text: “There is nobody like Jesus. I have searched everywhere and found none like Him.” (Ahona) / “When we jump up and down, when we dance and stamp, we praise the Lord.” (Kammatla). Song of Peace is an adaptation of the well-known hymn from “Finlandia” (Be still my soul), including Zulu text, in which the choir offers a prayer for peace throughout the world. Sedi Laka, a south-ern version of the Anglican hymn “Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling doom”, is combined with Aandgesang, a well-loved Afrikaans


ConCerTsevening prayer, composed by Chris Lamprecht. Text: “My Light, show me the way I have to go.” (Sedi laka) / “To You, Lord, my prayers of thanks on this evening are sent through the sounds of nature and the beauty around us.” (Aandgesang). Ichokwadi is a joyous song of praise, sung in the Shona language. Text: “Surely, the presence of the Lord is here. Jesus is knocking at the door – let him in!”

“Born from the Same Drum” is a theatrical presentation of indigenous music from South Africa, celebrating the 20th anniver-sary of democracy in our country, which highlights the injustices of the past, the struggle for freedom, the path to reconciliation, and our hopes for the future. Siya emghodini (Going underground): working life in the mineshafts and tunnels is dangerous and uncomfort-able. Despite terrible conditions, labourers always find something to sing and dance about, especially when thinking about their pretty wives back in the homelands. Stimela (The Train): The Coal Train is transporting raw materials from the mine to the harbour. The trains were also an important form of illegal transport between the coast and the interior of the country. This section features music by Hugh Masekela. Umsebenzi onzima wobusuku (A hard day’s night): when the day is done, the party starts. We visit a Shebeen (illegal town-ship tavern) where the men start drinking, dancing, flirting with the girls, and complaining about the oppressive government and mine managers. Ikuphi idompass yakho? (Where is your dompas?): during Apartheid, all black and coloured citizens needed a passbook on their person at all times to provide proof that they were legally allowed in a specific ‘white area’, or city, for work purposes. This Dompas (idiot’s pass) was a major cause for resistance and rebellion. When the police arrive at the Shebeen, a fight ensues. Simunye (We are one): In a moment of clarity, the policemen realise, “We are fighting for the wrong reasons. We are a nation with a rich, colorful history. We share the same ideals and want the same future”. ‘Sizelwe esghubhini esinye’… We are born from the same drum…

The Storming of the Bastille is a compilation comprised of excerpts of three lesser known gems by the UK born band, Bastille. Songs included in this melting pot of their music are ‘Laura Palmer, ‘Icarus’ and ‘Get Home’. Bastille have smashed charts worldwide with their singles ‘Pompeii’ and ‘Things we lost in the fire’. Blurred Lines, a collaboration between singer Robin Thicke and rappers T.I. and Pharrell Williams, was the biggest selling digital single of 2013 and the third biggest selling digital single of all time, and was nominated for two Grammy awards in 2013. Hello my baby is a classic by the Grammy-award winning male voice a capella ensemble, who are the leading exponent of the Isicathamiya-style. This song is from the album Ezimkulu, and was one of the first English-language songs the group ever performed. The song Runaway Baby from Bruno Mars’ debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, never reached higher than 19th position on the UK singles charts, but live performances of Runaway Baby received rave reviews and critical acclaim for the artist and his band. It was performed as the opening number of the 54th Grammy Awards, as well as for the Super Bowl 48 half-time performance.

About the artists the keaRsney colleGe choiR boasts with a long list of accolades to its name, including 10 Gold medals and 6 Silver medals at the World Choir Games (the Olympics for Choirs) between 2000 and 2012. The choir was awarded the “Prize of the City of Vienna” at the 33rd International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna as well as 1st prizes in various international choral competitions in Hong Kong, Germany and Austria. At the 7th World Choir Games in Cincinnati, USA (July 2012), the choir was crowned World Cham-pions in Scenic folklore for the third time. The choir undertakes an international tour every second year. Recent tours include Germa-ny/Netherlands (2004), China/Hong Kong (2006), Austria/Greece (2008), Japan/Taiwan/China (2010). In 2012 the choir was invited to represent the African Continent at the “Rhythms of One World” International Choral Festival at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, and performed in the Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center (home of the NY Philharmonic Orchestra) and the Kennedy Center (Washington, DC) to packed houses. The choir is actively involved in community work and raising funds and awareness for Charity organizations. Current beneficiaries/partners include: The Sunflower Fund, the Hillcrest Aids Centre and the choir of JG Zuma Secondary School in KwaMashu township. The choir was honored to have the famous Dream Chair of Africa accompany the group on its travels to the United States to promote HIV awareness. Being a multi-faceted and multi-cultural entity within the College, the choir is an important ambassador for the College, but also for the Zulu Kingdom and the Rainbow Nation (South Africa) as a whole. Their commitment to perform and promote the indigenous music of our country and the rest of the continent is a clear indication of the passion and pride they have for their African heritage.

