Let the Games begin
World Choir Games 2016 Opening Ceremony in the Olymic Sochi
During the Opening event yesterday evening in the Bolshoy Ice Dome in Sochi the 9th World Choir Games 2016 were ceremonially opened with an impressive show, organized by the Russian host city Sochi. Participants from 76 nations as well as the organizer INTERKULTUR were warmly welcomed by the deputy minister of culture of the Russian Federation, Alexander Zhuravskiy, and the mayor of Sochi, Anatoly Pakhomov.
The evening started with a multimedia journey through the musical traditions of Russia. Beginning with an instrumental performance on the horn and traditional throat singing, performances of well-known Russian Ensembles in colorful dresses, such as the Folklore ensemble “ROMODA” followed. They presented Russia in all its diversity. Video screens, LED-shows and oversized fairy tale figures topped off this impressive journey. Following the marching in of nations and raising the World Choir Games flag, INTERKULTUR President Günter Titsch, Alexander Zhuravskiy and Anatoly Pakhomov opened the 9th edition of the World Choir Games.
Despite different origin all representatives agreed on one point, like Alexander Zhuravskiy said aptly. “Choir singing is able to bring together all peoples of the world as it gives the joy of joint creation to people of different linguistic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. The Russian Federation, a multi-ethnic nation, is joining the global choir community with a call for a united Choir of Peace.”
By ringing the World Choir Games Peace Bell together five times (one time for each continent) the Olympics of Choral Music were officially opened.
After the official ceremonial part a mass choir consisting of professional ensembles and amateur choirs from Russia presented popular choral works by national composers. The choir was accompanied by the Krasnodar Philharmonic and numerous of dancers and artists in sparkling dresses.
The presentation of the World Choir Games sons “One song – one world” was the highlight of the evening. All singers in the Bolshoy Ice Dome sang along. It was a perfect conclusion of a breathtaking show organized by the host city!