beRnaRd kRüGeR is fast becoming a well-respected exponent of choral performance in South Africa. His professional career took flight in 2006 as conductor of the world-renowned Drakensberg Boys Choir. With this ensemble he toured the United States, Chi-na, Netherlands, and Austria, as well as all over South Africa, performing to packed houses with critical acclaim. In 2009, he accepted the position as Director of Music at Kearsney College in the garden province of KwaZulu-Natal. As conductor of their choir, he toured to Taiwan, Japan, and China in 2010, receiving a gold medal (91%) for Folklore music at the 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing. He holds a Master’s degree in Music Performance (Piano, French Horn) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and spent two years study-ing conducting with Jos van Veldhoven at the Royal Dutch Conservatory in The Hague, Netherlands. He was invited to serve on the in-ternational jury at the Johannes Brahms International Choir Competition in Germany in July 2011. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by various ensembles locally and internationally, including the World Youth Choir, the UP Camerata, the North West University Choir, the Boulevard Harmonists (SA), the Nelson Mandela University Choir, the Western Michigan University Gold Company (USA), Octopus (Belgium), Drakensburg Boys Choir and Kearsney College ensembles as well as serenade and a cappella groups from Japan to California. He is the father of two sons and his wife is also a music educator.


ConCerTsVictoria Hall Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 18h00

The Rhythms of One World 2014: “We the Peoples”International Choral Festival

Gary Fry, FestivalArtisticDirector

Concert with the support of the City of Geneva.ABenefittotheKofiAnnanFoundation.

oPeninG massed choiR PeRfoRmance:2014 Festival Participating ChoirsGary Fry, FestivalArtisticDirector JEAN SIBELIUS arr. GARY FRY Song of Peace (European Premiere)

“WaltzinG colouRs”Echology: The University of Newcastle – AustraliaDr. Philip Mathias, Director IAIN GRANDAGE Birds (from 3 Australian bush songs) PAUL STANHOPE Geography VI DAVID DRURY Ave verum RUTH McCALL Click go the shears Traditional Waltzing Matilda Arr. Ruth McCall “canadian exPedition”Canadian Ambassador Choir – CanadaBrian Turnbull, Director LEON DUBINSKY We Rise Again Arr. Lydia Adams JAN GARRETT I Dreamed of Rain Arr. Larry Nickel GORDON LIGHTFOOT Song for a Winter’s Night Arr. Robin Salkeld

“a taste of the caRibbean vibe”Signal Hill Alumni Choir – Trinidad & TobagoJohn Arnold, Director Negro Spiritual Swing Down Sweet Chariot Tobago Folk Come leh we go SERGIO MENDES Mas Que Nada IAN ALVAREZ Diffrentology

“sonGs of the WoRld”United Nations Choir with the UN Music Club, GenevaKirsty Griffiths, Director Traditional Ha ha na ru (Japan) MIKE VELARDE Minamahal Kita (Philippines) GEOFFRY RUSSELL-SMITH The Wedding Ring DON BESIG Flying Free MICHAEL WEINER Conventional relative aux droits of the child


ConCerTs“fRom baRbeRshoP to bRoadWay: the sonGs of ameRica”The Singing Angels – USACharles Eversole, Director HAMPTON DURAND & JERRY ADAMS Coney Island Washboard Roundelay Traditional Swingin’ With the Saints Arr. Mark Hayes MARK SHAIMAN & SCOTT WITTMAN You Can’t Stop the Beat JOHN PHILIP SOUSA Stars and Stripes Forever Arr. Charles Eversole “boRn fRom the same dRum”Kearsney College Choir – South AfricaBernard Krüger, Director Traditional Siya emghodini (Going underground) Traditional Stimela (The train) Traditional Umsebenzi onzima wobusuku (A hard day’s night) Traditional Ikuphi idompass yakho? (Where is your dompas?) Traditional Simunye (We are one)

Finale Massed Choir Performance:2014 Festival Participating ChoirsGary Fry, FestivalArtisticDirector GARY FRY Rhythms of One World (European Premiere)

About the United Nations Choir with the UN Music Club, Geneva: the united nations choiR in Geneva was created on November 25 of 2009. The idea was taken from the UN Choir in New York that exists since 1947. The repertory of the United Nations Singers includes traditional, popular and classical songs of more than 50 countries of the world in native languages and also some “United Nations” songs. The Choir partic-ipates actively in UN Music Club events, performs regularly at WHO Solidarity Fair and takes part in benefit and friendship concerts. Their goal is to spread the message of peace and friendship in different languages through the universal lan-guage of music.


ConCerTsConservatoire de Musique de Genève Monday, July 7, 2014 at 18h00

The Singing Angels from the USA: “From Barbershop to Broadway: The Songs of America”

Charles Eversole, Director

Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the USA to the UN in Geneva

BARRY MANILOW One Voice (1979) MARVIN HAMLISCH & One (1975)EDWARD KLEBAN ERIC MASCHWITZ & A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (1939)MANNING SHERMAN BOB HAGGART & RAY BAUDUC South Rampart Street Parade (1935) GLEN BALLARD & Man in the Mirror (1987)SIEDAH GARRETT IRVING BERLIN I Love a Piano (1915) JILL JACKSON & SY MILLER Let There Be Peace on Earth (1955) W KIRKPATRICK, T. SIMS, Change the World (1996)G. KENNEDY Traditional Ain’a That Good News (1937)Arr. William Dawson Traditional Swingin’ With the Saints Arr. Mark HayesERVIN DRAKE, IRVIN GRAHAM Ave Maria/I Believe (1952)& CHARLES GOUNODMARK SHAIMAN & SCOTT WITTMAN You Can’t Stop the Beat JOHN PHILIP SOUSA Stars and Stripes ForeverArr. Charles EversoleTOM FETTKE Majesty and Glory of Your Name (1979) WILLIAM STEFFIE & HOWE Battle Hymn of the Republic (1856)JULIA HOWE

notes on the PRoGRam Barbershop vocal harmony, as codified during the barbershop revival era (1930s–present), is a style of a cappella, or unaccompanied vocal music, characterized by unaccompanied, four-part, close-harmony singing. In the last half of the 19th century, U.S. barbershops often served as community centers, where most men would gather. Barbershop quartets originated with African American men socializing in barbershops; they would harmonize while waiting their turn, vocalizing in spirituals, folk songs and popular songs.

South Rampart Street Parade is a jazz march composed by Ray Bauduc and Bob Haggart in 1937. Rampart Street is a historic avenue lo-cated in New Orleans, Louisiana. Berkeley Square is a large leafy square in Mayfair, an expensive part of London. The Ritz Hotel referred to in the song is also in Mayfair. On 10 July 2005 there was a national celebration of the 60th anniversary of the ending of World War II. At this event, the song was sung live to millions by Petula Clark as part of the program ‘V45 Britain At War: A Nation Remembers’. The spiritual Ain’a That Good News was written by William Dawson, a renowned professor at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama from 1931–1956. His complex arrangements of African-American spirituals have helped to increase popularity of the genre around the world. His choir sang for six weeks of performances upon the opening of the Radio City Music Hall in New York City in 1932. American Musical Theatre is represented in our program by One, from A Chorus Line (1975) and You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray (2001). These shows, through drama and broad comedy, deal with serious social topics such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Another theatrical piece in our set is I Love a Piano by the iconic American musical theatre composer Irving Berlin (1915). Ave Maria (1853) consists of a melody by the French Romantic composer Charles Gounod especially designed to be superimposed over the Prelude No. 1 in C major, BWV 846, from Book I of J.S. Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier, written some 137 years earlier. Here, it is sung as a quodlibet, (a piece of music with melodies in counterpoint), with the popular song I Believe, written in 1953. I Believe was commissioned by Jane Froman, and was introduced on her television show – the first hit song ever introduced on TV. The Stars and Stripes Forever (1896) is the National March of the United States, written by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932), American composer known primarily for military and patriotic marches.

About the artists the sinGinG anGels, founded in 1964, is dedicated to youth development through the highest level of artistic achievement in the perform-ing arts. The mission is to engage youth from all communities in quality music and performing arts education that teaches teamwork, builds confi-dence, and provides a foundation for life. Since its debut, The Singing Angels has performed in 34 countries, sung with major celebrities, accompanied symphonies, and entertained dignitaries, presidents, and popes. The Singing Angels has been featured on national and international television, has performed four times at the White House and three times at the Vatican, and has appeared in concert with a host of stars, including Celine Dion, Cathy Rigby, Eartha Kitt, Jon Conlee, B.J. Thomas, Neil Zaza, Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, Kenny Rogers, Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack, Audrey Hepburn, Jim Brickman, The 5 Browns, Nancy Sinatra, Barenaked Ladies, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the US Army Band.

chaRles eveRsole, Artistic Director, graduated from the Singing Angels in 1982 and was Assistant Vocal Director of the Reserve Chorus from 1983-86. Before returning to the Singing Angels in 2001, he served as musical director for over 40 productions, including national tours of The Who’s Tommy and A Grand Night for Singing. He holds vocal music degrees from the University of Michigan and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and is a former faculty member at New York University and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Other recent conducting credits include two seasons with Lyric Opera Cleveland. Charles is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Associa-tion, and the Ohio Music Education Association. Charles is also the Music Director of the Cleveland Cabaret Project, an organization dedicated to the advancement of cabaret performance in and around Cleveland.


ConCerTsSalle Robert Dunand, Carouge Monday, July 7, 2014 at 18h30

Echology: The University of Newcastle from Australia“Waltzing Colors”

Dr. Philip Mathias, Director

ConcerthostedbytheGenevaInternationalSummerFestival&MusicAcademy

IAIN GRANDAGE Birds (from 3 Australian bush songs) THOMAS WEELKES Gloria in excelsis Deo ADRIAN PEACOCK Venite, Gaudete BERNARD ROSE The Feast Song for St Cecilia MAURICE RAVEL Trois Chansons Nicolette Trois beaux oiseaux du Paradis Ronde PAUL STANHOPE Lux Aeterna Traditional Swedish Slängpolska efter Byss-Kalle Arr. Hans Gardemar RUTH McCALL Click go the shears Traditional Waltzing MatildaArr. Ruth McCall

About the artists echoloGy, Newcastle University’s Chamber Choir, was established in 1995. It includes students and staff of the University along with members of the Echology, Newcastle University’s Chamber Choir, was established in 1995. It includes students and staff of the University along with members of the wider community. All have a love of singing and enjoy performing a challenging and varied repertoire. The Choir has had great success, including numerous wins in national competitions, performances in many of the world’s great cities and venues, and the release of seven CDs. The Choir has performed in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Canterbury, Winchester and Liverpool Cathedrals, St Asaph Cathedral in Wales and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The Choir also toured South Korea in 2004 and, more recently, undertook its first tour of the People’s Republic of China in July 2010 and to the United States and Bermuda in 2012. The Choir has undertaken twelve live broadcasts for BBC Radio’s Daily Service. In 2006, the Choir won the adult choir section in the national finals of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Choir of the Year competition against the best choirs from each State of Australia. The Choir has enjoyed major successes at the McDonald’s Sydney Eisteddfod, including winning the Open Award for Choirs, the City of Sydney Chamber Choir Award, the Australian National Choral Championship (2007 and 2012) and the John Lamble Australasian Open Choral Championship (2007, 2010 and 2012). In 2008, the Choir won the high-rating national television program Battle of the Choirs, catapulting the Choir to national prominence and launching it into a new world of performance style. This took the Choir to a wider audience, offering the opportunity to open up the full range of the choral experience to audiences beyond those accustomed to classical music. As part of its prize, the Choir also released the best-selling CD Battle Cry. The Choir was proud to represent the University of Newcastle and the City of Newcastle during its tour of the People’s Re-public of China in July 2010, and to compete in the 6th World Choir Games, held in Shaoxing. The Choir won Gold Diplomas in all three of the sections it entered - winning first place in two sections and third in the other. During 2011, the Choir performed Rachmaninoff’s Vespers in Newcastle Cathedral and St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney as well as undertaking performances in rural NSW. The Choir again joined with the ABC for a Community Christmas Celebration, a popular event which is set to be repeated for many years to come. Apart from competition wins in Sydney and Canberra, 2012 has seen the Choir undertake a very successful tour to the USA and Bermuda, including performances in Boston, New York, Washington and in Cincinnati, where it competed in the 7th World Choir Games in the Champions division – the only Australian choir to do so. The Choir won three silver medals and perfect scores from several international judges. The current tour of the UK has evolved for the singers due to an invitation to perform at the Guild of Church Musicians’ Festival Service to be held in Canterbury Cathedral on May 4.

dR. PhiliP matthias, Phd, b. mus (hons), fRco (chm), aRcm, hon fGcm Born in Sydney, Philip graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the University of Sydney and undertook post-graduate studies at the Royal College of Music, studying organ and conducting. He gained his Fellowship Diploma of the Royal College of Organists, winning the College’s prize for its Choir Training Diploma. Recitals he has given include King’s College, Cambridge, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. He is Vice President of the Guild of Church Musicians (UK). In 1984, he was appointed to Newcastle Conservatorium and, from 1983 – 2006, he held the position of Organist and Master of the Choristers at Newcastle Cathedral, Australia. Philip is currently Senior Lecturer and Organist at the University of Newcastle and Director of the University’s Chamber Choir. Under his direction the Choir has toured internationally seven times, including performanc-es in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Seoul Theological University, at Beijing’s National Millennium Monument, and in New York at the Avery Fisher Hall of the Lincoln Center and in the General Assembly Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters. Under his direction the Choir has won numerous national awards, including Channel 7’s Battle of the Choirs, ABC Adult Choir of the Year, first places at the National Choral Eisteddfod and Sydney Eisteddfod and, internationally, two first places at the World Choir Games in 2010 (Shaoxing, China) and three silver medals at the 2012 Games (Cincinnati, USA). Philip’s discography as both organist and conductor includes sixteen compact disc releases. Philip was awarded his PhD from the University of Newcastle. He is renowned as an adjudicator and composer, and is published in the New Australian Hymn Book “Together in Song”. In 2008, Philip was awarded a Citation from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council for ‘developing a vibrant and creative culture of choral and organ music that inspires and motivates students to perform professionally at international levels’. At the 2008 Convocation Annual Awards, Philip was the recipient of the prestigious Newton-John Award. Philip was awarded the University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence in the Faculty of Education and the Arts and the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching and Learning Support in 2009, the latter being presented to ‘the most outstanding candidate from across the University’. More recently, Philip was recognized with a national award by the Aus-tralian Learning and Teaching Council for his excellence in teaching, receiving the prestigious Australian Award for University Teaching, which recognizes significant contributions to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education. Recently released on the Chartreuse Label is a recording of Philip’s eight liturgical masses, for various combinations of choir, cantor, congregation, organ and orchestra.


ConCerTsConservatoire de Musique de Genève Monday, July 7, 2014 at 19h30

Conservatoire de Musique de Genève Monday, July 7, 2014 at 19h30

Signal Hill Alumni Choir from Trinidad and Tobago:“A Taste of the Caribbean Vibe”

John Arnold, Director

Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to the UN in Geneva

MARTHA MUNIZZI Glorious BILL WITHERS Lovely Day HANDEL Hallelujah Chorus Traditional Come Leh we Go OTHNEIL BACCHUS Pacro Water ELLA ANDALL Bring Down the Power LUIS DIMETRIO Sway SERGIO MENDES Mas Que Nada DAFT PUNK Get Lucky JAMES BROWN I feel Good Traditional Vuma Traditional Cho Cho Loza EARTH, WIND, AND FIRE Hearts a Fire BUJU BANTON Medley Buju EDDY GRANT Medley Eddy DAVID RUDDER Oil and Music ALDWYN ROBERTS Rainorama KERWIN DU BOIS Possessed IAN ALVAREZ Differentology

About the artists Founded in 1984, the siGnal hill alumni choiR (SHAC) of Tobago is now deemed a cultural institution and icon of Trinidad Founded in 1984, the Signal Hill Alumni Choir (SHAC) of Tobago is now deemed a cultural institution and icon of Trinidad and Tobago. The Signal Hill Alumni Choir celebrates its thirtieth anniversary this year and continues to establish a choral style which is unique and full of excitement. The choir has to date won several awards and has been declared a National icon of Trinidad and Tobago. The choir has seven recordings commercially released over the last thirty years and plans to record the best of Signal Hill Alumni in 2015. The choir is directed by Mr. John Arnold and ably assisted in chore-ography by Ms. Georgina Peterkin. The choir presents a diverse repertoire on this tour, and this includes - Tobago Folk, Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel, African Folk, reggae, calypso and soca. The choir has traveled and performed in Wales, Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, Venezuela, Washington, D.C., New York , Philadelphia, and several Caribbean Islands and many rave reviews have been published on their work and performances. The choir loves to sing and enjoys the fact that the songs all send a message of love, peace, happiness and respect for all.

john aRnold has contributed music, culture, and events. He has served as Musical Director for the National Contingent to Carifesta on three occasions within the last two decades. He hosted a radio show of world music for five years on Tambrin Radio. He received a Cacique Award for his musical direction of Bassman. John served as chairman of Tobago Heritage Festival from 1990 to 1992, and was recipient of both the NY Sunshine Award for Excellence in Music and Culture, and the IRAWMA award for contribution to the Caribbean Culture. He continues to serve on the Festivals Committee of the Tobago House of Assembly. He steered many choirs to victory in the National Biannual Music Festival over the past three decades. A driving force behind many of the events initiated by the Division of Tourism and Transpor-tation of the Tobago House of Assembly, John is currently the event coordinator with the Division and is by far the most experienced event planner on the Island. He has participated in the creation of the Tobago Jazz Festival, Tobago Muhtadi International Drumming Festival, Tobago Gospel Festival, Tobago Jazz Experience, and many other signature events in Tobago. Mr. Arnold is frequently sought after for choral and music workshops in the region and has conducted sessions in the Caribbean and Latin America. He is the founder and musical director of the illustrious Signal Hill Alumni Choir, which has toured all over the world as ambassadors of Trinidad and Tobago’s great culture. John is an accomplished pianist and also the leader of Tobago’s only jazz ensemble, the Kariwak Players. He has three personal CDs to his name, which are Breaking Ground, Smooth Jazzy Feelings and Kaiso in the Jazz Stew.


ConCerTsGeneral Assembly Hall, United Nations Geneva Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 18h00

The Rhythms of One World 2014: “We the Peoples”International Choral Festival

Closing ConcertGary Fry, FestivalArtisticDirector

Concert sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Romania to the UN in GenevaAnd the Romania-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry

oPeninG massed choiR PeRfoRmance:2014 festival PaRticiPatinG choiRsGary Fry, FestivalArtisticDirectorAndrew Dunlop, Pianist from the Geneva International Summer Festival JEAN SIBELIUS arr. GARY FRY Song of Peace (European Premiere)

“joyful Rhythms of younG Romania”alleGRetto childRen’s choiR – RomaniaProf. Adriana Codreanu, Director RADU GHERASIM CHIRIŢĂ Aseară Ţi-Am Luat Basma RADU GHERASIM CHIRIŢĂ Hăulita de la Gorj LEIGH ANDERSON – TERRY GILKYSON The Bare Necessites from The Jungle Book Romanian folklore Hora de la Moldova KARL ZELLER, MORIZ WEST, Noi Suntem Profesori from the Musical Der Vogelhändler LUDWIG HELD MARGARETA PÂSLARU - Our Day, Children’s Day MIHAI ALEXANDRU

“WaltzinG colouRs”echoloGy: the univeRsity of neWcastle – austRaliaDr. Philip Mathias, Director IAIN GRANDAGE Birds (from 3 Australian bush songs) PAUL STANHOPE Geography VI DAVID DRURY Ave Verum RUTH McCALL Click Go the Shears Traditional Waltzing Matilda Arr. RUTH McCALL

“canadian exPedition”canadian ambassadoR choiR – canadaBrian Turnbull, Director GORDON LIGHTFOOT Canadian Railroad Trilogy arr. LARRY NICKEL A La Claire Fontaine (Written for the C.A.C., World Premier July 5th in Geneva) LEONARD COHEN arr. ROGER EMERSON Hallelujah

“a taste of the caRibbean vibe”siGnal hill alumni choiR – tRinidad & tobaGoJohn Arnold, Director BILL WITHERS Lovely Day Traditional Come Leh We Go DAFT PUNK Get Lucky Traditional Swing Low Sweet Chariot IAN ALVAREZ Diffrentology KERWIN DU BOIS Possessed


ConCerTs“sonGs of the WoRld”united nations choiR With the un music club, GenevaKirsty Griffiths, Director Traditional Ha ha na ru (Japan) MIKE VELARDE Minamahal Kita (Philippines) GEOFFRY RUSSELL-SMITH The Wedding Ring DON BESIG Flying Free MICHAEL WEINER Conventional relative aux droits of the child

“fRom baRbeRshoP to bRoadWay: the sonGs of ameRica”the sinGinG anGels – usaCharles Eversole, Director BARRY MANILOW One Voice HAMLISCH & KLEBAN One Trad. arr. HAYES Swingin’ With the Saints Trad. arr. DAWSOM Ain’a That Good News STEFFE & HOWE Battle Hymn of the Republic “boRn fRom the same dRum: shaken and stiRRed!”keaRsney colleGe choiR – south afRicaBernard Krüger, Director DAN SMITH Storming the Bastille Bastille ROBIN THICKE, T.I, Blurred Lines PHARRELL WILLIAMS JOSEPH SHABALALA Hello My Baby Ladysmith Black Mambazo BRUNO MARS Runaway Baby

finale massed choiR PeRfoRmance:2014 festival PaRticiPatinG choiRsGary Fry, FestivalArtisticDirectorAndrew Dunlop, PianistfromtheGenevaInternationalSummerFestival GARY FRY Rhythms of One World (European Premiere)

About the Allegretto National Children Chorus from Romania: Allegretto Children Chorus (Romania) was established in 1974 by music professor Mrs. Adriana Codreanu. It is a compound of children with ages 4-14 years old. Allegretto has performed over 62 international tournaments and participated in over 56 contests and Festivals, winning 53 Big Prizes, Gold Medals, The Biggest Interpretation Prize, First Place and many Laureate titles. The group had the honor to have in attendance famous world personalities such as Pope John Paul II, Presidents of Poland and Italy, President Bush’s family, Their Royal Highnesses the Kings of Jordan, Belgium and Holland, as well as many others. During the entire period of their activity, children of the Allegretto National Chorus have sustained over 1200 Shows and Concerts, more than 500 of them being abroad. They have performed on famous stages as National Opera from Athens, Greece, Tognolo Theatre stage, Venice and Bari, Italy, BBC TV Studios from the United Kingdom, Morocco, Jordan, Russian Federation, in the Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, at the National Opera from Warsaw, Poland, in Nancy, France, Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya, Turkey, in the Republic of Macedonia, New Delhi, India, Odessa Opera, Ukraine. They have also performed for children in many schools, kindergartens and organized shows in hospitals and asylums, for fundraising and philanthropy purposes. Allegretto is the only Romanian children chorus that performed with Mariana Nicolesco, Michael Jackson, Richard Clayderman, Toto Cutugno, Nicola di Bari, Rita Pavone, Natalia Oreiro and all the great Roma-nian artists, in official concerts in Romania or in special television shows.

Prof. Adriana Codreanu, music director of Allegretto, graduated from the National Music University Ciprian Porumbescu and holds a Titular First Degree Professor. She is also a composer, author of numerous Songs Collections for children; Coordinator Director of International Festival for Children Friendship Without Borders, jury member in numerous International Music Contests for children and youth, piano teacher, recognized on both national and international levels, and collaborator for more than 650 Radio and TV broadcasts. Radu Gherasim Chiriţă is the general manager of the Romanian Cultural Foundation for Allegretto. He is a sound master, with training and practice in Radio and Television broadcasts, having background in orchestration, musical illustrations, and a great experience in management. He is also a member of numerous International Juries, co-producer of many international festivals and for over 580 Radio and Television broadcasts for children and youth.


fesTival arTisTiC ManageMenTGary Fry, Festival Artistic Director Gary Fry is an Emmy Award-winning composer, arranger, and choral conductor. Gary Fry has been the composer/arranger for Welcome Yule! since 1996. The creator of the music and lyrics for Christmas in Chicago (the Chicago Sym-phony Orchestra’s now-traditional Christmas song), he has also written dozens of other works for the CSO. He is also the Artistic Consultant to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for their Christmas Celebration programs, and Fry’s Christmas works are regularly performed there as well as in programs by the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony, the Colorado Symphony, the New York Pops, and many other orchestras around the country. Fry has composed for film, television, live theater, ballet, and more than 2500 radio and television commercials for McDonald’s, Sears, Kellogg’s, and hundreds of other major national advertisers. He received a 2006 Emmy Award for his work for Chicago’s CBS affiliate WBBM-TV. Air travelers hear Fry’s electronic version of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue when passing through the United Airlines terminal at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. His music is also featured daily on the Cartoon Network program Baby Loo-ney Tunes. He has recently been commissioned to write a new musical theatre production for the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, which is the nation’s largest regional theatre company. His teaching resume includes positions on the facul-ties of the University of Miami, Northwestern University, and Midwest Young Artists, and he has conducted workshops and seminars at many other educational institutions. Children’s choirs under his direction have performed at the White House, the United Nations, they Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Carnegie Hall. Mr. Fry is the Music Director of FAF’s Ambassador Sing for Peace CD, released at the United Nations in New York in September 2013.

Patrick Sciarratta, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation Executive Director Patrick Sciarratta has been the Executive Director of FAF since 1993. Under his leadership, the foundation pro-duces the annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations, now in it’s 11th year, the Youth Symphony for the United Nations, and a series of internationally recognized Cultural Exchange Programs both at home and around the world. Mr. Sciarratta was an elected member of the Executive Committee at the United Nations’ Department of Public Information (DPI) and then became the co-editor of its NGO Reporter, a quarterly that is disseminated to the 2000+ affiliates connected with the UN DPI. Patrick was the lead faculty member for the Arts Management Certificate Program for over a decade at Purchase College of the State University of New York. He was also the Director for Performing Arts at Hunter College of the City University of New York (1987-1993), during the reconstruction of the Danny Kaye Playhouse, and the Resident Director of the Israel Festival (1984). Co-founder and Artistic Director of the Bond Street Theatre Coalition (1976-1985), Mr. Sciar-ratta produced, directed, and co-wrote 12 plays with the ensemble; all of which were presented in New York and in other national and international venues. Mr. Sciarratta has received many awards, including the MacArthur Award for the Bond Street Theatre (the first ever given to an organization), during his leadership of its Palenville Interarts Colony (1980-1992), the Governor’s Citation, for Excellence from Governor Rockefeller, the New York University’s Gallatin Award for Achieve-ment in the Arts. Patrick is listed in four Who’s Whos internationally for contributions to culture and the community.

Yin-Chu Jou, Founder & Festival Manager/ Friendship Ambassadors Foundation Artistic Director New York-based concert pianist and piano professor Yin-Chu Jou was commended by the New York Times on New Year’s Day 2006: “…Classical pianist Yin-Chu Jou and the Youth Symphony for the United Nations…travel and play for peace, to promote world peace through music…to find a way to add a social element to music performance.” Ms. Jou is the producer of FAF’s CD “Ambassadors Sing for Peace” launched at the UN in September 2013, and recipient of the 2013 WCBS “Woman of Achievement” Award. At an early age, Yin-Chu earned Westchester Magazine’s “2006 Best New Music Conservatory in Westchester, New York Award” for her direction of the up-and-coming music conservatory. She was the featured artist during the 40th Anniversary celebration of the United Nations Women’s Guild at the UN Headquarters in New York, where she shared the stage with wife of the UN Secretary-General, Mrs. Ban Soon-Taek, as well as with the UN Women’s Guild President Ms. Tsu-Wei Chang. Since 2006, when Yin-Chu assumed the role of Artistic Director at the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc., she has organized and developed all of FAF’s music programming worldwide—including international music exchanges (some of which involve dance), theatre and other related art forms and broader, cultural exchanges. As FAF’s Artistic Director, she founded the Youth Symphony for United Nations program, and led several programs including the UC Peace Arts Festival for FAF’s Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations, the 2010 UNICEF-USA Benefit Concert “With One Dream…Rebuilding Hope for Haiti,” and the UN Alliance of Civilization 2012 Pre-Doha Youth Forum. Yin-Chu is the Founder and Festival Manager for the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation’s The Rhythms of One World 2014 International Choral Festival.


speCial Thanks Permanent Mission of Romania to the UN in Geneva: H.E. Ambassador Maria Ciobanu, Permanent Representative to the UN-Geneva Mr. Traian Filip, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN-Geneva Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago to the UN in Geneva: H.E. Ambassador John Sandy, Permanent Representative to the UN-Geneva Ms. Simone Young, Counsellor Permanent Mission of the United States of America to the UN in Geneva: Mr. Paul Patin, Counselor for Public Affairs Mr. Yves Bouvie, Public Affairs Permanent Mission of South Africa to the UN in Geneva: H.E. Ambassador Abdul S. Minty, Permanent Representative to the UN-Geneva Ms. Ncumisa Notutela, Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN-Geneva Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in Geneva: H.E. Ambassador Elissa Golberg, Permanent Representative to the UN Ms. Elsa Moulhi-Rondeau, Second Secretary (Disarmament, Peace & Security) Permanent Mission of Australia to the UN in Geneva: Ms. Lauren Stasinowsky, Policy Research Officer Confederation Suisse, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs/ Swiss Mission: Ms. Danielle Werthmüller, Counsellor Protocole of the Republic and State of Geneva Mr. Jean-Luc Chopard, Chief of Protocol, Presidential Department Mr. Alexandre Baudin, Assistant, Presidential Department Ville de Genève Mr. Sami Kanaan, Administrative Counsellor Mr. Jacques Ménétrey, Counsellor of Culture and Music Chorale du Châble of Haute Savoie, France Ms. Eliane Gruaz, Director Mr. J. David Whaley (UNDP First Representative to South Africa) Mr. J. F. Maurin, Chorale Bureau United Nations Choir and UN Music Club, Geneva Ms. Nadiya Dzubyinski, President Geneva International Summer Festival and Music Academy Mr. Frederic Steinbruchel, Artistic Director

fRiendshiP ambassadoRs foundation, inc.honoRaRy boaRd membeRsStuart Baldwin Harriet Baldwin

boaRd of diRectoRsDeena Merlen, Board Chairperson Alexandra Andrianova Audie SerranoDavid Hill Edward Christian Genevieve Gimbert Jacqueline ShapiroDr. Jason Scorza Richard Crystal staffPatrick Sciarratta, Executive Director Yin-Chu Jou, Artistic DirectorYanyu Li, Financial Analyst/Accounts Manager Victor Izquierdo, Project Manager/ Intern CoordinatorBeatrice Cord, FAF’s Youth Assembly at the UN Co-Chair; Program & Outreach Manager

festival aRtistic manaGementGary Fry, Festival Artistic Director Yin-Chu Jou, Founder and Festival Manager

festival loGistics manaGement: Wens tRavelJanneke Hoeberigs Nathalie Moreau Lisa Solleveld

tRanslationsThomas Raoult Cristiana Malgarini

inteRns & volunteeRsCaroline Hiner Eliza Sheff Felicia Tam Renee James Seraphina Mallon-Breiman Thomas Pearse Victoria Mule

cReative desiGn Stephen Jou Kris Jou

festival booklet

Documents